The Vancouver Island Junior Hockey League All-Star Classic, hosted by the Kerry Park Islanders at the Island Savings Centre last Sunday was a hit with players and organizers alike.
The North Division team beat the South Division squad, which included three Islanders, 7-5, but the score wasn't as important as the overall show.
Kerry Park's own Cody Short scored once and was named South Division MVP.
Islanders captain Eric Mansueti was thrilled to make his all-star debut in front of a home crowd.
"It was really fun, a great experience," the veteran centre said. "It was pretty cool to do it in my hometown, in my last year of hockey."
Playing on a line with current teammate Short and Duncan native Dayne Ellison, a former Islander now skating for the Saanich Braves, Mansueti registered an assist in the all-star game.
Also in the game was steady Islanders defenceman Colton Burt, another player Mansueti was honoured to join on the ice.
"He's a good buddy of mine, too," the captain said. "It was fun to go and hang out with him. We're the only 20-year-olds on the Islanders, so it was nice to share it with him."