KENSINGTON, P.E.I. — One participant was carrying on a family tradition while two brothers were experiencing the Kensington, P.E.I.-Bedford, Que., Peewee Friendship Hockey Exchange for the first time.
Quinn and Reichen Sherry of Kensington and Kristofer Paquette from Bedford have formed a strong friendship after spending the weekend together as the first half of the exchange took place in the Prince County town.
“It’s been going for 52 years and a lot of people have got to experience it,” said 11-year-old Quinn Sherry, a centre on the Kensington exchange team. “It’s good to have the chance to meet new people.”
Quinn and Reichen billeted centre Kristofer Paquette, who was representing Bedford in the exchange for the third time.
“All the years have been fun and this is the first time I have had two billets,” said Kristofer, whose older brother Justin and sister Emaly-Ann have also taken part in the exchange. “It’s more fun because you have more people to hang out with.”
The Sherry brothers are the sons of Adrien Bernard and Wayne Sherry.
Family history
If the Paquette name sounds familiar, Kristofer is the grandson of Michel (Farmer) Paquette, who participated in his 30th exchange and his 28th year coaching during the 50th anniversary in 2018. Farmer’s four sons, including Kristofer’s father Steven, have also taken part over the years.
“A lot of people in my family have had the chance to take part in this exchange,” said Kristofer, whose goal in the final minute of the first period proved to be the difference in Bedford’s exciting 3-2 win over the Kensington team on Saturday evening. “It’s been going on for a lot of years and I hope it keeps going.”
Neat opportunity
Reichen said it’s “pretty neat” to have the opportunity to participate in the exchange, which began during the 1968-69 season.
“Some of our friends went last year and we were excited it happened to us this year,” said Reichen, who plays left wing.
The Bedford contingent departed Kensington early Monday morning, and the two communities will reunite in Bedford, located 86 kilometres southeast of Montreal, in late February.
“It’s fun and we get to meet all these people from Quebec,” said Quinn. “We get to know them and play hockey against them and do some fun activities.”
Highlights
Kristofer said his two highlights from this year are having two billets and getting to play lots of hockey. The Kensington peewee A team also played games against the Kensington and Bedford exchange teams on Saturday. A skills competition and friendship game between the exchange teams highlighted Sunday’s schedule.
“It’s fun to have the extra hockey and meet all the new people,” noted Reichen, 12.
Away from the rink, Kristofer, Quinn and Reichen hung out with some other exchange participants, played mini hockey and watched some of the NHL All-Star Weekend events together.
“It’s cool that every year you billet and meet them and their family,” said Kristofer, 12. “You are never alone and always have people around you.”
- RELATED:
- Click here for story on a member of the inaugural Kensington team in 1968-69 to share the Bedford exchange with his grandson:
- Click here for story setting up the weekend of activities in Kensington:
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