A ‘The Queen’s’ Battery earns Kingston Cup bragging rights

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This article was published 05/12/2023 (707 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Bragging rights at 1st Regiment, Royal Canadian Horse Artillery (1RCHA) goes to Battery Commander Major Chris Lewington after his team prevailed during Monday morning’s Kingston Cup hockey game.

While he was unable to play after testing his new skates Sunday, Lewington handed off his opening face-off skirmish with B Battery Commander major Craig Kelsey to Lt. Nash McLean, an RMC grad who dominated on the winning team’s blue-line.

“I tried to skate, but it’s not for me,” he said pre-game at CFB Shilo’s Gunner Arena. “I’ll watch the game instead from the bench.”

And Lewington was not disappointed watching McLean score on an end-to-end rush, and also with a blast from the high slot. Teammate Lt. Laura Turner also contributed two goals from close range on B Battery goalie Capt. Mitch Cain.

B Battery actually opening the scoring thanks to the hustle of Bdr. Daniel Zanatta and forechecking of warrant officer J.C. Houle, with the puck eluding A “The Queen’s” Battery net minder Sgt. Tayler Paynton.

1RCHA Commanding Officer LCol. Joe O’Donnell was especially pleased with the turnout for the game on when artillery soldiers across Canada celebrate the annual St. Barbara’s Day, and 1RCHA celebrates its 125th anniversary.

O’Donnell said it’s important to continue the tradition of his two batteries playing this hockey game for a historic cup on display at the RCA Museum.

“Continuing the tradition of our two batteries playing this hockey game is vital because it preserves the rich heritage of the Canadian Artillery. It honours the longstanding competition between A and B batteries, dating back to the 19th century, and symbolizes the enduring camaraderie among Gunners.”

Like Lewington, O’Donnell recalled his own participation as A “The Queen’s” battery commander was limited to the opening faceoff because he could not skate despite buying a pair and borrowing equipment.

“Reflecting on my experience as A battery commander, before they received the honorific title of ‘The Queen’s’ battery, Gunners participated in this historic game to gain a sense of pride and connection to our artillery legacy.

“It’s more than just a hockey match; it’s a celebration of tradition, unit pride, and the unique bond shared among those who serve in the Canadian Artillery.”

Now the 1RCHA commanding office since the summer of 2022, O’Donnell took pride in dropping the ceremonial puck to begin a game initially played first in 1871, when the two batteries were formed, or in 1873 according to military historians.

“As the CO being part of this game and dropping the ceremonial puck holds great significance. It signifies the ceremonial start of a long standing tradition that predates even the establishment of organized hockey leagues.

“It’s an opportunity to reinforce the unit’s cohesion, boost morale and highlight the importance of camaraderie both on and off the battlefield.

And who did O’Donnell cheer for since he once was A “The Queen’s” battery commander?

“Cheering for a specific team is a delicate balance between past allegiances as the first battery I joined when arriving in 1RCHA in 2008 was B battery, and the last battery I was a part of was A battery.

“While I have a history with both batteries, my role as CO requires impartial support for both A and B batteries, emphasizing unity and the collective spirit of the Canadian Artillery. I wished them both success.”

According to O’Donnell, having the game finally played again after having it cancelled because of a COVID pandemic and then having both batteries deployed to Latvia on Operation Reassurance, was a welcome respite from the heavy training 1RCHA Gunners have been undergoing prior to their Christmas block leave.

“Having the game played again after missing out in 2022 due to deployments is especially meaningful, coinciding only a few days after 1RCHA’s 125th anniversary.

“It’s a momentous occasion to reconnect with the traditions disrupted by deployments, reaffirm the unit’s legacy, and create lasting memories that resonate with the historical significance of the Kingston Cup.”

And players who experienced the 2023 Kingston Cup wearing their new black and white jerseys have bragging rights as they walk around the 1RCHA building thanks to the dominant 11-3 victory, while B battery players in their new Boston Bruin colours can only look to December 2024 to exact revenge in this historic hockey contest played by artillery soldiers.

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