Campus Rec figures pond hockey is the best game you can name

(Edmonton) The University of Alberta's tradition of hockey greatness is about to take another step forward as Campus Recreation has announced its first annual pond hockey tournament, to be played Feb. 11 to 13.

"We are really looking forward to celebrating that outdoor backyard-rink feeling that many of us grew up with," said Brian Gratrix, program co-ordinator with Campus Rec.

The tournament, which will coincide with CBC's Hockey Day in Canada celebrations, will see 64 teams made up of students, staff and alumni face off in a four-on-four tournament played in rinks currently being constructed on varsity field.

The entry fee is $100 per team with a roster maximum set at five. There will be men's and women's divisions, which will feature a seeding round followed by a round robin. Organizers say games will consist of two 12-minute periods, with a shovel before each game.

There is a minimum equipment requirement of a helmet, stick and skates, but participants are encouraged to wear shin pads and elbow pads as well.

The rinks are approximately 60 feet by 120 feet with a centre ice line. After each goal, the scoring team will be required to return to its side of half. Nets are six feet wide and six inches high.

There is an off-ice official but no referee. "There is no goaltending, but games are self-officiated so the spirit of the game should dictate over having to call penalties," said Gratrix. "This is certainly one of the highlight participating teams will remember and want to be a part of for years to come."

Registration begins Jan. 17, with an early-bird prize deadline of Jan. 26. Registration will close on Feb. 2.

For more information go to www.campusrec.ualberta.ca/intramurals/content.cfm?act=1114 or visit the Campus Rec office on the lower level of the Van Vliet Centre in the Faculty of Physical Education and Recreation in W-10.

If you would like to make a tax deductible gift in support of campus recreation activities, please click here.