Strap on a helmet, grab a stick and get ready to score some goals.
The inaugural Easter Seals Power Play Street Hockey Tournament is set for Saturday, Sept. 20 and it won’t just be the team that scores the most points that wins.
“All the money raised stays in this area,” said Christa Werenko, an organizer for the event. “It goes toward buying equipment for kids with disabilities.”
Each team of six players, all over the age of 19, will be asked to pay an entry fee of a minimum of $600 in donations. There will be prizes for the team and individual that raises the most money—including a little help.
“[The top fundraising team] is supposed to have a celebrity as their seventh player,” she said, adding that she couldn’t name that celebrity, yet. “It hasn’t been confirmed. . . it’s supposed to be an ex-NHLer.”
The fact that a celebrity hasn’t been inked yet hasn’t hurt the interest in the event, however.
“There’s been an excellent response,” she said. “As it exists now, we have 12 teams.”
Werenko explained that the tournament structure will only allow 16-18 teams, so those wishing to get involved should do so soon.
“I’m especially excited that we have 12 teams confirmed and we don’t have a celebrity yet,” Werenko said. “That hasn’t been what’s been drawing people.”
Teams will suit up for four-on-four action, with helmets being mandatory, in 15-20 minute games. Goalies will be allowed to wear other equipment for protection, but most “regular” hockey equipment won’t be allowed.
Werenko explained the goal, no pun intended, is to have fun and eliminate the majority of physical play.
The tournament will be set up on the tennis courts adjacent to the Memorial Sports Centre.
The street hockey tournament, an event that has been successful in Dryden for the past couple of years, isn’t just about the hockey or the fundraising.
“We’re trying to make it a community event,” Werenko said. “There will be lots of room for spectators.”
Aside from the hockey, she explained there will be a beer gardens, activities for the kids, the Rainy River District Substance Abuse Program impaired driving simulator for people to try, a supper, a live and silent auction of sports memorabilia and other large ticket items, and a social that evening.
Organizers are also in the process of confirming Borderland Thunder’s involvement in the event—maybe even providing a player as a seventh for the team with the second most pledges.
“We’re confirming a Thunder player as a mentor for the event,” she said.
Another fun aspect to the event us the prizes.
Though the traditional prizes for top fundraisers and winning teams will be awarded, Werenko explained that there are other more fun rewards.
She said teams will be encouraged to dress up, either in work attire or in costumes. There will be prizes for the best dressed team, most sportsmanlike team and the “Herb Tarlek Award,” of “WKRP in Cincinnati” fame,” for the tackiest dresser.
“There’s a lot of incentives for individuals,” she continued, adding that even those who raise more than the minimum $100 can aim for prizes like jackets, water bottle and much more.
“The community has been excellent,” she said, adding that even though it’s been a busy summer for fundraising events, “businesses are stepping up.”
Organizers are still looking for a couple more sponsors, including someone to help sponsor the supper for participants.
“They’re getting lunch for sure,” Werenko said, “and hopefully the meal. Might be a discount.”
Tickets to the meal and social that evening are available to the public for $20 and include access to the live and silent auction of sports memorabilia and the social. Those wishing to attend just the social, which should start around 9:30 p.m. and will have a DJ spinning tunes, can enter for $5.
For more information, people are asked to call Shannon Munroe (274-0873) to register or for more information.
Fort Frances Times
Local News from Across the Rainy River District
