What a week…what an event! The 2018 Esso Cup wrapped up on Saturday and Canada’s National Female Midget Championship saw 6 teams from across the country gather in Bridgewater, Nova Scotia to compete for the Cup. The skill, ability and sportsmanship of these high school age players, was unbelievable. The games were fast and exciting! There were so many highlights from The Esso Cup, from the players, to the games themselves and  the incredible group of volunteers helping run this event.

With Events Lunenburg County leading the way, several high-profile and even world events have been hosted here on the South Shore of Nova Scotia. Events Lunenburg County was formed with the goal of bringing Conferences, Special Events, Sporting Competitions, Concerts and Trade Shows to Lunenburg County to support and sustain economic growth. From hosting the World Sledge Hockey Tournament to the Canada’s National Female Midget Championship, Bridgewater and Events Lunenburg County, have shown we have what it takes to support and host major events.

During the Esso Cup, families and fans of the 6 teams were at the LCLC each day cheering on their loved ones and teams. Their support, pride and emotion watching these girls play for this national championship, was incredible to see.

It would be impossible to talk about the 2018 Esso Cup without mentioning the incredible volunteer team. (I apologize as I captured as many volunteers as I could, but know there were more that I missed) The event itself was 6 days long, not counting the months of preparation leading up to the start. From announcing and time keeping, to ticket and merchandise sales, to entertainment and hosts, it was incredible to see the support from community in helping to provide an unbelievable experience for all.

Easy to spot in their blue shirts, the support and talent of the volunteers is to be noted and cheered. I know many worked 10-12 hour shifts each day of the tournament, other took vacation time from their jobs, or missed class time to be there and lend a hand. For a community our size, this is outstanding and speaks volumes of what we have to offer here on the South Shore!

I hope you got to enjoy some of the 2018 Esso Cup games. It was inspiring to watch some of the top female midget players in the country compete. There will be future Olympians from these teams, and how great to be able to say…”I saw them play when…”.

Cheers to the players from the 6 teams across the country playing for Gold for showing us some incredible hockey and sportsmanship during this tournament. With world and national sporting events successfully being held here, it is exciting to think about what could be next. None of that would be possible without the incredible work of the committee and volunteers. Thank you to everyone who helped host and show the country how beautiful and welcoming it is here. What a week…bravo everyone!