Hello Hockey Players:

The Ottawa Elder Skatesmen are holding this year's charity HockeyFest DURING THE FIRST TWO WEEKS OF APRIL, again at the University of Ottawa arena. Teams in the 60+ and 70+ categories are invited, and we are planning an 80+ game again, as well as initiating a "Builder's Hall of Fame" trophy. Finally, we are planning a Dinner (and possibly Dance) for players and their spouses afterwards to wrap things up.

Again, this is a friendly "fun" event, intended to support charity and to let players from different teams socialize on and off the ice. The Draft Pub is located above the arenas, and is ideal for socializing after the games. Games will be spread out over two weeks, because Easter falls in the middle of this period. For the week beginning Monday Apr-02, games are planned from Monday to Thursday. For the following week, games are planned from Monday to Wednesday.

The cost will be $450 per team. Each team will play 3 games in round-robin format; there will be no referees, and scores will not be recorded. Games will be non-contact, with no hooking. Players are asked to follow "Friendly Hockey" rules, e.g. maximum 3 goals /player /game; a puck lying in the blue paint is dead (to reduce risk to goalies); and if you go offside, please give the puck up to the other team.

Two charities will be selected - one Local and one International. We plan to have a draw for tax receipts, e.g. 3 players per team. Each player who wins a tax receipt will choose which charity to donate to. For the International charity, we are planning to support SchoolBOX, which is based in Almonte and works in Nicaragua, building classrooms and providing school supplies, etc. for children who might not otherwise be able to get an education.

The teams that played in HockeyFest last year have been contacted, and most are planning to play again this year. However, we do have room for ONE OR TWO ADDITIONAL TEAMS at this time. Also, some teams are SHORT A FEW PLAYERS, so if you would like play with one of these teams, please contact Dave Reeve.

We are looking for VOLUNTEERS to help out. If you can help at the reception desk, sell some 50-50 tickets, or help in some other way, please let us know. We are considering taking Team Photos this year. If anyone would like to be involved in this or has any suggestions, please let us know.

2011's HockeyFest raised $3,600, which went to support LiveWorkPlay, a local charity that helps intellectually challenged persons to have a good life, and the Canadian Red Cross for Japan Relief following their recent earthquake and tsunami. Our thanks to everyone who participated last year, and we hope to have another fun and successful event this year!

Cheers!

Ken Morin 613-727-6377, and
Dave Reeve (email: reevdave@gmail.com; tel: 613-731-1090)
for the HockeyFest Organizing Committee