Tritons submerge Babcock in charity hockey game

Capt(N) Jason Boyd accepts the Victoria-Class trophy from Commodore Angus Topshee and Babcock Canada’s President Mike Whalley. Photo by LS Bryan Underwood, MARPAC Imaging Services

Peter Mallett, Staff Writer ~

A successful hockey fundraiser played out last week at the Wurtele Arena raising $5,500 for the Esquimalt Military Family Resource Centre (MFRC).

A near-capacity crowd filled the stands on Sept. 4 to watch the CFB Esquimalt Senior Tritons defeat Babcock Canada 8-2 and claim the inaugural Victoria-Class Cup title.

But the final score didn’t seem to matter much to hockey fans, players and volunteers says the game’s organizer Lisa Church, MFRC Community Engagement manager.

“I am so proud of the entire MFRC team, the CFB Esquimalt community, and Babcock Canada who came together to support this event,” said Church. “Our intention was to create an event that would be enjoyed by all members of the defence community and their families and there is nothing like a good game of hockey to bring people together.”

Fans were treated to free soft drinks, barbecued hot dogs, and pizza before Commander of Maritime Forces Pacific, Rear-Admiral Bob Auchterlonie and Babcock Canada’s President Mike Whalley conducted the game’s ceremonial puck drop.

At the conclusion of the game, Whalley made a cheque presentation of $5,000 on behalf of Babcock Canada to MFRC Executive Director Jackie Carle. Another $500 was raised through the game’s 50-50 draw and a Chuck-A-Puck contest.