Above: Lori Ryan with son, Anthony, who skated in his first Timbits Jamboree. Below: Skaters battle for the puck. Many were playing in the Timbits Jamboree for the first time. – © René J. Roy / Wreckhouse Press
By René J. Roy
Editor-in-Chief
PORT AUX BASQUES – While it wasn’t quite a full house, the Bruce II Sports Centre was certainly busier than it has been in quite some time. With two hundred and ten children playing hockey, Trula Seaward certainly had her hands full.
Seaward served as the director of the Under 7 tournament, as well as the Under 9 tournament.
“It’s a very full day,” admitted Seaward on Wednesday, March 24. “We started at 8:00 this morning, and we’ll finish around 7:30 or 8:00 this evening.”
Seaward kept a close eye on the hectic schedule.
“Under 7 Port aux Basques has two teams, and they’ll get three games each. And that’s the same for every team that’s here today.”
Albert Farrell was busy as well. As the rink attendant, he was tasked with taking care of the ice and the rink facilities. Farrell had a single focus in mind as he went about his work.
“Just trying to make sure everyone has fun.”
The Timbits Jamboree used to be an annual event, but it was put on hold for the past two years because of COVID-19. For most, if not all of the children, this was their very first time taking part.
“This is something thats sponsored by Tim Horton’s,” explained Seaward. “It’s something that goes on nationwide. We haven’t been able to do it the last two years, obviously. But this is the first thing we’ve been able to do this year.”
Anthony is 6 years old, and spoke just before taking to the ice for the very first time. While he was very excited to take part, he wasn’t quite sure about which position he was going to play.
“All of them,” said his mother Lori Ryan.
She was trying to get Anthony ready to play. Anthony offered up his favorite part of the tournament.
“Playing with friends!”
That seemed to be something just about everyone has missed over the last two years.