Federal NDP leadership candidate Guy Caron came to Haliburton a few weeks ago to speak to interested residents at Baked and Battered. Caron is a two-time MP for the Rimouski-Neigette–Témiscouata–Les Basques riding. /DARREN LUM Staff By Darren Lum
Jan. 24 2017
In the land of tuques and double-doubles there’s nothing quite like playing hockey on a frozen lake.
See hundreds of men and women playing Canada’s game when they compete to be the best win the Maple Cup and embody everything Canadian at the Canadian National Pond Hockey Championships over two weekends in front of the Pinestone Resort and Conference Centre in Haliburton over the Jan. 27 to 29 weekend and the Feb. 3 to 5 weekend.
Christina Carere of the CNPHC said everything is set for the opening weekend.
“Pondemonium is on. The pond rinks are being staked out tomorrow (Sunday) morning on the ice and we hope to start building the rinks on Monday. Entertainment is all booked and the game schedule for the first weekend has been sent out” she said.
The game action starts at noon and ends at 9 p.m. on Jan. 27 and games begin again Saturday at 9 a.m. and finish at 9 p.m. During the second weekend of action the games start at noon and end at 9 p.m. and then start again at 9 a.m. and end at 10 p.m.
Teams will be limited to six players and play four games two on Friday and two on Saturday. New this year is the Young Bloods ages 20+ men’s division.
This event also includes Gibson’s Finest Friday Night Bash on the opening weekend starting at 10 p.m. Friday hosted by the Pinestone Resort.
The games on Saturday Jan.28 are followed by the Pond Party Bash event at 9 p.m. featuring MAPS in the Highlander bar at the Pinestone. There will also be a winners VIP party at 10 p.m.
Volunteers who must be 16 and older are still needed for the event.
“We are still looking for outside volunteers for the second weekend (Feb 3 to 4) including scorekeepers runners rink marshals and rink repair crew” Carere said.
Anyone 12 to 15 is eligible to volunteer but must be accompanied by an adult. There are indoor and outdoor positions. Training will be provided. See canadapondhockey.ca for details.
The Stone 21 restaurant lounge and patio will be open for breakfast lunch and dinner.
Event clothing by Northwest Design Ink will be available for purchase in the Northern Lights room on Friday and Saturday. A portion of proceeds will go to Central Food Network and Heat Bank Haliburton County.
