2010 Logan Lake Pond Hockey Tournament Update

Only a few days to go and the people of Logan Lake are anxiously awaiting your arrival for the 4^th Annual Western Cup of Pond Hockey. We’re full again this year with 24 teams and they’re mostly Pond Hockey veterans.

The ATV Club has been working feverishly preparing the ice and were thrown a bit of a curve this week. In 2007 it was minus 30 degrees, in 2008 we had 16 inches of snow overnight, last year was perfect and this year it’s the Pineapple Express. Temperatures have been above zero during the day and may stay that way this weekend. We have over a foot of ice and it’s in great shape, but it may be a bit wet on top.

A few things to keep in mind this weekend:

1. Once again we ask that you not bring alcohol to the lake. It’s a public area and alcohol is not permitted. The exception being Friday evening when the Lions Club will host a Beer Garden on the lake from 5:00 - 9:00 p.m. during the Skills Competition. Please stick around for a social evening with your fellow players and support our Lions Club. If you’re going to drink please don’t drive. We will either drive you and your vehicle home after the Beer Garden or will pick you up and bring you to the lake from local hotel and take you back home. All 3 pubs also have local free shuttle service.

2. Unless you want to listen to Stompin’ Tom again all weekend , we encourage you to bring your own CD’s, memory sticks, etc. with music (remember it’s a family event). John will play it over our new sound system.

3. Cell phone coverage - We have a Telus tower in town so Telus, Bell and Koodo are fine. Rogers coverage is minimal. Best Rogers coverage is on the main road between the police office and the Rec Center.

4. In case you’re thinking of camping you cannot use the main campground as it is required for parking. The overflow camping area is an unserviced area large enough for 25 units about 500 metres from the lake.

5. The Grad Class will be operating the concession stand again this year. They’ll have soup, chili, baked potatoes, hot dogs, pizza, muffins, donuts and an assortment of drinks. Any profit they make goes towards their Dry Grad celebrations in June.

6. We have one skate sharpener in town. Tape can be bought at the Rec Center and maybe the Bargain Shop. Other than that you’ll have to go to Player’s Bench or Dolson’s in Kamloops.

7. Meals - Other than Aardvark’s Pizza, most of the restaurants close by 9:00 p.m. If you plan on eating later than that (especially on Friday since the Beer Garden goes to 9:00 p.m.) you should call the restaurant ahead of time to make arrangements to eat later. Menus and phone numbers will be on a bulletin board at the lake.

8. Accommodations - Most local establishments are full but Tunkwa Lake Resort advises they still have room. They’re about 25 km north of town. Call (250)523- 9697 for more info.

9. Extra Players - Some teams always arrive short a player. If you have someone not on your team coming along just to watch tell them to bring their gear and they may get a chance to play.

10. More info on the Skills Competition to follow.

Dave Prentice

Two weeks from today the puck drops on the 2010 version of the Western Cup of Pond Hockey. Registration is now closed as we’ve reached our maximum of 24 teams: 14 in the Competitive Division and 10 in the Recreational. Due to the different divisions from previous years the schedule is still unknown but all teams will play on Friday, January 15th at either 12:00 or 1:00 p.m.!  Teams will play twice on Friday followed by the Skills Competition and Beer Garden under the lights. On Saturday teams will play 3 or 4 games and another 1 - 4 on Sunday depending on how you do. Looking forward to seeing everyone in a couple of weeks!

Dave Prentice - President

Logan Lake Pond Hockey Society

Just over one month to go until it’s Game On! Thanks to a mild November the lake was wide open until recently but we’re in the middle of a cold snap so the rink building will commence shortly. The last time I spoke with Karen, our Registrar, we still had a few openings for teams. If you’re thinking  of signing up, do it soon as we will filled up shortly. Our local Lions Club will be hosting a Beer Garden on the lake for players and fans from 5-9 p.m. on Friday night during the Skills Competition. This will give players a chance to hang out and share a few laughs. Dress warm! The schedule and details of the Skills Competition will be out early in the New Year!

Merry Christmas from your friends at the Logan Lake Pond Hockey Society!

Dave Prentice

Year 4 of the annual Western Cup of Pond Hockey in Logan Lake, B.C. is fast approaching and your organizing committee has been hard at work all year awaiting your return (or arrival if you’re joining us for the first time). Based on your feedback from previous years, a  few changes we’re working on for this year’s tournament incude two Divisions (Competitive/ Recreational) so everyone can continue to have fun as well as a Friday evening Skills Competition and Beer Garden on the lake under the lights.

We’ve been getting plenty of calls and registration is now open. We only have room for 24 teams, so don’t delay, sign up today!

Dave Prentice

President - Western Cup of Pond Hockey

Logan Lake, B.C.