MP John Barlow plays in Pincher Creek winter ball hockey classic

Puck drop: Eli Big Bull, Macleod MP John Barlow, Allistair Metcalfe

Macleod Member of Parliament (MP) John Barlow was there to drop the ball for the first play of  the street ball game held after the after the Parade of Lights concluded in downtown Pincher Creek yesterday, November 21. Barlow also played the first period before dashing off to Okotoks for another similar event. There were times when it was hard to distinguish him from the rest of the kids. He put some points on the board and made plays to help his team go up 3-2 after the first period.

"This was a blast," Barlow said as he got ready for a few more minutes of play.  "To see the kids come out and having some fun, it's all about spending some time with family and also about supporting your downtown businesses."  A longer excerpt of the Chris Davis interview with Macleod MP John Barlow will appear in the Voice soon.

John Barlow in the game

Joey Jackson, Sports

What started out as a small 3 on 3 hockey game lit by nothing but a few headlights turned into a exciting and entertaining fight up until the final few seconds of the third period. The match started at 7:00 pm, well after the sun went down, and stretched on to 8:30, when a very light snow started and gave the event a classic outdoor Canadian feel. There were players of all ages ranging from children to teachers at Matthew Halton, and MP John Barlow even played a period. The small hockey event soon got darker than expected when the rented flood lights needed some maintenance, but that didn't stop the players, bystanders, and even the police from helping out as they lit the road with the headlights from their vehicles, until the lights were repaired and operational again.

Liam Nazarek

The eventful night was finished with a 10-10 tie and some lighthearted marimba music resonating from the Lebel mansion, so all in all it was a fun night.

Randy Whitehead

The 10-10 match was ended when Red team Captain Allistair Metcalfe was able to tie the heart pounding game just as the last period was winding down to a close. He also notched 2 goals earlier on in the game. Shirts team Captain Eli Big Bull was the sniper for his team, putting up all 10 goals, with help from his young but just as talented forwards.

Christopher Dupuis

It all came down to the amazing saves from both team's goalies that kept either team in the game. Red teams netminder Liam Nazarek made some incredible stops, even stoning Eli for a few game savers. At the other end was goalie Christopher Dupuis and the Shirts team star defenseman Lane Good Rider, who were able to help each other create some amazing but sometimes strange saves to keep it tied.

First shift

It may have started darker than expected, but ended with every player having a smile, including John Barlow.

Joey Jackson

Liam and Allistair

When asked if he enjoyed the community event, Allistair Metcalfe said that "we had jerseys out, snow like the winter classic, and I hope we can do it more often".