For the last 28 years, the Rod & Joan Shoveller Memorial Men’s Basketball Tournament has been a fixture on the basketball circuit during the Holidays. But this year is very different.
“The reality of COVID-19 has certainly impacted life for all of our student-athletes, the entire Dal community and the city of Halifax,” says men’s basketball head coach Rick Plato. “This tournament has long provided our community with the opportunity to see some of the finest basketball played anywhere in Canada. It has been a staple for so many, in particular, the youngsters, who really embody the enthusiasm and popularity that our game enjoys not only in Nova Scotia, but across Canada.”
Initially named for Rod Shoveller, a former special events coordinator at Dalhousie University who was well-known for his more than 30 years of service to basketball officiating, died of cancer after an upbeat and ultimately inspiring battle against the disease in 1991.
He exemplified the kind of passionate commitment to people and strength in the face of challenge, which characterizes sport at its very best, prompting the men’s basketball team to rename their annual tournament in his honour that same year.
Rod’s wife Joan was a long-time Black and Gold member, and a regular fixture at many of the Dal Tigers games. She was always present for the ceremonial tip-off of the annual Rod Shoveller Memorial Basketball Tournament with her family in tow until passing away unexpectedly during the 2014 event, at the age of 80.
In 2015, the tournament was re-named to The Rod & Joan Shoveller Memorial Men’s Basketball Tournament. It has affectionately become known to most as ‘The Shoveller’.
Rod and Joan’s three children Tim, Bruce and Lynda, along with their grandchildren, would always turn out in full force for the event each year. Lynda, who lives in Dartmouth, hasn’t missed a single year.
“I have been at every Shoveller since it was started,” she says. “My husband Scott and I have watched all three of our kids run laps around the old court. We have connected with so many people each year - that will be the most difficult thing - to miss connecting with all the people who also have attended the tournament since its onset.”
Two of Rod and Joan’s grandchildren have played in the tournament named for their grandparents. Mike (Shoveller) was the first who played his fifth and final year of eligibility with the Tigers during the 2018-19 season after four years with the Queen’s Gaels.
Most recently, his younger brother Ben played in last year’s event, helping the Tigers to a tournament win in his first season at Dalhousie. He feels a deep connection to the event.
“It's such an honour to be associated with a tournament that's named after my grandparents,” he says. “Although I'm disappointed I won't be able to participate this year, I'm looking forward to upcoming years when hopefully we'll be able to enjoy what has become a holiday tradition in Halifax. On behalf of my family, I’d like to thank everyone who has supported the event and wish everyone a safe and happy holiday.”
Lynda feels that this year more than ever, its important to reflect on the importance of community.
“It’s difficult for me to put into words how I feel about The Shoveller,” she says. “When it first started, I never thought it would last this long - I thought it would fizzle out. But it hasn’t. The unbelievable enthusiasm shown to the memory of our parents is so humbling and affects my soul every year I attend The Shoveller. The dedication of the men’s basketball program and Dalhousie’s Department of Athletics and Recreation is the reason The Shoveller still exists. We (our family) have tremendous gratitude for the sense of community that has evolved through the years, allowing the memory of Rod and Joan to fill Dalplex each December.”
Everything has looked very different this year during the worldwide pandemic, and rightfully so. During a time when Dalplex would normally be filled with the sound of basketballs hitting the floor, crowds cheering and chatter from people catching up since last year’s event, it’s eerily quiet this year.
“I know The Shoveller will be missed,” says Plato. “But like so many other events, I am certain it will be back better than ever next year.”