It was a big cheque, in more ways than one. A charity hockey game between the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) and their law enforcement partners and former members of the Morrisburg Lions Junior “C” Lions raised over $10,000 for Community Food Share and Seaway Valley Crime Stoppers. (L-r) Organizers Dale Lewis, Geraldine Fitzsimmons, Jane Schoones, Community Food Share, Provincial Constable John MacPherson, Provincial Constable Eric Mantha. Tinkess Photo

MORRISBURG – A charity hockey game between the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) and some of their law enforcement partners and former Morrisburg Junior “C” hockey players raised over $10,000 and collected 373 pounds of food for the Community Food Share and Seaway Valley Crime Stoppers.

The game was organized by Dale Lewis and Provincial Constable (PC) Eric Mantha. Lewis has been part of the Lion’s organization for over 40 years, serving as part owner and trainer. PC Mantha is a former player. Lewis acted as general manager for the Jr. “C” team and coaxed several former players out of retirement. PC Mantha’s team, the OPP Badgers, included members of the SD&G OPP Detachment, Cornwall Police Service, Akwesasne Mohawk Police Service, Municipality of South Dundas ByLaw Enforcement, and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police.

The game was played at the Morrisburg arena, and a huge crowd showed up to support the two teams. The national anthem was performed by the Seaway District High School band and MP Eric Duncan, MPP Nolan Quinn and Inspector Marc Hemmerick conducted the ceremonial faceoff. Acting as master of ceremonies was South Dundas mayor, Jason Broad, who did double duty as the off-ice official. Greeting spectators and collecting food items for Community Food Share were the South Dundas U13 Rep and “B” house teams.

The referee for the game, Sean Boulerice, was recognized for his dedication to hockey and received a plaque and certificate of recognition. Boulerice has, for 42 years, officiated games from minor hockey up to and including the Ontario Hockey League. The presentation was made by Dale Lewis, Eric Duncan, and Nolan Quinn.

The combined efforts of the community led to an amazing afternoon and two very deserving charities receiving some well-needed funding. Many local businesses donated gift certificates, various prizes and cash that was used for a lottery raffle ticket draw. The organizers would like to thank all those who purchased raffled tickets as well as the following businesses and individuals who sponsored the event: Bill’s Towing, McDougall Insurance & Financial, McIntosh Country Inn, Horner & Pietersma, Dean Cassell Roofing, Marsden & McLaughlin Funeral Homes, One Stop Skate Shop, Morrisburg Heating and Plumbing, Municipality of South Dundas, Morrisburg Canadian Tire, Morrisburg Ultramar, Laura’s Valu-Mart, Morrisburg & District Lions Club, Sports Fix, Justin Elliot and Ron Skuce.

In the end, the former Jr. C Lions edged the OPP Badgers by a score of 5 to 4. Is there a possibility of a rematch? Only time will tell, but when you have two extremely competitive teams, neither one will take losing lightly. Fortunately, the big winners, regardless of the score were Seaway Valley Crime Stoppers and Community Food Share.