The 27th annual Jim Wilson Chevrolet Buick GMC Winter Classic is set to return to the ice during the weekend of Nov. 12.
Teams from all over Ontario including Windsor, Temiskaming Shores, and the Ottawa area will bring skaters aged 10 to 18 to Rotary Place, Brian Orser Arena, and the Rama MASK.
Mike Borrelli has been organizing the event for about 12 years. During his tenure the tournament has seen around 80 teams each year.
“Due to COVID we only have 60 teams this year. We were limited on ice-time because the protocols and regulations didn’t allow us to get organized for this tournament until about a month ago,” he explained.
“We are very surprised and pleased to have 60 teams from all different regions of the province.”
The tournament will provide a test for local short-staffed hotels and restaurants that may not have experienced an influx of visitors to the area since before the COVID-19 pandemic.
“I’d like to notify the restaurants and hotels that the tournament starts on the Friday morning, and certain establishments will be bombarded with teams and staff, so this is a heads up,” Borrelli said with a chuckle.
“The hotels are getting booked up pretty fast. There will be an influx of people which will make an impact on revenue and will create an opportunity for restaurants, hotels, and our local economy to feel normal again.”
Borrelli believes that Orillia teams are poised to make some noise in each age group during next weekend's tournament.
“Over half of the teams are contenders to win. We expect them all to be playing in elimination games on Sunday,” he said.
But above winning, most players are just excited to play in a tournament for the first time since 2020.
“You wouldn’t believe how excited they are ... from talking to the coaches, they just want to play hockey,” Borrelli said.
“I feel that competition is important, especially at the rep level, but it is secondary to the players right now. Just being back on the ice is what they are grateful for.”
Orillia Minor Hockey Association (OMHA) executives are also pleased to get back to tournament action and to be able to host teams from other cities.
“In our last two years, competitive hockey against other centres has been lacking, and we are happy with what is going on now,” he said
Borrelli thanks OMHA administrative assistant Jennifer McLean, and the entire OMHA executive for their help pulling the tournament together.
Vaccinated spectators are welcome to be at the rink all weekend at no cost. The schedule will be made available in the coming days, and you will be able to find it here.
