The Sylvan Lake Pond Hockey Tournament proved a upon its return to the Sylvan Lake ice over the weekend. The annual event, cancelled last year due to ice instability, saw 25 teams vying for one of three grand prizes of $1,500 cash as well as bragging rights over a 24-hour period beginning Friday night.
Plenty of food, entertainment and guest appearances were enjoyed by all who took in the tournament, which began two ceremonial puck drops — one by former NHL player Georges Laraque (Edmonton Oilers, Phoenix Coyotes, Pittsburgh Penguins, Montreal Canadiens), the other by Sylvan Lake mayor Sean McIntyre.
The action-packed event wrapped up with an appearance by Canada’s favourite trailer park supervisor and assistant trailer park supervisor, Jim Lahey and Randy, respectively, of Trailer Park Boys fame.
Temperatures over the weekend, though chilly, made for ideal pond hockey conditions, and helped create an event memorable for all who took part.
Tournament winners are as follows:
Crosby Division: First place - Aces; Second place - Dangling Delights.
Gretzky Division: First place – The Handlebars; Second place - Nordrinks.
Howe Division: First place – Hazard Hackers; Second place - 5 Holes.