143 Rivalry Game Set to Rekindle Hockey Feud

The idea is simple — take what may well be Quebec’s oldest independent school hockey rivalry and revive it within the alumni communities of both schools.

Both alumni programs are assembling top-tier rosters determined to make a statement, balancing experience, skill, and competitiveness to create teams worthy of their school’s hockey legacy. “We’re putting together a lineup that can compete,” said BCS organizer Mathieu Dubois, BCS ‘14. “This isn’t just a friendly skate — this is the real deal.”

The Stanstead camp shares the same energy. “We’ve been checking who’s been keeping their skates sharp,” said Stanstead Alumni Hockey Team GM JD Ross, SC ‘00. “We want to make sure the first 143 Rivalry Game sets the tone for the years ahead. We’re ready.”

The name 143 Rivalry Game pays tribute to Highway 143, the stretch of road that connects the two communities — BCS at one end in Lennoxville and Stanstead College at the other. It’s a road that has carried generations of players, fans, and stories between the two schools. “It’s more than just a winding rural road” said Stanstead College Director of Advancement Jesse McRae ‘02. “It’s a line that connects two proud hockey traditions. Plenty of bus rides home have been spent in celebration or defeat for over a hundred years by each school”

Adding to the excitement, the two Heads of School have agreed to a friendly but serious wager. The losing Head must wear the winning team’s jersey on campus for an entire day.

“The 143 Rivalry marks the beginning of something special,” said Suzy McDonald, Stanstead '95, Head of School. “This is more than a game—it’s the start of a new tradition that celebrates the history and pride of two remarkable schools. It’s a night of competition, connection, and the promise of what’s ahead. Go Spartans!”

A historical trophy returns
In keeping with the sense of tradition, the 143 Rivalry Trophy being awarded this year has its own storied past. The trophy has been repurposed from the original Eastern Townships Hockey Championship, a piece of local hockey history dating to 1905. Its return to the ice is both symbolic and fitting — a reminder that this rivalry has been part of the region’s sporting fabric for generations.

Fans are encouraged to show their school spirit and fill the stands. The puck drops at 10:00 AM on January 10 at the Jane & Eric Molson Arena at Bishop’s University. Alumni, parents, and friends from both communities are invited to make the short trip along Route 143, bring their school colours, and make some noise.

The morning promises more than just hockey. Organizers are planning a lively pre-game atmosphere, a few surprises between periods, and the presentation of the 143 Rivalry Trophy — a symbol of victory, history, and bragging rights until next year’s rematch. Proceeds from the game will support alumni programming and community initiatives at both schools.

“143 Rivalry is bigger than just one game.,” said Kurt A. Johnson, BCS ’84, Head of School. “It is a celebration of over a century of fierce and friendly competition between two historic schools that are the pride of the Eastern Townships. BCS alumni will battle on the ice, and our community will back them off the ice by driving the fundraising that keeps BCS Bears hockey strong and vibrant. This will be a game-changing night and exciting new tradition in the making. Go Bears!”

Whether the outcome brings celebration or playful regret, one thing is certain — hockey tradition is alive and well along Route 143.