After all, it’s the one day of the year when we moms can be legitimately lazy and not feel immensely guilty about it.  It’s the one day that we don’t have to concern ourselves withplanning a menu, organizing meals or cooking them.  It’s also the one day that we can survey the house in its horrible state of disarray (well, in my case anyways), and not feel one iota of guilt.  Ah, blessed is Mother’s Day.

It’s also the only day during the year that’s actually dedicated to showing appreciation for the mom in your life… for all those other days during your lifetime when your mom hasalso been your nurse, your chef, your chauffeur, your teacher, your coach - and your friend.   For those times when your mom tenderly nursed your cold (while suffering from one herself), hugged you when you were having a bad day, washed and fluffed your dirty laundry, cooked your meals, encouraged you to reach for the stars and, well, generally just took care of you.

Treating the mom in your life to a wonderful Mother’s Day in Burnaby can be your way of making sure she feels as special as she really, truly is.  Fortunately, Burnaby has plenty of options to help make this Mother’s Day a memorable event.

Here are just a few ideas to help you make the most of this Mother’s Day:

Eat, Feast, Brunch

Many Burnaby restaurants have created special Mother’s Day brunches where moms can indulge in their favourite dishes and foods (all without guilt, of course) to their heart’s delight.

Check out the menu at the Hop and Vine, or the modern EBO Restaurant at the Delta Grand Villa.  A portion of all proceeds for the Mother’s Day brunch at  Tivoli’s
(at the Executive Hotel Burnaby) will actually be donated to the BC Women’s Hospital/Health Centre Foundation Newborn ICU, while moms will have a chance to win a one-night stay in Whistler… among other door prizes.  The Reflect social dining + lounge (inside the Hilton Vancouver Metrotown) also features a delectable brunch where moms can feast on savoury entrees and sweet treats while enjoying Koko Soul’s jazzy melodies, andkids can enjoy magic tricks and balloon art with a master entertainer (plus each mom receives a surprise gift).

Time Travel

Whisk your mom back in time (while never leaving the city) with a visit to Glenburn Soda & Confectionery and the Burnaby Village Museum.

Though technically only a few months old, Glenburn Soda looks as though it’s been in the heart of Burnaby Heights for the past 70 years – literally.  This 1940s-inspired ice cream parlour and soda “shoppe” is like no other, complete with an old-fashionedFormica countertop, swivelling barstools and authentic soda dispensers.  Here, you can transport mom to a simpler and sweeter time, where she’ll enjoy the smooth sounds of ‘40s icons (think Frank Sinatra and Bing Crosby) in the background while dipping into her rich sundae, thick milkshake or chocolate malt or sipping on one of their hand-crafted and custom-made sodas.

Or, take mom farther back in time – to the 1920s to be precise – at the Burnaby Village Museum.  Stroll the quaint streets, visit the townsfolk, check out the traditional schoolhouse and church, and then stop for a bite at the old-fashioned Ice Cream Parlour – where you can treat mom to a delicious lunch (and ice cream, of course) in the heart of this charming yet lively village.  And to make this a Mother’s Day that she won’t soon forget, be sure to join her on the beautifully-restored, historic and century-old C.W. Parker Carousel (which includes benches/carriages as well as majestic horses).

Picnic in the Park

If we’re blessed with some warm-ish weather this Mother’s Day, then pack a picnic with all of mom’s favourite foods and sweets and chauffeur her to Central Park or Deer Lake Park for a special picnic in the park.

For an activity, try Central Park’s Pitch & Putt – perfect for moms who love the outdoors but don’t always have the time to enjoy it.  The Pitch & Putt course here is ideal for players of all abilities and calibre (ages eight and up), and is set among a beautiful wooded park setting.  And since it is Mother’s Day… well, you might want to let her win this round.

Or take mom for a boat ride around stunning Deer Lake Park.  Rent a canoe, kayak, pedal boat or rowboat and explore the little-seen areas of this scenic lake – which is home to some of the region’s most extraordinary wildlife.  And who knows, mom might even spot some blue herons, beavers, Canadian geese, ducks, turtles, rainbow trout and eagles – all of which are known to visit Deer Lake.

Shopping Spree

Spoil mom with a shopping spree.  Burnaby’s three malls – Brentwod Town Centre, Lougheed Town Centre and Metropolis at Metrotown – make a shopping excursion for mom easy, relaxed and fun.

Pack your credit card and treat mom to a mini (or major) shopping spree.  You could focus on a particular item (jewellery or shoes), or just let mom have a run-through to see what she likes.  She might even feel like a (grown-up) kid in a candy store!

Matinee Mama

Think mom is in desperate need of a lazy, do-nothing Sunday?  Then whisk her to a matinee where she can immerse herself in the world of romance, intrigue, action and more. SilverCity Metropolis has multiple large screens to satisfy any movie craving, while the charming, smaller and locally-run Dolphin Cinemas also features some popular choices.

Spa Around Town

Chipped nails be gone.  Help mom pretty up her fingers and toes with a relaxing spa visit at any one of the fabulous spas around Burnaby. Whether it’s a much-needed massage, a rejuvenating facial or just a beautifying mani-pedi, mom will be sure to feel appreciated and loved with a good rub-down or a feel-good prettying up.  To find a spa near you, just Google “Burnaby spas” and the mom in your life will be on her way to feeling more relaxed in no time.

But… whatever it is that you decide to do for mom this Sunday, don’t forget to give her the one thing that I think she’ll probably want more than anything else:  a gigantic, all-encompassing hug and a thank you “for being the best mom in the whole world.”

At least that’s what I’ll be hoping for this Sunday… though a day at the spa does sound pretty good, too.

How do you plan to spend Mother’s Day this year? Let us know if you have other suggestions or gift ideas!

Sheliza Mitha is a freelance writer and editor based in Burnaby, BC.

Go back before the days of mp3 players and online streaming! The Burnaby Village Museum will be broadcasting on radios set throughout the village. Hear archived recordings from old radio shows including my favourite, advertising jingles. Plus for those of you who have wanted to hear themselves on the air… this is your chance as roaming reporters will be interviewing guests on-site.

As expected, the exhibit has a hands-on and educational portion to the exhibit where children (or anyone really) can learn about the radio of yore and make their own sound effects.

The museum has also created a new scavenger hunt featuring Morse Code! Be sure to pick up your Morse Decoder at Stride Studios (same place where Radio BVM will be broadcast) or at the entry gate so you can get in on the hunt.

Here’s a breakdown of opening day!

11:00am – Gates Open

11:30am – 12:30pm – Tin Pan Trio

1:30pm – 2pm Carousel Tour

3:00 – 4:00pm, Special Guest Dennis Duffy, Royal BC Museum on early radio history in BC (Broadcasting Booth)

Can’t make it to opening day? The Burnaby Village Museum is open all summer until September 2 with free admission.

Hours

May 4 – September 2, 2013
Tuesday – Sunday plus Statutory Holidays
11:00am – 4:30pm

Gate Admission: FREE!
Carousel rides: $2.21

Don’t forget to watch for special events from the Burnaby Village Museum including: Heritage Fair (May 10 – 11), Victoria Day (May 20) and Canada Day (July 1) or just find more information on the Burnaby Village Museum.

It has been an amazing final day – and a truly amazing week – at the 2013 Esso Cup in beautiful Burnaby, B.C. The excitement was absolutely contagious Saturday inside Bill Copeland Sports Centre, with both bronze and gold medal bragging rights up for grabs on the ice, and everything running smoothly off the ice, thanks to the wonderful help of our committed host committee and an incredible team of volunteers.The bronze medal game featured a Western Canadian rivalry, with the Edmonton Thunder (Pacific) facing off the Regina Rebels (West). It was a back-and-forth battle through two periods of play, but neither team could find the back of the net in the first forty minutes. Edmonton’s Elizabeth Salyn was finally able to put the puck into the net, and put a goal on the scoreboard, midway through the third to make it 1-0 for her team, scoring ultimately the game-winner, as Regina couldn’t spark a comeback by the time the final buzzer sounded. The Edmonton Thunder skated away with their third bronze medal and fourth medal total, in five years of competing at the Esso Cup. (Full Game Summary)

The gold medal game between LHFDQ Nord (Quebec) and the North Bay Ice Boltz (Ontario), who were both making their first Esso Cup appearances let alone playing in their first gold medal games at this event, ended up being a total thriller for hockey fans, including those watching from the stands, and those who caught the action on TSN2 live from B.C. North Bay took an early lead on a goal from Kaitlyn McManus at 4:27 in the first, but that would be the only goal scored in the first 40 minutes of play. Corie Jacobson added another at 1:13 in the third to make it 2-0 for North Bay early in the final frame, and it appeared as though the Ontario team might take home the 2013 Esso Cup title. But all Quebec needed was a power play chance to narrow the gap to 2-1 on a goal from Audrey Belzile at 3:47 in the period, and that sparked a scoring streak that just couldn’t be stopped. Roxanne Daley and Katia Boulianne put two more quick goals on the score sheet, to make it 3-2 in less than two minutes. Eve-Audrey Picard widened it to 4-2 in favour of Quebec at 9:14 in the period, and Alexe Drouin scored at 14:55 to seal the third period offensive outburst, and the 2013 Esso Cup victory, a first for a team from Quebec. (Full Game Summary)

The gold medal game aired on TSN2 live, which is great since national women’s hockey can often be tape delayed. Canada’s National Women’s Team alumnae Jennifer Botterill and Cheryl Pounder worked with TSN to conduct interviews and provide colour commentary, respectively, and we had live interviews with current National Women’s Team member Caroline Ouellette, director of female council Joanne Hughes and manager of female development Mandi Duhamel, as well as a pre-recorded interview with Imperial Esso executive Karen Fraser.

Read the news release from our final day!

You can also check out Hockey Canada’s own coverage of this event, including some great video features, such as a look at the history of the Esso Cup and interviews with all 2013 Esso Cup award winners.

Finally, a special thank you to our fantastic host committee and our awesome volunteers. We had a truly great team at this event, which helped make the 2013 Esso Cup not just successful, but also a lot of fun for everyone involved.

Take care all!

Kristen Lipscombe
Coordinator, Communications
Coordonnatrice, communications
Hockey Canada

The 2013 Esso Cup is in Burnaby from now until April 27, 2013. Tickets are available for single games at the door. Find out more information about the 2013 Burnaby Esso Cup! You can also check out more photos like these at the 2013 Esso Cup Facebook Page.

What a day at the Esso Cup!

The week has just flown by here in Burnaby, with the host organizing committee, Hockey Canada staff and all of our awesome volunteers coming together to help make this event run smoothly and successfully.

The day kicked off with our 2013 Esso Cup awards banquet at the Hilton Vancouver Metrotown, where players, parents, sponsors, organizers, volunteers and other sponsors gathered together for a hearty breakfast, and heart-filled morning, that featured awe-inspiring talks from guest speaker Cheryl Pounder and Isobel Gathorne-Hardy Award winner Caroline Ouellette, both extremely accomplished alumnae of Canada’s National Women’s Team, who shared some important and memorable messages with the participants of the 2013 Esso Cup, Canada’s National Female Midget Championship.
The event award winners were top goaltender Sabrina Picard of the North Bay Ice Boltz (Ontario), top defenceman Corie Jacobson of the North Bay Ice Boltz, top forward Jade Downie-Landry of LHFDQ Nord (Quebec), MVP Mikaeli Cavell of the Edmonton Thunder (Pacific), most sportsmanlike player Jodi Gentile of the Fraser Valley Phantom (host) and top scorer Valerie Audet of LHFDQ Nord. (Full News Release)

In the first semifinal, six different players scored en route to the LHFDQ Nord’s 6-3 win over the Regina Rebels, with Jessica Bouchard cracking the scoreboard first midway through the first. The Quebec reps played a strong team game through all three periods, with Valerie Audet, Alyson Matteau and Vyckie Gelinas all notching goals in the second, including one while shorthanded, while Katia Bouolianne and Eve-Audrey Picard scored in the third. The Regina Rebels (West) put up a good fight but just couldn’t stop the powerhouse LHFDQ offense from claiming the semifinal victory, and a spot in the Esso Cup gold medal game, a first for a team representing Quebec. (Full Game Summary)

In the second semifinal Friday, the North Bay Ice Boltz topped the Edmonton Thunder in a 5-1 win in what was the tournament’s biggest upset thus far. The game’s outcome ended the Edmonton Thunder’s undefeated record at the 2013 Esso Cup, and left the players representing the Pacific region heartbroken once again, as Edmonton has appeared at all five Esso Cup tournaments in history, without ever having won a gold medal. But what was a tough loss for Edmonton proved to be an emotional victory for North Bay, with coaching staff  left teary-eyed following the win and the underdog team determined to carry the momentum from Friday’s semifinal into Saturday’s gold medal game. Five different players scored en route to the win. (Full Game Summary)

You can also check out Hockey Canada for its own coverage of this event, including some great video features, such as a look at the returning Esso Cup teams and a look at host city Burnaby.

Kristen Lipscombe
Coordinator, Communications
Coordonnatrice, communications
Hockey Canada

It was the final day of preliminary action Thursday at the 2013 Esso Cup, and it was another beautiful day in Burnaby, B.C. … the sun was shining outside of the rink, and there was plenty of excitement inside of Bill Copeland Sports Centre.

In the first game of the day, LHFDQ Nord (Quebec) made the undefeated Edmonton Thunder (Pacific) work hard for their fifth win in as many days, but in the end Edmonton was able to earn the ‘W’ and top spot in 2013 Esso Cup standings, beating LHFDQ Nord 3-2 in regulation. Amy Boucher was a true team player for Edmonton, assisting two of three goals, including one with two seconds remaining in the first and the third and final goal midway through the third. The Edmonton Thunder rolled straight through the preliminary round and are the clear team to beat here in Burnaby. (Full Game Summary)

Halifax Metro Boston Pizza (Atlantic) has had a bit of rough week on the scoreboard, but has played with true heart on the ice, and didn’t let up in terms of effort and passion when they hit the ice Thursday against the Regina Rebels (West). They kept the first period scoreless, but couldn’t manage the same in the second, with Regina’s Kelsey Bohay putting two straight goals on the score sheet, the first at 3:11, and the second at 16:21 in the period. Emma Winters was able to crack the scoreboard for Halifax in the final minute of the middle frame, but the score would remain 2-1 through the third, and until the final buzzer sounded. The Regina Rebels play LHFDQ Nord in the first semifinal game Friday at 2 p.m. PT. (Full Game Summary)

Host team the Fraser Valley Phantom again played with pride and passion Thursday night, battling hard for the puck and creating strong offensive chances through all three periods against the North Bay Ice Boltz. Phantom netminder Latica Castillo was also key in keeping her team in the game, coming up with some stellar saves and staying cool and collected between the posts. But despite holding off North Bay through the first and most of the second, Taylor Murphy was able to make it 1-0 for the Ontario reps at 12:54 in the middle frame, and that one goal became the end of the Esso Cup for Fraser Valley. Despite some nice plays and strong efforts, Fraser Valley just couldn’t find the back of the net. North Bay will be in tough when it takes on first place Edmonton in the second semifinal of the game Friday at 6 p.m. PT. (Full Game Summary)

We had a solid day media wise for the Esso Cup. CTV News stopped by to get some game highlights and conduct some interviews, we had several phone interviews with newspapers and radio stations, and Hockey Canada’s own team of in-house reporters have been creating some quality written, video and social media content to keep family, friends and fans updated and entertained. Check out www.HockeyCanada.ca/EssoCup for more information, and follow @HC_EssoCup on Twitter for live updates straight from the rink!

Cheers,

Kristen Lipscombe
Coordinator, Communications
Coordonnatrice, communications
Hockey Canada

The 2013 Esso Cup is in Burnaby from now until April 27, 2013. Tickets are available for single games at the door. Find out more information about the 2013 Burnaby Esso Cup! You can also check out more photos like these at the 2013 Esso Cup Facebook Page.

It has been another exciting day here at the Esso Cup, with three very competitive games on the fourth day of preliminary action at the 2013 Esso Cup in beautiful Burnaby, B.C. The fast-paced action on the ice this week is a positive statement about the growth of female minor hockey across the country.

In the early game Wednesday, Jade Downie-Landry’s on-ice prowess proved why she’s wearing the ‘C’ on her jersey, leading LHFDQ Nord (Quebec) to a 3-1 win over the North Bay Ice Boltz (Ontario), by not only getting a natural hat trick, but by scoring all three goals for her team, and all on power plays in the third period! Although the final frame was all LHFDQ Nord, it was Taylor Murphy of North Bay to crack the scoreboard first, midway through the second, and the first two periods were both full of back-and-forth action that would keep any true hockey fan entertained. (Full Game Summary)

Wednesday’s second game of the day saw Amy Boucher score the game-winner on a power play three minutes into overtime to seal a 5-4 win for the Edmonton Thunder (Pacific) over the Regina Rebels (West), help her team earn four straight preliminary round wins and keep Edmonton at the top of 2013 Esso Cup standings. Alexandra Poznikoff was also pivotal in the win, scoring midway through the first on a power play, and tying it up in the last 25 seconds of the third to send it into the extra frame. (Full Game Summary)

Wednesday evening’s feature game was both a confidence booster – and an important morale booster – for host team the Fraser Valley Phantom. The hosts ended up taking their first win of the tournament 3-1 over Halifax Metro Boston Pizza (Atlantic) in front an ecstatic crowd of family and friends. The two “underdog” teams skated hard in the first period, making for a closely matched game on the ice a fun game to watch off the ice. But it was the Phantom’s Brianna Keats to crack the scoreboard first just 11 seconds into the middle frame. Emma Winter replied for Metro Halifax a few minutes later, but the Phantom sealed the deal in the third. Delaney Duchek scored both third period goals, her first six minutes in and her second marker with 19 seconds left on the clock on an empty net. It was an important and emotional win for Fraser Valley. (Full Game Summary)

Tomorrow is the final day of Esso Cup preliminary action, with the semifinals set for Friday and medal round games on Saturday, including the gold medal game live on TSN at 6 p.m. PT / 7 p.m. MT / 9 p.m. ET. Stay tuned for more from Burnaby!

Kristen Lipscombe
Coordinator, Communications
Coordonnatrice, communications
Hockey Canada

The 2013 Esso Cup is in Burnaby from now until April 27, 2013. Tickets are available for single games at the door. Find out more information about the 2013 Burnaby Esso Cup! You can also check out more photos like these at the 2013 Esso Cup Facebook Page.

We’re now rolling along here at the 2013 Esso Cup in Burnaby … and also rolling along are the Thunder, the Edmonton Thunder, that is!

The Edmonton Thunder, representing the Pacific region at Canada’s National Female Midget Championship, have three wins in three days, and are sitting at the top of the standings. They won Tuesday’s game 5-4 over the North Bay Ice Boltz of Ontario, with four different players scoring in regulation, including three in the third, to stage a comeback that resulted in five minutes of overtime followed by a shootout. Jessica Healey opened the scoring for Edmonton in the first, and notched the shootout game-winner, in what was arguably the most exciting game at the 2013 Esso Cup so far! (Full Game Summary)

In the early game Tuesday, LHFDQ Nord (Quebec) beat Halifax Metro Boston Pizza (Atlantic) 8-1, with Audrey Belzile notching a hat trick, including two goals in the first period, en route to the win. Eve-Audrey Picard put four points on the score sheet, including a goal and three assists. Halifax Metro was in tough but fought hard, with Breanne Lanceleve scoring the lone goal for her team, and the only goal in the second period, while the east coasters were shorthanded. (Full Game Summary)

In Tuesday’s evening game, the host team Fraser Valley Phantom played a spirited game, and looked more confident on the ice than they’ve been all week, but just couldn’t stop the Regina Rebels (West) from snagging the 5-1 win. Regina’s Delaney Frey opened the scoring late in the first on a power play, with Emma Waldenberger making it 2-0 in the first five minutes of the second, also with the man-advantage.

Danika Carter put the local team on the scoreboard late in the second to narrow the gap to 2-1, but from them on out the game belonged to Regina, with Teah Anderson making it 3-1 before the middle frame was done, and both Kelsey Bohay and Hannah Heisler scoring in the third for the 5-1 final. (Full Game Summary)

New on our event website today, a video feature on beautiful Burnaby, B.C., and the role of Tourism Burnaby in hosting the 2013 Esso Cup.

The week is flying by here in Burnaby, but there are still two more days of preliminary action left, followed the semifinals this Friday and medal games Saturday. The gold medal game is set to air live on TSN at 6 p.m. Pacific Time.

Cheers,

Kristen Lipscombe
Coordinator, Communications
Coordonnatrice, communications
Hockey Canada

The 2013 Esso Cup is in Burnaby from now until April 27, 2013. Tickets are available for single games at the door. Find out more information about the 2013 Burnaby Esso Cup! You can also check out more photos like these at the 2013 Esso Cup Facebook Page.

Fortunately, the Heights has created a special event to help satisfy these cravings – it’s called Crave.  (Appropriate, I know.)

This second annual, celebratory, food-focused festival is coming up soon for three days only.  From April 23 to 25, more than a dozen of the Heights’ unique, locally owned eateries will be offering set menus priced at $15, $20 and $25.

With only three days to try some 15 restaurants, the Heights is sure to be buzzing with foodies, aspiring foodies… and those who just love to eat.  Happily – with very affordable and reasonably-priced menus – there’s room for everyone at Crave.  But, I have a feeling that restaurants are bound to book up and fill up quickly during these three days, so it’s best to form a strategy.

I figure there are two ways we can break down the plan: by cuisine type or price point.  Let’s go with the latter.

For the $15 set menu, Crave features a variety of culinary options – from Japanese to Italian and Thai, including a few non-traditional (and delightfully indulgent) eateries, including Chez Christophe Chocolaterie Patisserie and the Glenburn Soda Fountain & Confectionery.

Some highlights include the “Treats for Two” at Glenburn with handmade sodas, a slice of pie with whip cream or some smooth ice cream topped with fresh fruit sauce as well as other goodies; and at Chez Christophe, feast on a decadent three-course menu of cake, macaroons and handmade chocolates (or you could take much of it home to enjoy later).

The $20 price point offers a few more options, including set menus for the neighbourhood’s burger and pizza joints, Italian “ristorantes,” Greek tavernas, as well as Indian, Japanese and Thai restaurants.

Try Sfinaki Greek Taverna’s three-course menu with a choice of Arni Psito (lamb shoulder marinated in a blend of herbs and spices, then oven baked until fork-tender), or chicken souvlaki or the spanakopita entrée, followed by ekmek – a traditional Greek dessert.  Or sample Yo Sushi’s multi-course $20 menu that includes miso soup, ebi sunomono, bacon & asparagus BBQ, a Special Roll of your choice, and ice cream… choosing between green tea, mango or black sesame.

With the $25 set menu, you’ll have an opportunity to sample a few other culinary gems of the neighbourhood, including Vietnamese, Italian, Mediterranean and Japanese.

Start with the ever-popular Caesar Salad at Romana Pizza & Steak House, before working your way to the restaurant’s signature dish – BBQ baby back ribs with baked lasagna and garlic bread.  At Stan’s Pizza Joint, you’ll begin your three courses with a trio of freshly made pizza sliders (pesto chicken, pulled pork and a mad Greek), followed by four irresistible entrée choices and then end your dinner with a delicious dessert pizza (choosing between cinnamon sugar with butter icing dip or chocolate).

Several restaurants – such as the Chad Thai Restaurant, Stan’s Pizza Joint and Yo Sushi – also offer two or more set menus at different price points.

As a diverse neighbourhood known for its mom-and-pop eateries, multicultural restaurants and family-friendly dining options, I can think of no better way to get a taste of the Heights.

Plan, prepare and start strategizing… because Crave starts today!

For a list of all the participating Crave restaurants and their menus, visit the Heights.

Sheliza Mitha is a freelance writer and editor based in Burnaby, BC.

It was another successful day at Bill Copeland Sports Centre, with more than 1,500 kids filling the stands for the noon game to cheer on both teams, resulting in the largest schools program crowd in Esso Cup history.

We’re also starting to get some solid outside media coverage, with local newspapers, radio stations and websites starting to take notice of the exciting national championship action taking place right here in Burnaby.

Volunteers, teams and everyone in between have all settled in nicely at the rink, which will continue to be our home for another five days. It’s a little chilly in the arena itself, but there are plenty of warm smiles to go around for everyone.

Today’s noon game was an exciting one for the school children in attendance, with the North Bay Ice Boltz (Ontario) edging the Regina Rebels (West) 2-1 in a shootout. It was back-and-forth action but scoreless through the first two periods, with Regina’s Hannah Heisler and North Bay’s Kaitlyn McManus trading goals in the third to send it into five minutes of overtime, followed by the shootout. Corie Jacobson notched the first maker for Regina, while Chloe Dion showed off some stellar stick work to deke out the goalie and score the game-winner. (Full Game Summary)

The second game of the day saw the Edmonton Thunder (Pacific), who are competing at their fifth Esso Cup, beat Metro Halifax Boston Pizza (Atlantic) 4-1. Metro Halifax battled hard against the probable team to beat, but a confident Edmonton squad dominated on the ice, with Amy Boucher scoring twice en route to her team’s second straight win of preliminary action. (Full Game Summary)

The evening game featured host team Fraser Valley Phantom falling 5-1 in front of a home region crowd to LHFDQ Nord (Quebec). Fraser Valley played with grit and heart through all three periods, but just couldn’t keep up with the dominant Quebec squad. Eve-Audrey Picard scored twice, while Valerie Audet contributed a couple of assists to help their team to its first victory at the Esso Cup. (Full Game Summary)

Hope everyone is having fun, whatever rink you’re in this week!

Cheers,

Kristen Lipscombe
Coordinator, Communications
Coordonnatrice, communications
Hockey Canada

The 2013 Esso Cup is in Burnaby from now until April 27, 2013. Tickets are available for single games at the door. Find out more information about the 2013 Burnaby Esso Cup! You can also check out more photos like these at the 2013 Esso Cup Facebook Page.

We had an awesome opening day at the 2013 Esso Cup in Burnaby, B.C., with three exciting games on the ice and solid crowds in the stands here inside the Bill Copeland Sports Centre. The arena is a nice size for our event, with a 2,000 seat-capacity, and the venue staff here have been extremely accommodating in order to help make this coming week a success.

The opening game saw the North Bay Ice Boltz (Ontario) play their first-ever game at an Esso Cup – and shut out returning team Halifax Metro Boston Pizza (Atlantic) in a 3-0 win. Corie Jacobson (Warren, Ont.). Courtney Giesler (Powassan, Ont.) cracked the scoreboard first a 7:38 in the first, while Corie Jacobson (Warren, Ont.) notched two in the third to help seal the win, and three points in Esso Cup standings. (Full Game Summary)

The second game of the day saw the Regina Rebels (West), who qualified for the Esso Cup this year after hosting the event three years ago, top the LHFDQ Nord (Quebec) 5-2, including three power-play goals. Five different players contributed to the scoreboard for Regina, while Audrey Belzile (St-Hyancithe) scored in the last few seconds of the first and Valerie Audet (St-Bruno, Que.) scored midway through the third for LHFDQ. (Full Game Summary)

The feature game of the night was arguably the most thrilling, as it wasn’t just a game between four-time Esso Cup returnees the Edmonton Thunder (Pacific) and host team the Fraser Valley Phantom playing in front of a local crowd – it was also the official face off for Pacific region bragging rights. Edmonton Thunder came out confident out the doors, with Mikaeli Cavell (Edmonton, Alta.) putting one past the goal line in the first minute of the game, and Amy Boucher (Edmonton, Alta.) adding another twelve minutes into the first, but Fraser Valley fought hard to keep the score close, with Chelsea Wilson (Langley, B.C.) getting them on the board before 20 minutes was up. Boucher notched her second of the game in the middle frame, but Wilson answered with her second of the night a few minutes later to make it 3-2 going into intermission. The fast-paced action continued into the third, but Nicole Gorda (Edmonton, Alta.) made it 4-2 at 16:28 in the period to give Edmonton a win to kick off Esso Cup week, and of course, Pacific region bragging rights.  (Full Game Summary)

That’s it from Day 1 of the Esso Cup. Back at it again tomorrow!

Cheers,

Kristen Lipscombe
Coordinator, Communications
Coordonnatrice, communications
Hockey Canada

The 2013 Esso Cup is in Burnaby from now until April 27, 2013. Tickets are available for single games at the door. Find out more information about the 2013 Burnaby Esso Cup! You can also check out more photos like these at the 2013 Esso Cup Facebook Page.