The Thornhill Community Centre was full of holiday spirit on December 21 as families, teammates, and community members came together for a day focused on giving back and celebrating the game.
The highlight of the afternoon was the 3rd Annual Sylvia Jacobs Winter Classic, featuring the Markham Islanders Sledge Hockey (Para Hockey) team facing off against the Under-15 A Markham Islanders team for the first time. From puck drop, the match-up delivered exactly what the Winter Classic has become known for — energy in the stands, smiles on the benches, and the kind of moments that remind everyone why hockey matters beyond the scoreboard.
With Andy Frost on the mic and Celly, the Club Mascot, keeping the crowd engaged, the atmosphere was loud, proud, and full of holiday cheer. More than anything, the game was a celebration of inclusion, connection, and the shared love of hockey — bringing two teams together in a meaningful way and creating memories that will last well past the season.
“Personally, it’s a truly incredible and different experience, discovering new challenges, learning new skills,” a U15 A Islanders player shared following the game. “I think the biggest thing to learn is how difficult it is.”
Another added: “Everyone was nice to each other, they were supportive and helpful… I learned that it was a lot more difficult than it looks.”
Off the ice, the community also rallied around the event’s charitable focus, with volunteers running a holiday snack bar and supporting toy donations aimed at helping brighten the season for local families.
Watch the video feature to relive the sights, sounds, and standout moments from this year’s Winter Classic.
