After a brief break for an amazing Milsean's hot chocolate and a brisk walk we headed back to the rink to watch Jake's final game; Aldergrove were playing against Johnson Como in the final game of the tournament. We expected this to be a hotly contested and physical game. The Johnson Como team were large in build and played a very physical game. It sure lived up to expectations with both sides accruing penalties. In the end just as they had done in most of their games Johnson Como dominated and easily won. It was great to see that Aldergrove at least got one score on the board though.
All the activities, late nights and the sugar highs and lows are taking their toll on Ryan. He cuddled up to me while watching Jakes game but it was long before his cry of HBT - Hungry, Bored and Tired - ceased as he was fast asleep resting on my lap.
When the game was over it was time for the Closing Ceremony. Again, the hosts did it in style. The one team - the team of friendship formed over the past 10 days - was welcomed to the ice by a local pipe band. There were speeches from the President of the local hockey association and the tournament organiser, Mr Lyall Sharman, and Mr Kanieri, the tournament founder.
As part of the ceremony Lyall announced that the winners of the tournament were Hachinohe White Bear from Japan. Having only lost one game, they edged out Johnson Como, who had won all of their games, by one point as Johnson had accumulated more penalties. The Friendship banner was then ceremonially lowered and brought across the ice where it was presented to the hosts of the 2015 Friendship Games - Newcastle, NSW.
The ceremony was quite emotional as no one really wanted this wonderful experience to come to an end. Perhaps the most emotional moment was when, immediately after he thanked the many amazing volunteers who had made this experience possible, including Connor's wonderful host Mum, Michelle, the tables were turned on Lyall. Michelle took the microphone and presented Lyall with a limited edition 2013 Friendship Games jersey which had been signed by every player who participated in the event. I don't think there was a dry eye among the adults in the arena. It was a wonderful gesture for all of Lyall's hard work over the past 2 years.
When all the formalities were over, Loyal declared the trading period open. Anyone who wanted to trade any items was encouraged to come down onto the ice and trade away. There were players, coaches, officials, siblings and parents everywhere. The list of items being traded was almost endless with some kids brings whole bags of items to trade. Items included jerseys, caps, beanies, t-shirts, jackets, pins, pucks, pants. We were told this could go one for a couple of hours. Everyone had a great time.
Connor was especially pleased as he traded a hat, his hoodie and 2 jerseys walking away with a Hudson Raiders beanie, Southern Knights hoodie, Hudson Raiders jersey and an Aldergrove Bruins jersey. Any item with the Kangaroo on it sure was in demand!!!
Connor and Josh were also pretty stoked that they got to have a picture taken with one of the Japanese players and the tournament trophy. It was a great way for them to finish.
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