Belle River Minor Hockey hosts largest U9 Tournament in the World

By: Matt Weingarden, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Lakeshore News Reporter

 

The Belle River Jr. Canadiens U9 MD team etched their names in local hockey history, capturing the Belle River U9 Full Ice Championship with a heart-stopping 6-5 overtime victory over the Cleveland Barons. The championship tournament, described as the largest U9 tournament in the world, drew 96 teams, with 240 games played across three divisions at multiple rinks throughout the area. 

 

“This is probably the largest tournament of its kind in the world,” proclaimed Darren Crowley, tournament director. “It’s an international competition with teams coming from the U.S. and Canada – from as far away as Kingston and an American team Cleveland. We have over 1400 participants.” 

 

Crowley says the tourney is unique in its approach: a modified elimination bracket, with each team guaranteed five games. 

 

“Teams re-seed themselves after each game, and it becomes more competitive over the weekend,” said Crowley. “On the final day, we have 12 separate championships that are tiered.”

 

 The tournament proved to be a showcase of elite youth hockey talent. But it was Belle River’s young squad that rose to the occasion when it mattered most. Belle River’s journey to the championship game was nothing short of impressive. 

 

Facing increasingly difficult opponents with each passing game, the U9 MD team demonstrated remarkable defensive discipline, surrendering just five goals across their first four contests. Their stellar performance set up a highly anticipated championship matchup on the Rock rink against the Cleveland Barons—the tournament’s only other undefeated team. The final game lived up to its billing as a clash of titans. In a fast-paced, back-and-forth battle that kept spectators on the edge of their seats, Belle River appeared to seize control when they scored with under six minutes remaining to take a 5-4 lead. But Cleveland refused to go quietly. The Barons mounted a furious comeback, finding the equalizer with just three minutes left on the clock to force a 3-on-3 overtime period. 

 

The overtime session proved to be a nail-biter, with both teams trading scoring chances. Finally, at the 4:26 mark, Belle River broke through with the golden goal, sending their bench and supporters into celebration.

 

 “We’re really proud that a small centre like Belle River can host such a large-scale tournament, which brings in over 6,000 people to our area and sells out all the hotel rooms,” said Crowley. “And in April, we’ll start the process for next season.” 

 

Belle River Minor Hockey president Paul Gray says that the season so far has proven to be a success with the organization hosting four separate tournaments over the season. The next tournament they will host will be in April. 

 

“Word gets around that we host some great tournaments…teams have come from as far as Tampa Bay to participate in our events,” said Gray. “It’s pretty amazing that such a small centre continues to host such great events.”