CRAIG SHUTE MEMORIAL UNDER 12 GIRLS INVITATIONAL TOURNAMENT
Craig was the corner stone for Ceebees Female Hockey and was also instrumental in developing our under 12 girls program. Craig spent countless hours not only locally but on a provincial level as well, promoting girls hockey. Craig was so passionate and enthusiastic in promoting girls hockey that he applied for our first Girls Esso Fun Days which was held in April of that year and was very successful as we attribute this to our increase in registration for under 12 girls from 8 – 23.
Craig was always asked to MC opening ceremonies and Craig would often chuckle and say “no way, not doing it”. So all too often during openings for tournaments you could look up and see Craig going back and forth to the minor hockey room. He was the behind the scenes “go to person” and not wanting to take any credit.
Craig would always disappear at the HNL general meetings but you didn’t have to wonder what was wrong……Craig was off talking to someone about getting a tournament or a game of hockey for one of our divisions….....and with such an outgoing personality he always came back with a list of contacts and phone numbers….....Craig’s idea of playing hockey did not mean you played ONLY in Hr. Grace.
Kelsey and Kristen Shute (daughters) have cherished friendships with the Whitbourne Association as Craig would spend many nights at the Whitbourne Stadium with the parents, coaches and chatting with Eric Clarke while the girls practiced or played hockey with the team of Whitbourne girls. And as a parent in the same division as Craig, there are memories of him taking Brandon (son) and teammates to wherever he could get them. Montreal, St. Pierre and pretty much all around the province. Brandon I know has lasting friendships with great hockey buddies. Stephanie as well has contact with individuals met through hockey travels and has received great support from them over the past years. FRIENDSHIPS THAT WERE ALL INITIATED BY ONE INDIVIDUAL – CRAIG SHUTE.
The Craig Shute Memorial Tournament is meant for ALL players to have fun and especially friendship, something that we all know Craig would definitely want. Craig’s volunteer hours will never be forgotten by CEE BEES Minor Hockey.
As you play hockey here this weekend at the S. W. Moores Memorial Stadium, his family and CEE BEES minor hockey executive ask all the players to have lots of fun and respect your teammates… remember Craig Shute and keep him near and dear to your heart as you play in his memory this weekend and form many lasting friendships.