GANDER, N.L. – The sound of sticks scrapping pavement was still in the air as a shot blistered past a defending goalie in Gander Saturday, June 2, before being overpowered by the cheer of the crowd.
Street Jam 2018 was underway for a second year.
The two-day tournament doubled the inaugural event, with 86 teams, consisting of 602 players. Last year there were 41 teams.
There were a total of 186 round robin games and 30 play-off games. To pull everything off required 23 referees/officials and more than 20 volunteers.
According to Seamus O’Keefe, one of the organizers, the event was brought about to meet a demand, and that the response received is the motivation to keep moving the event forward in Gander.
“We are in a growth phase, but the people are coming out because of their interest to play hockey,” said O’ Keefe. “We’ve got kids who don’t play ice hockey, with an interest in taking part in this event, so that’s encouraging as well.”
Ryan Connors, of Tickle Cove – Bonavista Bay – played with the Norte Dame Kings.
At the time of the interview, the Kings had lost its first game, and was pushing hard for a win during its second.
“We love road hockey and always attended (other) ball hockey events,” Connors said, during an intermission. “When we heard about Street Jam we thought it was a great opportunity to come and play.”
The playoffs continued into Sunday, June 3, despite the snowy conditions.
“The weather was a bit of a challenge but the spirit of street hockey lived on, and we are looking forward to 2019,” said O' Keefe.
Street Jam 2018 results
Division Champion
Atom A Coed Harbour Brenton Crushers
Atom A Male Sniper Squad (Gander)
Atom AA Female MP Inferno (Mount Pearl)
Atom AA Male Central Snipers (Grand Falls-Windsor)
Bantam A Male Lewisporte Streethawks
Bantam AA Male Benchwarmers (Gander)
IP A Co-ed Rough Riders (Wesleyville)
IP AA Co-ed Rinkmasters (Gander)
Junior Male Norte Dame Kings (N/A)
Adult Male Gooseberry Seals (N/A)
Midget A Female No Balls (Twillingate)
Midget AA Male Fogo Island Woobbegongs (Fogo Island)
Novice A Co-ed Roadrunners (Wesleyville)
Novice A Male Rink Rats (Twillingate)
Novice AA Male Alley Cats (Grand Falls-Windsor)
Peewee A Male Central All Stars (Glovertown)
Peewee A Female Central Pak (Lumsden)
Peewee AA Male Broncos Strong (Fogo Island/Twillingate)
Source: Street Jam