The Guardian (Charlottetown)

Three stars belong to O’Leary, P.E.I.

Kraft Hockeyvill­e experience result of hard work of many people

- BY ROB NEWSON

The opportunit­y to experience events like Kraft Hockeyvill­e doesn’t come along often to our Island community.

This past week, after many months and the hard work of many people, Prince Edward Island celebrated the game of hockey. We were treated to a fantastic event, as O’Leary was officially crowned the winner of Kraft Hockeyvill­e 2017.

This was a very long and ambitious process by the O’Leary community and involved the commitment and passion of many people. This year, Kraft Hockeyvill­e was a fantastic event with many activities for young and old; and it culminated with the pre-season game on Monday between the Ottawa Senators and New Jersey Devils. Although the game was the highlight of the weekend, there were many great moments to celebrate the game of hockey both in O’Leary and throughout the province.

The community of O’Leary is Kraft Hockeyvill­e 2017; but the entire province and the hockey community as a whole, shared in that glory. We all felt part of this great celebratio­n of the game.

Many people put their hearts into making this year’s event great, and they didn’t disappoint. Hats off to the “Fab 5” of Joanne, Della, Bill, Dean and Tammy for their leadership and passion to make this happen. However, as with any community, it takes many hands, and we celebrate and recognize the many volunteers that were involved to make Kraft Hockeyvill­e 2017 a success.

Many months ago, the entire province and hockey community rallied around O’Leary and helped get the vote out. The momentum and passion was exciting. We know that Islanders love their hockey and always come out to support each other when needed.

Hockey P.E.I. is very proud that the title of Kraft Hockeyvill­e 2017 belongs here on P.E.I. and can be claimed by the great community of O’Leary.

Hats off to all and congratula­tions! The community of O’Leary this week has earned all three stars.

Rob Newson is executive director of Hockey P.E.I.

 ?? MILLICENT MCKAY/JOURNAL PIONEER ?? Dorothy, left, Patricia, Liam and Jeff Wadden all attended the Devils versus Senators game on Monday night as Kraft Hockeyvill­e wrapped up.
MILLICENT MCKAY/JOURNAL PIONEER Dorothy, left, Patricia, Liam and Jeff Wadden all attended the Devils versus Senators game on Monday night as Kraft Hockeyvill­e wrapped up.

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