Five Years In, Lakeshore Minor Hockey Tournament Hits Its Stride

Lakeshore Minor Hockey recently hosted its fifth year of their U-9 championship tournament, which has quickly become a must-attend event on the youth hockey calendar. Teams came from all over Ontario, plus Michigan, Ohio and even the Tampa Bay area, bring a high level of competition to Windsor-Essex.

Source: Lakeshore Minor Hockey

“When we started this five years ago, we hoped it would grow,” Lakeshore Minor Hockey president Paul Gray told Powerplay Sports. “Now we’re seeing teams travel from across the province and the U.S. to be here. That’s pretty special for our community.”

Ninety-six teams took part this year, welcoming more than 1,600 families to the region.

“It’s not just a hockey tournament,” Gray said. “These families are supporting local businesses and getting to experience Windsor-Essex. That impact means a lot to us.”

Gray says one thing that keeps teams coming back is the tournament’s re-seeding format, matching squads with the same records after each game to keep competition tight.

“It means every team is playing meaningful games right to the end,” Gray explained. “The kids love it.”

On the ice, Belle River’s U9 team delivered a perfect finish in the Sniper Division, winning the championship in overtime against the Cleveland Barons. Cole Filangeri scored the winner to cap off a 5–0 weekend.

The Delhi Norwich 59ers claimed the Warrior Diamond title with a 5–2 win over the Detroit-based Eastside Muskies, while the South Huron Sabres shut out the Wallaceburg Lakers 7–0 to take the Battle Division crown.

“We couldn’t be happier with how it all turned out,” Gray said. “And we’re already excited for next year.”