Hockey tournaments have been few and far between the past two years because of the COVID-19 pandemic. That’s all changed with the easing of restrictions and Kapuskasing is playing host to the Great North U18 Hockey League’s Championship tournament this week. District Chamber of Commerce President Cathy Courchesne says having the event in the community is a huge and positive boost for the Kap’s economy.
“It’s been years since a restaurant as seen a bus full of kids show up in their parking lot or in their hotel room,” she said. “So it’s great. It means they get to add extra staff, giving their employees more hours, brings up moral not only for the employees but for everybody involved.”
The tournament got underway last night. Seven out of town teams as well as parents, and officials are staying in Kapuskasing until Sunday.
The COVID-19 pandemic the past two years has been harsh on the businesses in the area, but Courchesne praises those businesses for battling their way through to offer products and services.
“Really got to give props to some businesses out there using social media to sell and push their products online,” she said. “Offering home delivery services and what not.”
