On December 14, the Markham Islanders hosted the second annual Sylvia Jacobs Memorial Winter Classic, featuring a friendly para hockey game between the Under-15 ‘AA’ Islanders and the Islanders ‘Open’ Para Hockey team. 

“My mom, Sylvia Jacobs, was the driving force behind the formation of the Islanders Sledge team in 1986, as well as the league, Ontario Sledge Hockey Association (OSHA),” said Randy Jacobs, General Manager of the Markham Majors. “We wanted to host an annual event to remember her, and this seemed most fitting.” 

The event combined the thrill of para hockey with a holiday tradition of giving with non-perishable food donations in support of the Markham Food Bank.  

The festivities began with a ceremonial puck drop led by Phil Wolfenden (GTHL Board of Director), Mark Elsennar (City of Markham, Recreation Services), and Randy Jacobs (General Manager, Markham Majors). This was followed by a high-energy three-period game officiated by Seth Kirshenbaum (official and U13 ‘A’ Markham Islanders coach) and Sean Gibson (GTHL official and former Markham Islanders player), who volunteered their time.   

“The U15 ‘AA’ Markham Islanders had an absolute blast in the [para] hockey game,” shared Peter Kapentanakos, the head coach of the U15 ‘AA’ team. “It was an incredibly exciting match filled with skill, teamwork, and energy. A fun and memorable experience for everyone involved.”   

The Islanders ‘Open’ Para Hockey team emerged victorious with a 3-1 win. The U15 ‘AA’ Islanders kept the game close with the team’s goaltender making some timely saves. 

Kim Jacobs, General Manager of the Markham Islanders, further shared: “[Sylvia Jacobs] would be so happy knowing that we [are] able to get both clubs together once a year to bring awareness to [para] hockey in a fun way.” 

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