World Pond Hockey Championships
Ice hockey’s World Pond Hockey Championships in Plaster Rock, New Brunwicks, Canada, February 8 to 11.
It’s too late this year to channel your inner Wayne Gretzky or Mario Lemieux, but you can still cheer on one of the 120 teams that will compete in the fifth annual World Pond Hockey Championships in Plaster Rock, February 8 to 11, 2007.
This is hockey in its purest form and, while its origins have been discussed passionately, some say it originated in nearby Nova Scotia, another Maritime Province, around 1810.
Last year would-be hockey stars from 12 countries – including 26 states and 12 Canadian provinces – competed in front of 6,000 frenzied fans for a wooden replica of the Stanley Cup.
Teams are made up four skaters and no goalies. Games are comprised of two, 15-minute halves, and are played on 20 rinks built to three-quarters regulation size on a frozen lake.
For a place to stay, try the charming Castle Inn in Perth-Andover, set on 200 wooded acres overlooking the St. John River with six antique-filled suites with Jacuzzis and fireplaces that range from $105 to $255 per night and include full breakfast. The restaurant serves gourmet meals and a traditional afternoon tea.
For information: www.plasterrock.com/hockey1.html
