Dover New Hampshire Stars experience a "winter classic" in Montreal

Over the Martin Luther King Day weekend, the Dover Stars Mite 1 team made the journey over the border to Montreal Canada for a great weekend of hockey.

On Friday, the team visited McGill University to watch the Redmen play against University Quebec Three Rivers. Not only did the Stars watch McGill beat their arch rivals, but the Mites were able to play a mini game between first and second periods and visit the McGill locker room after the game. The McGill players and coaches were very generous of their time with the Stars after the game, each player received a team picture and could get autographs from all the players and coaches.

On Saturday morning, the Stars played the West Island Kings at an outdoor rink in town. A Winter Classic! National anthems for both teams followed by the traditional exchanging of team pins preceded an hour of fun in the open air that the Stars will never forget. The weather was perfect, about 36 degrees, so players and fans alike could really enjoy the action. Those families with little brothers and sisters were able to skate on the auxiliary rink, just away from the main rink. After the game, the Stars excelled in the fun skills competition shootout. The West Island Kings' parents followed up this great event with a buffet of breakfast choices which all players and parents enjoyed, coffee and hot chocolate from Tim Horton's, donuts, cookies, and the most amazing lasagna you have ever tried.

That afternoon, the Stars played the Kings again, but this time in an indoor setting. After going up 4-0 the Stars were poised for a big win, but the fresh Canadian air and the early morning outdoor skate did a number on their legs. The resilient Kings battled back and the Stars relinquished the lead and settled for a 4-4 tie. All in all a great game and a fitting score for the friendship and camaraderie that the players and parents were starting to develop. Saturday night, the players and parents from both teams went bowling at an enormous bowling alley that had 66 lanes, the largest in Canada!

Sunday morning; the last leg of the trip. After a good nights sleep, the rested Stars played the challenging West Island Ramparts. The Ramparts were a fast skating team with many skilled players, but the Stars team was determined to represent themselves, their team, and their country well that day. The Stars defeated the Ramparts 3-2.

The parents and coaching staff would like to extend our thanks to the West Island organization, especially the Kings' parents for their incredible hospitality over the last weekend. We look forward to reciprocating the event when the Canadians come to Dover in April.

Stars included in the photograph:

Front Row (L to R); Goalie Matt Scheeler, Goalie Christopher Eno, Garrett Barton, Catherine Torr, Connor Lapierre, Emma Watson. Second Row (L to R) Wyatt Allaire, Marshal Ford, Will MacLean, Michael Somerset, Matt Barnes, Jameson Goodridge. Third Row (L to R); Coach Scott Scheeler, Coach Scott Barton, Coach Bill Somerset,Coach Jamie Eno.

For more information about Dover New Hampshire, or the Dover NH Stars youth hockey program, contact Bill Somerset, Century 21 Central Falls Realty, 603-742-2121 or bill@century21central.com