Pats goalie concentration during the 2023 Shilo Cup on Dec. 12 at Gunner Arena. Photo: K-J Millar/Shilo Stag News
K-J Millar
Shilo Stag News
A contentious on-ice hockey battle between the Pats and Guns saw the latter capture the 2023 Shilo Cup with a winning score of 4-1 for the “guest” team at Gunner Arena on Dec. 12
The First Regiment Royal Canadian Horse Artillery (1RCHA), commonly known as the Gunners, took the game early, holding the lead and firing with both barrels.
The “home” team, the Second Battalion Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry (2PPCLI), scored its first puck with 45 seconds left in the second period after the opposition’s first two goals. It wasn’t without some frisky effort, but the Pats could not pull ahead. By the end of the third period, they finally relinquished the coveted “cup” along with its bragging rights.
“The game was good. It was exactly what we expected it to be,” Master Warrant Officer Mark Fiander, Gunners’ coach, told Shilo Stag News.
The hockey competition is still in its infancy, with its inaugural games in 2022. Two games are played during the day, with 2PPCLI privates/corporals facing off against master corporals and then, later in the day, 2PPCLI NCOs/officers against 1RCHA go head to head in a challenge for the trophy.
This second year has better competition, the master warrant officer said, explaining that many members from both teams were either deployed or returning from deployment last year.
Deafening cheers and taunts from the spectator stands that would put any NHL game crowd to shame kept the players riled up with plenty of fisticuffs throughout the game.
Gunners player 98 was assisted off the ice after a heavy in-play knock into the boards left him on the ground for a couple of moments, during which he appeared to be unresponsive.
“He’s currently gone to the hospital. He does have a concussion,” the coach said, adding the player will be fine.
“We just do this for more for the troops than anything else. It’s a bunch of senior NCOs and officers getting together having fun,” he said.
Photo Gallery:
In game action between the 1RCHA Gunners and 2PPCLI Pats during the 2023 Shilo Cup played at Gunner Arena on Dec. 12. Photo: K-J Millar/Shilo Stag News