The spirit of hockey and camaraderie was radiating this past weekend at the 2025 Bell Hockey Classic, a tradition that dates back over 120 years.
The tournament brought together fellow Bell team members, affiliates, pensioners, and familiar faces from CTV to celebrate Canada’s national sport in quite a remarkable way.
Since its early days in 1903, when Bell team members first faced off against Northern Electric for the coveted Telephone Trophy, hockey has been woven into the company’s culture, according to Bell.
Fast forward more than a century, this weekend’s event proudly represented players of all skill levels right across the country. Winnipeg, Montreal, Whitehorse, as well as strong representation from Halifax, Sudbury, the GTA and some fellow players right here in our Barrie community laced up their skates at the Canlan Sports Arena in North York.
In a spectacular show of support for women in sport, the 2025 tournament marked the second consecutive year that Bell included a women’s division, proudly sponsoring four incredible teams.
The women’s tournament closed in an action-packed final game on Saturday morning, with a 6-2 victory that brought the weekend to an exciting and bittersweet end. Team Bell Blue faced off against Team BMO, clinching gold two years in a row.
Jessica Lafontaine, team captain and a driving force behind Bell Blue’s performance this weekend, shared heartfelt words after the final game, “Absolutely amazing tournament again this year ladies. Thank you to everyone for coming back and to our new players,” Lafontaine said. “We all played hard, we’ve all improved within our games. I am so proud to be your captain.”
The Bell women’s division encouraged all levels from beginner to advanced. It was open to players of any age, with teams of 10 competitors or more.
Lafontaine’s message captured what the weekend was truly about, growing together, supporting one another, learning, and pushing each other to new levels.
“There is always room on a team for everyone, no matter your skill,” shared one player after the finals in the Bell Blue changeroom.
Beyond the scores and highlights, the Bell Hockey Classic continues to serve as a celebration of teamwork for both men and women divisions, embracing community, and the company’s enduring passion for the cherished game of hockey.
