Annual Flying Elbows Tournament continues at Shawville arena

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Atko’s Army, back row from left: Joran Graham, Bryan Kealey, Steve McCord, Shane Powell, Luke Young, Patrick Younge and Jordan MacDougall. Front from left: Ben Younge, Billy Stone, Jason Campbell, Jeffrey Cameron and Chris Byrne.

Scott Campbell



Atko’s Army, back row from left: Joran Graham, Bryan Kealey, Steve McCord, Shane Powell, Luke Young, Patrick Younge and Jordan MacDougall. Front from left: Ben Younge, Billy Stone, Jason Campbell, Jeffrey Cameron and Chris Byrne.

Scott Campbell

SHAWVILLE – The annual Flying Elbows Tournament began 15 years ago at the Shawville arena and was just as popular this year, from March 27 to 30, as 26 teams, divided into three divisions, competed for the winning titles. Games were based on a point system, which determined who competed in the finals. The Oktoberfest Chiefs were crowned the Beer Gut Cup ‘C’ Champs, Harvey Smith Trucking took the Beaver Bowl ‘B’ Champs award, and Atko’s Army were the James Smith Memorial ‘A’ Champs.   
“It’s the same teams that want to come every year, with a few different teams added here and there” says organizer, Adam Sally. “There’s about another half-dozen teams that want   to play.” Due to the tournament’s popularity, the organizers attempted to have over 30 teams involved in the past. Due to scheduling difficulties, they decided 26 teams was the magic number to make the event run smoothly. “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it,” he adds.
With a dedicated group of volunteers and players, Sally says the tournament pretty much runs itself; “It makes for a lot less work.”
Money raised will be donated to a charity in the near future. In the past, the tournament has made donations to palliative care, the Dialysis Fund, and the D.I.F.D Mental Health Initiative. “Our goal isn’t only to raise money for a charity, but to also put money into the tournament so we are able to offer something different than a standard tournament,” says Sally. “The money raised has allowed us to expand the tournament and maintain its success year after year. We have a waiting list every year.” Sally notes the tournament’s popularity could also be because the Flying Elbows is one of only two tournaments to take place at the arena.
“Most of all, the tournament ends the hockey season,” concludes Sally. “It signals that it’s time to put your skates away for the summer.” The ice at the arena is removed not long after the       tournament.