On May 5th 2022, the great family of Canadian Military Engineers, including retired members and civilian friends and colleagues gathered for what will henceforth be known as the first annual CME NCR Hockey Challenge. The event was comprised of a friendly, yet competitive, hockey game followed by a social hour. There were a few objectives to this event. First, it was intended to be a belated celebration of the 119th CME day. Second, it was a great opportunity to have all available members of the extended CME family, from the NCR or within range of the NCR, to gather in a non-formal setting, in a post-COVID environment, and to revive the esprit de corps of the branch in the region. Third, it was unofficially the first opportunity to highlight the upcoming retirement of the Chief Military Engineer, MGen Horgan.
We were fortunate to have the presence of the Senior Serving Engineer, the Chief Professional Conduct and Culture (CPCC), LGen Carignan, to say a few words as opening remarks (See picture “Speech”) and to conduct the Official face-off. The face-off was taken by MWO Marois and MWO O’Connell, while LGen Carignan was flanked by all General Officers in attendance: MGen Horgan, MGen Basinger, MGen Jayne (See picture “FaceOff”). It would be important to note that at the last minute, COVID protocols prevented the attendance of the Col Cmdt, MGen (Ret’d) Benjamin and Br CWO Merriam.
Following the official Face-Off, all players were gathered to take a group picture, accompanied by LGen Carignan (See picture “TeamPhoto”). It is noteworthy to mention that the event was sponsored by the CMEA National and NCR chapters, providing snacks and drinks to all players during the game and some great food to all in attendance at the social hour.
The event was a great success. There were nearly 30 participants in the hockey game and more than double that was in attendance for the social hour. It was great to see old friends and colleagues gathered, sharing stories and drinks after a great physical effort. The outcome of the event is clear: this will be repeated! So please be on the lookout for the next invitation to this event!
CHIMO!