The pond behind Elk Ridge Lodge, just outside the gates of Prince Albert National Park, was transformed into the Pond of Dreams hockey day January 21 in Saskatchewan.
Six U11 teams – two from Saskatoon, the Renegade Rattlers and Flyers Phantoms – as well as the Regina Monarchs, Prince Albert Bulldogs, Humboldt Broncos and Battlefords Barons made up the tournament, which was dubbed ‘The Battle on the Pond’.
“It all started with our first meeting with our team manager, Christina, and our head coach, Darin, and what we wanted to do for the tournament this year,” said Paula Weiss, team treasurer for the Saskatoon Renegades Wranglers.
“Was out, and I said, ‘Why don’t we do Elk Ridge? Give it a whirl,’ and she was on the phone with SMHA the next day to make sure we could do it and got it approved.” Then she was on the phone with Elk Ridge and they went straight to the ship.
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This pond hockey tournament was the first of its kind – the first to be sanctioned by the Saskatchewan Minor Hockey Association. Ultimately, the organizers wanted an event like this to be one that children would love to watch.
Ben Slgotsky of the Saskatoon Flyers said, “Your blades aren’t completely icy, which is a little different, so you don’t throw ice at each other in the dressing room.”
“I think we have a chance to win it and yeah, I think we’ll remember it when we grow up,” said Teela Olson of the Humboldt Broncos.
“It’s cold outside and the snow is a bit rough,” said Kellen Deranger of the Prince Albert squad.
The parents and coaches felt that this tournament would be one that the kids would remember forever.
Aaron Freedman of Battleford Barron said, “A once in a lifetime experience and they were lucky enough to be in it and they will be happy about it for the rest of their lives.”
Chad Knaus, coach of the Humboldt Broncos U11 team for the tournament, said, “We were just praying that we would get in and once we heard that our kids were happy.”
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Elk Ridge is a perfect example of one of Saskatchewan’s many winter wonderlands, and adding an official pond tournament to what has become an annual event for Saskatchewan Minor Hockey Week seemed perfect.
“People probably think it’s a good idea to find out. And it’s great to be able to set the tone, or set the bar. It’s a great place to do it. Not only for hockey but for the city There are endless opportunities to spend a really special weekend away.
With the success of this pond hockey tournament, Saskatchewan can expect more to pop up in the future at other winter venues in the province of Saskatchewan.
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