Saturday, February 16 was a perfect -8 C and teams were set for a day of all out pond hockey at the ice rink. The teams entered in the tournament were in for a great day beginning with the first puck drop at 1 pm sharp. Each 25 min game brought more and more excitement.
Teams competed in one common pool creating an all out battle for top position. After the scheduled three games, two teams had a flawless record winning all three of their games. The teams assembled by John Rolfe and Ryan Wilson were perfect on the day leading into the final match. It was a do or die 25 minute race for the cup. At the final whistle, it was the team entered by John Rolf who hoisted the Castleton Cup Pond Hockey trophy under the lights in victory at 7:30pm
The teams were complied of various ages but it was the timeless entry of golden oldies by Derek Jones that drew the attention of spectators. Not too sure if an ambulance or defibrillator was needed but this team did have a ton of fun.
Though there was no real winner or loser on the day but the true winners were all participants in the first Castleton Cup Pond Hockey tournament. Forty-eight players, comprising eight teams, taking to the ice of the outdoor rink was a perfect way to celebrate the Canada’s ultimate winter sport. Grassroots hockey is alive and well in rural Ontario.
The Sports Club has deemed this an event a success and with some cooperation from Mother Nature it will become an annual event.