Annual Shamrock Shootout Returns to West Roxbury Saturday

Annual Shamrock Shootout Returns to West Roxbury Saturday

Boston Mayor Marty Walsh will join more than 500 youth hockey players for the St. Patrick’s Day-themed tournament.

By Matt Perkins, West Roxbury Patch

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The shootout is set to ramp up on the corner of Temple and Sherbrook streets around 9:30 a.m. Saturday, March 15, with Boston Mayor Martin Walsh on hand for the puck drop. Alongside him will be State Rep. Ed Coppinger (D-Boston) and West Roxbury District Councilor Matt O’Malley.

“We’re really just a couple of dad who started it seven years ago and it’s turned into something bigger,” said Mark Sanders, who co-founded the event with Parkway Youth Hockey President Michael O’Brien. “When we started out, there were 50 kids. Now, there are 550 kids.”

With so many youths taking part, Sanders said that the tournament is now at maximum capacity. He added that he’s keeping a close eye on the weather forecast in hopes that the event will go on as planned. Should a weather-delay occur, it would most likely push the event back to Sunday.

“We’re just hoping mother nature will comply with our demands,” Sanders said.

The event will feature music, Irish step dancing and food, as well as appearances by the Suffolk County Sheriff’s Department Honor Guard and the Boston Fire Deparmtent, which will raise the American Flag. Mascots from the Boston Bruins and Northeastern University will also be on hand, Sanders said. The event is sponsored by Mt. Washington Bank, The Corrib Pub and Restaurant and a host of local unions, he added.

Winners of the tournament will have their names inscribed in a Beanpot-style trophy that makes the rounds at various venues in West Roxbury. Currently, the trophy can be viewed at Mt. Washington Bank on Centre Street, Sanders said.