Time is running out for teams to register for the Hollinger Cup.
Ken Pye, one of the organizers, has big plans for the three-on-three pond hockey tournament being played Feb. 17 - 19 at the Fred Salvador Baseball Field at Hollinger Park.
Recently, he was contacted by the Canadian Armed Forces, who will be volunteering and providing tents. At the opening ceremonies, he said they will also be shooting off a 105 mm howitzer canon.
To allow for the canon to be used, Pye asked Timmins council last night for the temporary closure of Water Tower Road. While there isn't an actual canon being shot, the closure would allow for the safe distance around the piece for noise concerns.
For the tournament, Pye said there are about 20 teams registered sor far. More are expected to sign on.
“I know of 20 teams right now who are ready to pull the pin, they are waiting for the weather report,” he said.
And so far, that forecast is looking perfect for pond hockey — that is cold enough at night to make ice, and warm enough during the day to play without the ice melting.
The cost is to register a team is $300. There are six divisions to choose from – competitive men’s and women’s, recreational, intermediate, youth, and family. The registration deadline is Feb. 14. All of the winning teams will get to hoist the Hollinger Cup and win their registration for next year’s tournament.
If you can’t ice a team, there will be plenty of action to check out.
Pye said there will also be live music and a beer tent. The Sk8te Hollinger rink will also be open for skating.
The community is also supporting the event.
Pye said the Rotary Club is running a barbecue at the event, and Haasen Farms donated hay bales for seating in the tents.
Big Moe’s Mike Gervais is also the first business to donate a participant prize.
Thanks to Gervais, every participant 16 years of age and older will be entered into the draw for a Joneser chain saw, which has a $300 value.
When Gervais heard about the tournament, he thought it was a great idea.
He encourages people to go watch a game.
“It’s for the kids, it’s Family Day,” said Gervais. “People say there’s nothing to do in Timmins; well there you go, support it.”
No matter how many teams register, Pye predicts the place will be packed on the weekend.
Last year on Family Day, he said there were 3,500 people at the figure eight throughout the day.
At Sk8te Hollinger, he is hoping to unofficially break a world record for the longest skating chain on Family Day. You can keep track of those plans on the Sk8te Hollinger Facebook page.
To register for the tournament, visit the Hollinger Cup website. Updates are also added to its Facebook page.
