Annual pond hockey tournament to support cancer research hits the ice
Crews have been working on the ice rinks on Sparrow Lake in Severn Bridge for weeks in anticipation of the annual Taylor Cup to Conquer Cancer pond hockey tournament, which is set to take place over the weekend.
"It's outside, it's very Canadian on the pond, no rules, no referees, just enjoying the outdoors and enjoying some puck on the pond," said Keith Clarke, Princess Margaret Cancer Foundation.
Despite the mild weather this winter, the event is going ahead with 20 teams and 120 players participating to support the Princess Margaret Cancer Foundation.
The tournament has been held for 18 years, with the last 17 years at Bayview Wildwood Resort in Severn.
Players started checking in Friday afternoon before the tournament.
Sean Ellison said he was sold the moment he found the event. "[We] raised a bunch of money, and we got in, and I'm looking forward to it."
"Five years ago was our first time doing it," said player Pat Fournier, who said he originally found the tournament on Facebook. "It's an awesome tournament to fundraise money for cancer - for a good cause. It's a no-brainer to keep coming back every year."
Although the number of participants was lower this year, the event is still expected to provide a boost to the resort and local businesses.
Jason Stanton, Bayview Wildwood Resort general manager, said the resort's popularity during winter weekends and the tourism revitalization in the area has been "amazing."
"We were fully sold out last weekend. We are fully sold out next weekend. Our March Break is looking fantastic. It's been great to see the revitalization of tourism in this area, and we are proud to be a part of that."
The tournament's finals are set for Saturday evening, with organizers hoping to raise around $100,000 for the cancer foundation.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Half of Canadians have negative opinion of latest Liberal budget: poll
A new poll suggests the Liberals have not won over voters with their latest budget, though there is broad support for their plan to build millions of homes.
opinion Why you should protect your investments by naming a trusted contact person
Appointing a trusted person to help with financial obligations can give you peace of mind. In his personal finance column for CTVNews.ca, Christopher Liew outlines the key benefits of naming a confidant to take over your financial responsibilities, if the need ever arises.
NEW 'One of the single most terrifying things ever': Canadian couple among tourists on sinking sailing boat tour abroad
A Toronto couple are speaking out about their “extremely dangerous” experience on board a sinking tour boat in the Dominican Republic last week.
'My stomach dropped': Winnipeg man speaks out after being criminally harassed following single online date
A Winnipeg man said a single date gone wrong led to years of criminal harassment, false arrests, stress and depression.
Ottawa injects another $36M into vaccine injury compensation fund
The federal government has added $36.4 million to a program designed to support people who have been seriously injured or killed by vaccines since the end of 2020.
Photographer alleges he was forced to watch Megan Thee Stallion have sex and was unfairly fired
A photographer who worked for Megan Thee Stallion said in a lawsuit filed Tuesday that he was forced to watch her have sex, was unfairly fired soon after and was abused as her employee.
An Ontario senior called Geek Squad for help with his printer. Instead, he got scammed out of $25,000
An Ontario senior’s attempt to get technical help online led him into a spoofing scam where he lost $25,000. Now, he’s sharing his story to warn others.
Accused of burglary at stepmother's home, U.S. senator says she wanted her father's ashes: charges
A Minnesota state senator and former broadcast meteorologist told police that she broke into her stepmother's home because her stepmother refused to give her items of sentimental value from her late father, including his ashes, according to burglary charges filed Tuesday.
Twins from Toronto were Canada's top two female finishers at this year's Boston Marathon
When identical twin sisters Kim and Michelle Krezonoski were invited to compete against some of the world’s most elite female runners at last week’s Boston Marathon, they were in disbelief.