As Stompin’ Tom put it, the good ol’ hockey game is the best game you can name.
The game got its start on ponds, lakes, and other homemade rinks around the country, and the tradition is still alive and well in Northeastern Ontario. Experience it for yourself outdoors, on ice, this February in Sudbury and Timmins at their respective pond hockey tournaments.
Northern Water Sports Centre
February 2-4, 2018
Registration is closed but spectators are welcome, with past years experiencing up to 5,000 visitors.
It’s no secret that this city loves its hockey and that community pride will be on full display this weekend on Ramsey Lake. Ten natural ice surfaces will be cleared by Science North, and after a two-year weather-related on-ice hiatus, Pond Hockey on the Rock is back where it belongs—on the lake!
So layer up in your warmest clothes, grab some hand warmers, a blanket, and a thermos of hot chocolate, and head on down to the Lake Ramsey for some of the best fun you’ll have all winter.
It’s all for a good cause, with proceeds going to a number of community organizations that this year include Camp Quality Northern Ontario and Yes Theatre.
Find out more by visiting the Pond Hockey on the Rock website.
Fred Salvador Baseball Field
February 17-19, 2018
Registration closes February 14, 2018.
The City of Timmins is no stranger to hockey either, the hometown of Hockey Greats such as Frank and Pete Mahovlich, Steve Sullivan, Bill Barilko, and many more.
Participants and spectators at the Hollinger Cup won’t be housed in the Mac (the McIntyre Arena—Timmins' hockey temple), but they will be able to enjoy 22 Zamboni-cleaned pond hockey rinks and one NHL-sized rink at the iconic Hollinger Park. In case you’re not familiar with the City with a Heart of Gold, rinks will be named after the streets of downtown Timmins, so you’ll be able to boast improved knowledge of a Northern Ontario hockey capital, eh?
Back for its second year after its inception in 2017, players of all ability and skill levels are welcome to participate in the Hollinger Cup. The tournament website says, “We’ll take care of the weekend’s dirty work, as long as you take care of the dirty dangles.” That’s a hockey sentiment that we can get behind.
Check out the Hollinger Cup website for more details.
Rainbow Ridge Golf Course & Indoor Golf Academy
February 24-25, 2018
The Manitoulin East Pond Hockey Championship is a newcomer the pond hockey "circuit", so this tournament is one to watch in 2018. Come on out to compete or cheer on the teams at Hole #16!
Up to 10 teams can register with cash prizes on the line for the winning team and the runners up. Win or lose, it's shaping up to be a great day with pond hockey and indoor golf during the day, and live music and an awards ceremony to follow inside the Ridge Clubhouse.
Visit their Facebook Page for Registration Details and rules of play.
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Can't make the action these weekends, or just looking for more local on-ice entertainment? Pick up tickets to a Sudbury Wolves or a North Bay Battalion game – Northeastern Ontario’s two OHL teams.
Is curling more of your jam? Then head on over the Ford Women’s Curling Championship 2018 website next–hosted in March in North Bay!
