Glenda MacLean is joined by members of Billy Joe MacLean’s family for the opening faceoff of the U13 AAA tournament held in memory of her husband on Friday at the Port Hawkesbury Civic Centre. Glenda is flanked by sons Paul (left) and Bill. Her son Charles and wife Natalie, and his son Zach and partner Janelle, are behind Paul. And that’s Port Hawkesbury Mayor Brenda Chisholm-Beaton just behind Bill’s shoulder. The four team captains, including Landon Morell of the Cape Breton West Islanders, took part in the ceremony.
January 21, 2026
-by Bill Dunphy
It was only fitting that the house Billy Joe built would be the site of the first Billy Joe MacLean Memorial U13 AAA hockey tournament.
The Port Hawkesbury Civic Centre was bustling this weekend as the Cape Breton West Islanders hosted the inaugural four-team tournament.
Born and raised in Port Hawkesbury, Billy Joe served as a member of the legislative assembly, a member of the provincial cabinet, and as mayor of Port Hawkesbury.
Throughout his career, he worked tirelessly to advance opportunities for the people of his hometown and the surrounding communities.
Several members of Billy Joe’s family were on hand for the opening ceremony on Friday, including Glenda, his wife of 63 years before he passed away last year on April 23.
Joining her at centre ice were three of her sons: Bill, Paul and Charles, and his wife Natalie. Charles’ son Zach and his partner Janelle were also in attendance.
Tournament organizer Rodney MacDonald gave opening remarks and Glenda then dropped the puck with all four team captains there to take the draw.
“We were really touched that Rodney asked us if we would mind putting dad’s name on the tournament,” said Bill MacLean.
“Mom was really pleased and enjoyed the evening. She looked at that puck for a couple of hours after that.”
MacLean, who works for TD Wealth and was one of the tournament sponsors, added, “It was so nice for this tournament to be held at the Civic Center, a place that dad loved and was very proud of.”
Other sponsors included: Paul and Lee-Ann MacLean, the Town of Port Hawkesbury, Maple Signs and Engraving, and Tim Horton’s.
The tournament was held over three days, with the Chebucto Atlantics defeating the Glace Bay Miners 5-3 in Sunday’s final.
The first game of the tournament featured the host Islanders taking on Chebucto.
The Islanders held their own through the first two periods, skating to a 1-1 tie after the first.
Lucas Hebb scored for the Islanders, tipping a point shot by defenceman Danny MacDonald, on a feed from Landon Morell.
However, back-to-back powerplay goals by Chebucto in the third led to the visitors winning 6-1.
Jace Poirier was named the Islanders player of the game. Brady LeBlanc was between the pipes.
Game two saw the Glace Bay Miners defeat the Antigonish Bulldogs 5-2.
The Miners followed that with a 3-2 win over Chebucto.
In the fourth game of the tourney, the Islanders played the Miners to a 3-3 tie.
Angus MacDonald scored on a play with Théo Chiasson to put the Islanders up 1-0 after the first.
Jake MacDonald made it 2-0 early in the second, assisted by Danny MacDonald.
The Miners got on the board midway through the second and tied it at 5:52 of the third period.
Twenty-one seconds later, Angus MacDonald scored his second of the game to give the Islanders the lead back, assisted by Callum MacLellan and Chiasson.
But Glace Bay scored a powerplay goal at 6:47 and the 3-3 tie held.
Rylan LeBlanc was in goal for the Islanders. Angus MacDonald was the player of the game.
Game five saw the Bulldogs defeat Chebucto 6-3. Antigonish, however, was unavailable to play the remainder of the tournament. This set up a crossover game between Chebucto and Cape Breton West, with the winner advancing to the final against Glace Bay.
The Islanders gave it their best shot, losing a close 5-3 game.
Scoring for the Islanders, all on the powerplay, were: Danny MacDonald (Morell);
Jake MacDonald (Danny MacDonald); and Morell (Jake MacDonald and Bryden Poulette).
Landon Morell was the Islanders player of the game. Rylan LeBlanc was in goal.
