Gift Lake goes for gold as it continues winning ways

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The dynasty continues. And how!

In its 10 years of hockey history at the annual Federation Cup tournament considered the Grand Prix of Metis hockey, the Gift Lake Islanders once again dominated going undefeated through the entire April 1 to 4 tournament at the Enoch Recreation Centre on the Enoch Reserve. That makes seven wins in 10 years.

In a 5-4 thriller over Peavine, the Islanders notched the winning goal with just 48 seconds remaining in regular time, retaining the title they had won the year before.

Gift Lake also skated off with half of the dozen special awards. Travis Cunningham took MVP honors while Larry L'Hirondelle was best goalie, Vern Cunningham the All Star Coach, Kelly Cunningham as top centre, Jr. Anderson at left wing, and Craig Vanderlight at Left Defense.

Placing third and fourth in the men's were the Buffalo Lake and Kikino teams.

In the women's division it was sweet revenge for the Paddle Prairie Phillies who outscored last year's winner, the Elizabeth Rebels, in a 4-2 rout which saw Debbie Callinan shine ever-so-brightly by notching all four goals. Nonetheless, it was the Elizabeth coach, Ambrose Lepine, who was voted best coach.

Callinan and her husband Brian, who works in the oil patch, have been living in the Middle East for the past three years. Callinan, who was named MVP and Top Gun, says she timed her trip to Canada especially so she could participate in the tournament and play for her home team. You can bet the Phillies were glad she did.

And, Paddle Prairie's Fran Wanuch was named top goalie, Jeanine Martineau the best right defense and Amanda Lepine as best right wing.

Also in the women's division, East Prairie and Peavine placed third and fourth respectively while Gift Lake was named the most sportsmanlike team. It was the fourth year of play for the female teams.

In the newly-created Old Timers category, Gift Lake triumphed in a round robin series over East Prairie, Buffalo Lake, Kikino, Paddle Prairie, Peavine and Elizabeth to win with a total of 10 points over the nearest competitor, Paddle Prairie, which had eight points and took most sportsmanlike team as well as best coach (Clarence Houle) and best goalie (Leon Ferguson).

Gift Lake's Vern Cunningham took MVP and right wing, while Hector Lamouche captured both the Top Gun and Heart and Soul Awards.

The tournament was initially designed 10 years ago to provide recreational hockey and to demonstrate a spirit of unity and good will amongst the various settlement teams.

Wanuch also stated that the tournament has become self-sustaining with no funding whatsoever from the Metis Settlements General Council.

National Hockey League player, Sheldon Souray from the Fishing Lake Metis Settlement, donated a few autographed jerseys for prizes. Ironically, the Settlement did not have a team in the tournament.