Can’t get enough hockey? The local chapter of the Canadian Progress Club (CPC) has just the thing. Today is its annual pond hockey championship, now in its seventh year. There will be 115 games taking place at Lacombe Lake Park, starting at 9:30 a.m.
“It is a full day event,” confirmed John Kennair, the second vice president with the organization, adding that there are 35 teams registered at last report, which equals 175 players. “There are teams of five but three skate, so it’s three-on-three hockey with little mini nets – little shoebox-sized, maybe a little bigger. There’s eight rinks at a time going on. It’s great fun.”
“I watch it and go, ‘this is actually quite awesome.’”
In addition to the sporting action, spectators can enjoy the heated skate-up beer garden along with two outdoor fire pits, plus hay rides for all ages to enjoy.
“It just seems to get better every year.”
The event is a fundraiser that goes to support the local chapter of KidSport, which assisted 145 kids with $35,938 in grants in 2016. The CPC’s other charities of choice, Uncles and Aunts at Large, Camp Warwa Society and Special Olympics, will benefit as well.
The public is advised that parking will not be allowed on site during the event. The city is instead offering free park and ride service from the St. Albert Centre Exchange, starting at 9 a.m. and running every 20 minutes with the last bus departing Lacombe Lake Park at 7:08 p.m.
At the same time, the CPC is promoting its next major function. Boogie Nights is an evening of dinner, disco music and dance set for March 18. Tickets are $100. More details can be found at www.cpcstalbert.ca. Kennair said that there would be a prize for the best disco costume.
“It’s all designed to have fun. Fun is the big issue here. Partying for charity.”
