It was a classic winter's day Sunday in Oro-Medonte for the fourth annual Braestone Winter Classic.
“Today is all about fun and raising money for a great cause,” said Ted Markle, one of the organizers of the three-on-three pond hockey tournament that raises funds for the Hudson Regional Cancer Centre at the Royal Victoria Health Centre.
“Today means a lot to me to see everyone having fun and supporting such a great cause especially seeing how cancer effects people in so many ways,” said Erin Markle, who was there cheering on one of the teams despite persistent flurries.
With an all-day snowstorm roaring in and covering the grounds with snow, the event started off with a mass plow of all the rinks.
As soon as the rinks were somewhat clear, the games began with a ceremonial puck drop.
After the puck drop, it felt like true Canadian pond hockey. Games feature two 11-minute periods around a three-minute intermission, which quickly turned into another round of plowing.
“I couldn’t have asked for any better weather,” joked Mike Archambault, who was there playing with his family and friends.
In addition to hockey, there was a horse and carriage ride, snack bar, bonfires, and a DJ.
The fundraising goal for this year is $155,000, with exact totals still to come later.
Since its inception in 2022, the event has raised over $330,000 for the regional cancer centre.
The tournament delivers nearly 100 per cent of every dollar raised to the bottom line thanks to the generous support of Jamie Massie, his team at Georgian International, and the community that steps up every year, noted a media release.
Dozens of volunteers also were on hand to tend fires, officiate games, take registration, and organize children’s activities among other duties.
The Braestone Winter Classic continues all day today at the Braestone Farm. After, there is a players and sponsors reception in the barn with food and live music.