The Braestone Winter Classic Charity Pond Hockey Tournament is returning for its third consecutive year this winter.
The tournament, in support of the Simcoe Muskoka Regional Cancer Centre, will take place this year from Feb. 2 to 4 at Braestone Farm at 3288 Line 9 N. in Oro-Medonte.
Ted Markle, the organizer of the event, says there is a "special energy and joy" that surrounds the tournament's participants each year.
"What keeps us coming back is the positive energy of a community coming together to have some fun in the middle of winter for a great cause," he said.
Last year, the event raised just over $103,000 for the cancer centre.
"I'm proud to be a part of a team that has been able to accomplish that," Markle said. "In our first year, we discussed if $20,000 would be too much for our goal. Obviously, it's grown very quickly."
The popularity of the event has been driven by the "Canadian atmosphere" that surrounds the event.
"There is nothing more small-town Canada than playing real pond hockey with friends and neighbours," Markle said. "Especially doing it for our regional cancer centre. It's the best way to beat the winter blues that you could imagine."
This year, the event aims at netting $130,000. Markle says he is cautiously optimistic they will meet the goal.
"There is an incredible positive energy around the table of the organizing committee," he said. "We have been meeting for many weeks already and we are off to our strongest start yet."
The tournament is seeking 22 teams this year and registration is now open. Teams are typically made up of six to eight players and it costs $150 for each player. You can register your squad here.
To make the tournament more inclusive, it will feature two different divisions this year.
"Upon registration, people are going to be asked how old they are and what is the highest level of organized hockey that they have ever played," Markle explained. "We want to enhance the overall player experience and make sure that the games are more competitive."
Markle is also encouraging women's teams to register this year.
"We had several women play last year on mixed open teams," he said. "This year we are really encouraging women's teams to enrol and if we get enough registrations, we will have a women's division."
The tournament was first inspired by Markle's brother Jeff who died of cancer in the summer of 2021.
"Come to the Braestone Winter Classic, make someone laugh, make a new friend, and make people feel welcome like Jeff Markle did," he said.
