The Elementary School Hockey Tournament went to an exciting shootout for the gold medal game Wednesday afternoon, with Elijah Smith Elementary School coming out on top.

The tournament was between mostly Grade 7 students, with a few from Grade 6 filling out the teams. There were 11 teams participating in the one-day tournament.

Joining Whitehorse's elementary schools were teams from Teslin and Haines Junction.

"It was wonderful,” said John Wright, principal of Elijah Smith School.

This was the fourth annual Elementary School Hockey Tournament, organized by Holy Family Elementary School principal Ted Hupe.

Elijah Smith won the tournament 6-5 over Holy Family School after a come back from a 3-0 deficit.

"The final game was a real nailbiter,” Wright said.

Elijah Smith was down by three goals in the beginning of the game, but managed to turn it around to push the game into overtime with a 5-5 score. The game went to a shootout, with Elijah Smith stealing a goal to win the tournament.

Wright said his school's team won all of their seven games, except one, in the round robin.

The outcome was great, considering the team did not play together before hand.

"We've never held a practice,” Wright said.

Much of the team was made up of Whitehorse Minor Hockey players, Wright said.

"Often success is based on how many of these players are in your school at any given time,” Wright said.

Two players were not involved with minor hockey, and Wright said they did well with their teammates.

"They seemed to have quite a few skills,” Wright said, adding that the two boys play floor hockey. "They kept up, there was no problem there.”

Every player got the same amount of ice time, regardless of skill or whether they are involved with extra-curricular hockey.

Wright commended those involved with organizing the tournament.

"It's so well run,” he said.

He also noticed an incredible display of fair play from all involved.

"I was blown away by the sportsmanship,” Wright said.

Even though the tournament has been going for several years, this was the first time Wright had been available to attend.