CFB Shilo Officers faced off against the Senior NCOs and firefighters in a top-tier hockey game humorously monikered the Championship of the World on Dec. 10.

 

“Because there was a shortage of players, the annual Officers vs. NCOs game was redubbed Officers vs. The Rest of the World Team,” Base Commander Lieutenant-Colonel J.P. Nguyen said.

 

The snow-packed roads didn’t keep spectators away from the rink, after the region’s first winter dumping, to watch the much-anticipated game in which several of the officer players have been skating for less than a month.

 

“We started practicing for officers’ PT when it first got cold. It was a way for everyone to try something new, have some good cardio and create some competitive spirit.”

 

The rink was filled with shouts of continuous support for the newbies to the game who handled their sticks “like a boss”. With everyone riveted on the game, no one noticed when an officer had to be reminded that there were not 16 innings but three periods in this game.

 

The good-natured match was filled with comical moments, and camaraderie abounded from the home team opposition at CFB Shilo when the lineup of those more at home on the ice played the game in what resembled slo-mo to allow the guest team a chance to score.

 

The Base Commander said the turning point in the game for the officers’ team was perhaps five minutes in when the NCOs were up 5-Nil, but he doesn’t really remember that.

 

“The important thing is everyone was really having a great time today.”

 

The final puck was hit by the home team NCOs and Emergency Services, giving them a slight lead, possibly from ice-skills advantage, but who really knows, as the fantastic efforts of new skaters, fast action and esprit de corps made this game too hard for this reporter to decipher. The final second of the third period scoreboard noted 13 – 3 for the home team, thus taking the win.

 

In this editor’s opinion, it was those suited up for their first-time game who were the real winners.