Ball hockey the game for the rest of us
Ray Frost 3-on-3 tourney biggest event of the year
By Matthew Powers May 8, 2008 |
Hockey fanatics who slump into a funk when the outdoor ice begins to melt can cure their blues by giving ball hockey a try.
On the weekend of April 12-13, the Manitoba Ball Hockey Association is holding the Ray Frost 3-on-3 tournament.
The tournament at the Notre Dame Arena will give players a chance to battle for ball hockey supremacy.
“It is one of the biggest ball hockey events of the year in Winnipeg and it is open to anyone who wants to register a team and give it a shot,” said Yvonne Maxim, event co-ordinator.
With the exception of squeezing into a pair of skates, all of the same rules associated with ice hockey apply.
“It appeals to just about anybody who likes hockey in general and I would say even more so because ice hockey is expensive and cost-prohibitive to play,” said Jeff Dzikowicz, president of the Manitoba Ball Hockey Association.
“Ball hockey is much more accessible for those who can’t afford skates, equipment and ice rentals, or for those who simply don’t know how to skate.”
Up to 24 teams can register for the tournament, with a maximum of six players per team. There are men’s, women’s, youth and co-ed divisions.
Registration for the tournament is $160 per team. Money raised will go to the Manitoba Ball Hockey Association and the Manitoba Hockey Foundation.
“There will be several hockey personalities from around the province with ties to the NHL at the event,” Maxim said.
“We have set up a hockey hot stove forum where experts will be discussing hockey in general and answering questions from the crowd.”
The panel will consist of Manitoba Hockey Hall of Fame inductee Don Kuryk, president of the Manitoba Hockey Hall of Fame board of directors Gary Cribbs and former Winnipeg Jet Perry Miller.
There will also be a shoot-out competition for anyone who wants to enter. Participants in that event will have their names entered in a draw for prizes that include handmade benches designed by Gerry Ramsden.
“We had broken hockey sticks sent to us from all of the Canadian NHL teams as well as the Moose,” Ramsden said.
“These are sticks that were used in actual games and what I have done is painted the team logos on them and fastened them together to create benches, barbecue stands and such.”
Matt Stajan and Pavel Kubina of the Toronto Maple Leafs, Adrian Aucoin of the Calgary Flames and Roman Hamrlik of the Montreal Canadiens are among the players who have contributed sticks.
Registration deadline for the tournament is April 7. Teams can register at manitobaballhockey.com or call Yvonne at 224-2600.
