After a week cooped up indoors away from the extreme cold, last weekend's pond hockey tournament was an ideal way to blow off some winter steam.
The annual B.C. Northern Regional Pond Hockey Championships wrapped up Sunday afternoon after invading West Lake provincial park for a second year of back-to-basics game play.
According to organizer John Reed, it was a better event than last year's inaugural outing.
"We learned a few things from last year that we applied to this year, and there are things from this year that we'll do next year," said Reed.
One of those changes was to the schedule, with each team playing five games. With 30-minute games, teams returned to the ice quickly, therefore staying onsite until their next match.
"Most teams were onsite for the majority of Saturday," said Reed. "That made for a more festive, participatory atmosphere."
Although the player turnout was lower - only 18 teams registered, as opposed to 33 last year - many of those who did come out were returning players.
One of those who came back for a second outing was Greg Vanderzande. The Grand Forks resident returned to play with his recreational division team The Vipers and defend their title.
The Vipers did as they planned and defeated the Prince George North Stars 25-10 in their Sunday morning game.
"We're crafty old veterans," said Vanderzande, whose team played against a younger group since there weren't enough teams to have a full division for those aged 35 years and older.
In addition to not having goalies or calls for offside or icing, playing pond hockey also requires dealing with bouncing pucks and uneven ice that make it difficult to stick handle, Vanderzande explained.
But that won't stop him from returning for next year's event.
"It's nice to get outside and enjoy the fresh air. Pond hockey's a great sport and breaks up the winter," Vanderzande said.
The tournament also provided for an additional reunion, as it afforded Vanderzande the chance to spend some time with his family members who still live in Prince George.
Vanderzande's brother Ian came to watch the tournament. Though he doesn't play hockey himself ("I can't skate very well"), Ian said he enjoyed watching the games.
"In an arena it's definitely more comfortable, but this is more grassroots," he said.
"This is only the second year here, but
hopefully it goes on for years to come."
According to Reed, the tournament will
return to West Lake again next year.
"BC Parks have been fabulous hosts," he said, also thanking his crew of volunteers and sponsors.
"We have a really tight, core team of talented individuals who can multi-task and do it well," Reed said.
The focus for the tournament is now on the eastern championships, taking place Feb. 3 to 5 in Invermere. Registration for that event is open until Thursday Jan. 26.
