LAVAL - High school students and soldiers who served alongside Sgt. Chris Karigiannis laced up their skates in Laval Saturday in a hockey-theme tribute to the fallen Canadian soldier.
Laval Junior High School and Laval Liberty High School took the day to dedicate a hockey rink to Karigiannis, who was killed in Afghanistan in 2007 when a vehicle he occupied was hit by an IED.
Karigiannis, a former student at Laval Liberty, was remembered by students, staff, community members, family members and soldiers, who played in a hockey tournament on the newly-dedicated ice.
"He embodied the values that Canadians hold dear -- honour, sacrifice, commitment and bravery," said Laval Junior High School's principal Richard Mason.
Students from Quebec high schools faced off, as did students and soldiers in a lighthearted match-up.
Karigiannis's brother, Peter, said the soldier would have been pleased with the event.
"I think he would be more proud of the fact that the school has built this relationship with the Canadian Forces and the fact that the kids have learned something important out of it. It seems to have affected them in a positive way," he said.
The dedication is part of an ongoing volunteerism project between the students and members of the 3rd Battalion of Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry, stationed in Edmonton.
"This is very mutually beneficial. Perhaps we play a small role in inspiring young people to strive to better themselves and to reach a little higher, but I have to tell you that we are equally inspired when we meet these people," said Lt.-Col. Peter S. Dawe of Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry.
Karigiannis was a member of the 3PPCLI, as well as a member of the elite Skyhawks team, the Canadian Forces Parachute Demonstration team.
