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 The annual SHI tournament brings together teams from across
North America and England once a year for a major gathering. This tournament
traditionally alternates between a Canadian and American City, with a London
tournament now in the works. The SHI tournament is not a traditional
tournament, however. There are no elimination rounds, no one team is crowned
champion. In our eyes they are all champions. Every team plays 4 games and
every player on every team plays equally.
Although the players do play their hardest and they are all
trying to win, the spirit of this tournament is not about competition. It is
about participation and fair play. If one team can’t field a full roster
another team will lend them players. If a team’s only goalie is hurt or
otherwise unable to play, another team
will lend them one. Words alone cannot describe these games. You have to see
it to truly understand and then you will never feel
the same again about the
developmentally challenged or even about hockey.
But this tournament is about more than
just hockey. For these athletes it is like their own mini Olympics. And just
like the Olympics, they have their own opening ceremonies complete with the
parade of athletes. And like the Olympics the social aspects of this
tournament are also important. Starting with the opening “Meet and Greet”
and ending the tournament banquet.
 At the “Meet and Greet” everyone gets
together to see old friends and to make new ones. From across the continent
they come together to catch up on they have been doing the past year and
discuss plans for the future. The players mingle, get re-acquainted
with old friends
and make
new ones. And talk hockey.
The opening ceremonies provide a bit of
pageantry and grandeur. Civic dignitaries are usually on hand to open the
event along with a sports celebrity or two. The National Guard or RCMP
colour guard may be on hand adding even more spectacle. And then, with their
heads held high, the athletes march in. holding their team banner and
turning to have their pictures taken, smiling from ear to ear.
Then after the last game is played and
those aromatic hockey bags finally put away, it is time for the tournament
banquet. Dinner is eaten, medals are presented to every single athlete and
then it is party time. Just like at the Olympics, the closing event is
informal. And if you think that these athletes are tired from two days of
hockey, think again. They are dancing and partying all night. They still
have the energy and they still have the desire.
2005 International
Tournament
Host: Cooksville Crusaders
Location: Cooksville,
Ontario, Canada
Date: March 31st - April 2th, 2005 |
