Story of the Silver Stick

The idea of the Silver Stick® orignated in Ottawa with the founder, Jack Kinsella, a former featherweight boxer. Mr.Kinsella promoted the venture to further international relations between boys of PeeWee and Bantam age from the Ottawa area and those from New York State immediately south of Canada's capital.

A trophy was needed for the tournament and one the founders, Ernie Temple, is credited with the idea of using a long silver hockey stick, instead of a trophy, to present to the winners. The stick, plated with silver, was donated by the Ottawa Citizen newspaper. The theme of the entire program was to promote citizenship and International goodwill throught the medium of Silver Stick® Hockey and to foster sportsmanship through International competition for youth of all nations. In 1958, the first silver stick was presented in Richmond, Ontario at the very first Silver Stick™ Tournament. Today, relative replicas are used in ceremonies at North American Finals Tournaments.

Mr.Kinsella contacted Fred Lamlein of Port Huron, Michigan, who then visited Ottawa. Upon his return to Watford, Ontario tournament play was introduced with Roy Caley, of that village assuming the responsibility of Tournament Director and promoting the event.

In January of 1963, the first North American Final Tournament took place in Port Huron, Michigan. The success of this tourney brought about a meeting on May 19, 1963 when the Constitution and Bylaws were adopted and an International Board elected.

Port Huron was chosen as the permanent "home" of Silver Stick® Hockey and is the site of the PeeWee and Bantam Finals Tournament each year. In 1969, Sarnia, Ontario was established as the yearly site of the Atom and Midget Finals. In 1974, Juvenile competition was introduced and the finals are held in Mooretown, Ontario.

In 1986, a Novice Finals Tournament was hosted by St.Clair Shores, Michigan. In 1987, a new Minor Finals was hosted by Newmarket, Ontario and in 1989 a "AAA" Invitational Tournament was hosted by Whitby, Ontario. In 1990, Forest, Ontario hosted the "C" Finals Tournament. During the last few years, new divisions have been added to the Silver Stick® line-up including Additional Entry (A/E) in Pelham, Ontario (1999) and Wellesly/St.Clements, Ontario (2005). This new level (A/E) is an opportunity for players below "C" divisions to compete.

Girl's Hockey became part of the International Silver Stick in 1997. Finals are now held in Ontario in Sarnia, B

Each year, Regional Qualifying Tournaments in the United States and Canada supply the Finals Tournament with their champions to compete for the coveted Silver Stick® Pin.

The International Board of Directors is headed by the Commissioner, Deputy Commissioner, Second Deputy Commissioner and Executive Director selected by the Board and from the Board. Of the 14 Directors, 7 represent Canada and 7 represent the U.S.A.

The Regional Tournaments are under the supervision of the Regional Directors (or International Directors where there is no Regional Director). All tournaments require annual sanction by the Association. At the Annual General Meeting, held each year in June the Association reviews the performance of itself and its tournaments and plans for the future.

The 2007 finals marked the 45th year that North American Finals had been staged. Currently over 65,000 players and coaches participate every year in the quest for the Silver Stick. Mr. Kinsella passed away in Ottawa, Ontario on March 14, 2007, the same year that the 50th anniversary of International Silver Stick was celebrated at the AGM hosted by Whitby Silver Stick.