The Kempenfelt Cup produced a new on-ice champion in Barrie today as well as off the ice with Barrie District Christmas Cheer.
The fifth annual Kempenfelt Cup was held Wednesday at the Barrie Molson Centre in front of close to 3,000 screaming teenagers and teachers from the Simcoe County District School Board.
The Eastview Wildcats came into the day-long tournament as the reigning champions in both the boys and girls divisions, but relinquished both titles to the Innisdale Invaders by the end of the day.
The Innisdale girls defeated their Wildcats counterparts, 1-0, in the final while the Innisdale boys topped Eastview, 3-0, as the south-end Barrie swept the titles.
Invaders boys head coach Brent Preston has been part of the Kempenfelt Cup for four years and thinks it's a great idea for all involved.
“It’s such a great event and really boosts school spirit,” Preston told BarrieToday. “I also always find that while the kids are obviously loud for their own school, they tend to cheer for others, too, when other games are on.
"It's just a really fun event to be a part for them.”
Public secondary schools Bear Creek, Eastview, Innisdale, Barrie North and Nantyr Shores (Innisfil) compete in the event that takes planning from school administrators with one of them being Bear Creek principal Mike Abram.
Abram told BarrieToday that he loves the fun aspect for the teens, but also the giving back that takes place as the Kempenfelt Cup teams up every year with Barrie Christmas Cheer to raise money and donations for the local charitable organization.
“Every school brings about 500 kids and I know our school raised almost $3,000 this year. If you multiply that by all five schools, plus the other donations that come in, it is a great way to give back to our local community of those who need it," he said.
