It was boisterous full house at Gunner Arena for the inaugural Shilo Challenge Cup sporting event, with hockey chosen to be played between the officers and senior NCOs at 1RCHA and 2PPCLI. The action around the net was often physical, with both goalies equal to the task on save-making. However, the Patricias managed to double up on 1RCHA, recording a 6-3 triumph thanks to three unanswered goals in the third period. 2PPCLI’s drum line performed prior to the afternoon game, while retired Gunner Ian Taylor was the game’s lone referee. Duffer lines were used at the start of each period, with neophyte players having an opportunity to play against players with similar skills and experience. Photos Jules Xavier/Shilo Stag

Shilo Stag

Bragging rights go to 2PPCLI following the inaugural Shilo Challenge Cup — with a hockey tilt played at Gunner Arena.
The Patricias faced off against 1RCHA’s officers and senior NCOs in front of a boisterous audience dominated by 2VP fans — chanting loudly “2VP, 2VP” each time A/CO Maj Chris Hartwick’s squad scored a goal. Six goals in fact, en route to a 6-3 triumph.
“Due to ongoing deployments, 2PPCLI invited 1RCHA to play their officers and [senior] NCOs against those of 2VPs,” acknowledged Maj Hartwick.
“For this historical event, we have created a new trophy, known as the Shilo Challenge Cup. This [trophy] will remain with the winning unit, and the holder of the Cup gets to designate the next challenge/sport, when the time is right.”
The game was live-streamed on 2PPCLI’s Facebook page, with former Gunner Ian Taylor handling the officiating chores during the three 15-minute stop-time periods.
Another to game dynamics occurred in the first two minutes of each period — this was when both teams sent out their five “duffers” — players with little experience playing hockey, including learning how to skate or having knowledge of the game. Both COs let their respective duffer lines.
“I’m not a hockey player,” admitted LCol O’Donnell, who borrowed equipment and bought skates online on the eve of the game. “When I was growing up I wasn’t playing hockey. But I’ll give it my best playing against players with equal skills.”
Maj Hartwick admitted much the same, as he navigated the ice gingerly battling for puck possession facing LCol O’Donnell and his teammates. He did have a few close scoring chances in the opening two minutes, but was unable to handle the puck in front of the net when it was passed his way.
Once the dufferes had their two minutes of puck battles and cheers from the fans when anyone stumbled and lost their balance, falling to the ice, it was time to play hockey.
And referee Taylor let them play, with a number of good “hits” along the boards, as both teams fought hard to win the inaugural sporting event, with hockey chosen to kick it off.
2PPCLI never trailed in the game, scoring three unanswered goals in the third period to secure the victory. 1RCHA had battled back from a 3-1 deficit to tie the game, but the Gunner goalie was easily the star of his team, making countless big saves, but unable to stop everything fired at his net.
There were a few friendly tussles in the final 15 minutes, but handshakes and big smiles were on the faces of the combatants as they skated to the penalty box to serve their two-minute roughing penalties.
With the win, 2PPCLI will decide in 2023 what sport will be played to retain the trophy at the Battalion, and when this event will happen. LCol O’Donnell has suggested basketball would be a nice change, playing in a gymnasium setting.
But he conceded it will be up to the 2PPCLI Command Team on what sport will the Regiment have an opportunity to bring the trophy to its building.
What about broom-a-loo in March?