My Son, Hockey Nova Scotia Referee Drake Robinson, had another first on his resume officiating at the Para Cup Sledge Hockey Tournament in Bridgewater yesterday with Team Canada facing Team Italy.
(Above Team Canada and Team Italy during the playing of the National anthems.)
Drake said it was a totally different officiating experience from working his usual Atlantic University Sport Hockey and Maritime Hockey League (MHL) games and couldn’t believe the speed of the players, the strength, accuracy and agility of the shots, plus how they played the puck with drop passes and pretty set up plays.
(Above Referee Robinson drops the puck at the start of the game)
He also mentioned not to tap the goalies on their gloves after a nice save as their gloves have ice pics on them to help them get around in the crease. He’d get a bloody hand if he did do his normal hand tap routine with the goaltenders after a big play.
It was my first time seeing a live sledge hockey game. The athleticism and skill of these players is incredible as this is not an easy sport to play.
(Above heading into the LCLC, intermission in the Referee Room and puck drop.)
Team Canada beat Italy 8-0 at the LCLC.
Canada set a single-game tournament record with 48 shots on goal.
James Dunn of Wallacetown, Ontario had a hat-trick for Canada and Dieppe, New Brunswick’s Jacob LeBlanc had his first-ever Team Canada goal and an assist.
Canada faces Czechia tonight at 7 and the USA on Wednesday night at 7 at the Lunenburg County Lifestyle Centre.
Congrats to the organizing committee and volunteers in Bridgewater for putting on a great event.
For more click HERE.
-Ian
