ANNUAL COAL BOWL CLASSIC SET TO ENJOY 38TH YEAR!

NEW WATERFORD, N.S. — The 38th annual Coal Bowl Classic basketball tournament is just around the corner and tickets are now available! The much-loved, one of a kind tournament will run from Monday, February 3 to Saturday, February 8, 2020 and as always, will be hosted at Breton Education Centre.

This year, tournament organizers are happy to welcome teams from Alberta, Prince Edward Island, Ontario, Quebec and mainland Nova Scotia, along with our Cape Breton teams.  As in years past, the teams will bunker down inside the school for the week, along with their coaches and referees, allowing the tournament to continue, no matter what happens with our unpredictable Cape Breton weather.

The Coal Bowl Board of Directors have been very busy making sure preparations are set for another exciting year. After nearly four decades, the tournament tends to run like a well-oiled machine, provided the many community volunteers and sponsors are able to step back into the roles they’ve taken on, year after year.

Melissa Corbett and Cathy Grechuk have stepped in as Acting Co-Chairs for Coal Bowl 2020

According to Coal Bowl Acting Co-chair Melissa Corbett, the tournament is in great shape for 2020, “Everyone has their job to do and they do it with enthusiasm and pride. But it really does take a village; from teachers, parents, students and administration staff… to cleaning staff, security, medical volunteers, canteen workers, ticket takers…and countless  other community leaders and volunteers. We need all hands on deck to make it happen,” said Corbett.

Corbett, along with Coal Bowl Director Cathy Grechuk have stepped in to take on the roles of Acting Co-Chairs after the untimely passing of Jacqueline Poirier, in September of 2019. As many know, Jacqueline served as Coal Bowl’s Co-Chair for decades and was deeply and personally involved in most aspects of the tournament. Jacquelyn got to know many coaches and students on a personal level, and poured kindness and hospitality onto to anyone who needed it. Jacqueline was a driving force behind the tournament’s popularity and success.

The late Jacqueline Poirier,, who passed away in September 2019.

“Her energy and her calm demeanour will definitely be missed,” added Corbett, “but we know Jacqueline would expect that we would pick up where she left off, to ensure the Coal Bowl is supported and guided to another success, just as it would be if she were still with us.”

Coal Bowl 2020 Honourees  (Read full honourees write-up coalbowl.ca)

Coal Bowl Board of Directors are pleased to announce that the 1980-1981 New Waterford Cavaliers, Nova Scotia Intermediate D Champions, have been chosen as 2020’s Honourees. The New Waterford Cavaliers intermediate D Hockey Team became Nova Scotia Champions at the end of the 1980-1981 hockey season. The Cavaliers were in a local league with the Northside Combines, Whitney Pier Pirates, and Castle Bay Sabres. The New Waterford squad won the regular season with a record of 15 wins, 3 losses, one tie, clinching first place in the regular schedule…

Coal Bowl Division Chairs 2020 (Read full write-up here)

The Coal Bowl Board of Directors are also happy to announce that the 2020 Division Chairs will be stellar and accomplished athletes, Amanda Chiasson and Amanda’s husband, the late Robbie Chiasson from New Waterford.

Amanda Chiasson

Amanda [Wilcox] Chiasson is one of the finest female athletes New Waterford has ever produced, excelling in any sport she played, under the tutelage of local sports legend, Mike Kennedy.  Co-Athlete of the year, MVP in basketball and soccer and Female Athlete of the Year were awards frequently won by Amanda throughout her school years. Then, in 1990-91, Amanda led the Cape Breton High School AAA Basketball League in scoring, averaging 21 points per game. With a Degree in Physical Education from St. F. X. Amanda is currently coaching the JV girls basketball team…(Read more here)

The Late Robbie Chiasson 

The late Robbie Chiasson was an accomplished all around athlete in his younger years, who was also a member of the BEC Bears from 1985 to 1987.  A lover of all sports, Robbie played backyard football, school soccer and basketball and was a bit of a prodigy as a young hockey player. As an adult, Robbie embarked on a remarkable coaching career while balancing a teaching career.  Robbie was appointed Head Coach of the CBU Men’s Soccer team, where he transformed the CBU soccer program. Before his untimely passing, Robbie had been coaching the Sr High Bears to the Highland Division 2 Soccer title and the CBFC U 15 team to a provincial banner….(Read more here)

Amanda and Robbie have three children who are carrying on the family’s strong athletic tradition. Catie, Justin and Conor are all enjoying success in their respective basketball, soccer, hockey and Highland Dancing endeavours. Conor is a key member of the Bears who are seeking their third Coal Bowl Title. The Board of Directors are pleased to recognize Robbie and Amanda’s many accomplishments and of course, cheer on Conor.

Coal Bowl Live Action

As always, the Coal Bowl Facebook page (facebook.com/annualcoalbowlclassic/) and Coal Bowl website (coalbowl.ca) will be updated daily with game scores and community information for those near and far, who are not able to travel to games. Additionally, we will be live streamed again this year, via our YouTube channel  (youtube.com/capebretoncalling).

Coal Bowl Passes

If you’re looking to pick up your Coal Bowl passes, you can get them at Pharmasave in New Waterford, Family Heirblooms Flower Shop in New Waterford and Breton Education Centre Administration. Weeklong Passes are $25 ADULTS $15 for High School students and $10 for Elementary students.

COAL BOWL FAST FACTS

• Feb 3 - 8, 2020 marks the 38th Annual Coal Bowl
• Coal Bowl is a National invitational tournament
• There are 10 boys teams and 2 girls teams
• Hosted at Breton Education Centre in N.W.
• 10 Coal Bowl Teams, Coaches and Referees are housed in Breton Ed Centre
• Two Division Chairs Amanda Chiasson and the late Robbie Chiasson
• Honourees for 2020 are the 1980-1981 New Waterford Cavaliers
• Coal Bowl Website: www.coalbowl.ca
• Coal Bowl Facebook page: www.facebook.com/AnnualCoalBowlClassic/
• Coal Bowl Live Stream. Subscribe to youtube.com/capebretoncalling
• BEC Administration 902-862-6432
• For information or interviews, Jenn Sheppard, 902-563-6509 (text or call)