Faiths fight for first place

Four different faiths duked it out in a ball hockey throw-down in the Labrador City Arena parking lot March 20.

Anglican, Pentecostal, Catholic, and Salvation Army pastors, priests, and parishioners came out to the first ever Ecumenical Ball Hockey Tournament last week and according to Evelyn Power-Ryan, a Catholic and the event organizer, the United Church was invited, but couldn't attend because of a prior commitment.

On one end of the parking lot a hockey game was held for kids under 10 years, while at the other end four teams of older players from each church competed for the coveted tournament tinfoil cup.

The Catholics beat the Pentecostals, and the Salvation Army beat the Anglicans in the semi-finals.

The Pentecostals then took third place over the Anglicans, and the Catholics came out the tournament champions over the Salvation Army who came in second.

Power-Ryan was thrilled her church took home the cup and hopes the group will be defending champions in next year's tournament.

She was happy to see people of various faiths and ages come together to enjoy themselves on common ground; she believes it's a great way to celebrate religions that are no longer taught in schools.

According to the rules, she said, a church pastor or priest had to be on each team and she hopes everyone came away from the tournament with a strengthened sense of faith.