Cape Ann trip enjoyed by all

But it wasn’t unfamiliar territory for the entire Westmount party. Some coaches and volunteers were once in the same shoes as the youngsters of today, heading to Cape Ann and a different cultural milieu and to test their hockey skills against some formidable American talent.

Atom A Wings head coach Danny Filion is one such individual. He previously coached teams that crossed the border to Cape Ann and appreciates the longstanding tradition, adding that trip always made for a good time.

Young Matt Robins was a part of one of Filion’s teams that visited the small New England community. This year he made the trip as one of his assistant coaches, able to convey his personal experience to players who are taking in Cape Ann for the first time.

Some teams used the weekend as a way to build team unity, as well as enjoy an unfamiliar city. The Atom B Predateurs took advantage of their proximity to Boston’s TD Banknorth Garden to take in a Penguins-Bruins game, where they were announced as esteemed guests on the Jumbotron. Experiences such as these will not soon be forgotten and should encourage the re-establishment of the tournament as a yearly event.

Plenty of pizza for everyone

The spirit of the exchange was captured during a prolonged reception on Saturday, March 1, affording players and parents from both sides the opportunity to interact before, during and after scheduled games. One constant guest was the local deliveryman, who hauled an estimated 130 pizzas to the arena over the course of the afternoon to feed hungry youngsters as well as mingling parents.

Pizza costs aside, this year’s exchange was a resounding success and organizers Steve Robaire from Westmount and Bill Edmunds from Cape Ann have already held preliminary discussions for next season’s edition. The intention is to have Cape Ann teams here in Westmount in the late fall, before heading back again around March.

There is also renewed interest in revitalizing the billeting system that had existed. While the hotel experience was nice, billeting will not only help reduce costs, but also promote a deeper understanding of each community’s way of life, a lesson that extends well beyond the hockey rink.

Returning teams now shift their attention to the league playoffs. Both the Atom B and Peewee A tournaments will be hosted by Westmount and will run through the end of March. Best of luck to all local teams!