The organizing group of Elder Skatesmen for our annual HockeyFest is at the stage where we would like to get an indication of the teams that are going to join us for HockeyFest V.

Yes this is the fifth season that the Elder Skatesmen hockey gang is providing this friendly event for 60+ and 70+ recreational hockey players. In response to at least one request, we are considering adding a new 65+ division this year.  We need to know whether this would be viable and whether it would cause problems with our current format.  Please let us know soon if you would like to enter a 65+ team.

HockeyFest is scheduled to be played during the first two weeks of April, and at present we have ice booked for the Monday and Tuesday of each week at the University of Ottawa arena. Apr-01 is Easter Monday. These were the best days when we booked the ice,  but at present some good hours are also available on Thu Apr-04.

Each team will play three games over the two weeks and we will finish up with a dinner (and possibly a dance).

As in past years most of the games will be played at the University of Ottawa arenas but, possibly due to the Women’s world championship we may need to play at other venues. Also we realize that some groups are still playing in April and don't want too many games. As a result we are asking you to let us know if you might have an hour or two of your ice time that would be available for HockeyFest.  Please let us know soon if this is of interest to you.

Note that the Hockey Hall of Fame (HHOF) game has been moved to February by Moe Marchand and the HHOF organizing group. This game is scheduled separately from HockeyFest, and will  be held in the afternoon of Feb-24. We understand that there are up to eight current candidates for the 80+ HHOF and this will once again be a highlight of our hockey year.  Come out and cheer on our HHOF’ers!

To help us plan for HockeyFest V, we ask the following of you:

First, if you are no longer organizing for your team please forward this email to the person who is and copy me.

Secondly, please let us know if your team(s) will or will not be joining us, and in which age division.

Thirdly, please let us know if you have some ice time that might be used for HockeyFest. This does not need to be on a Monday or Tuesday. This would mean that your team could play in their home rink.

Fourthly, I have printed below the proposed schedule of dates and times of the games that have been xxx booked at the University of Ottawa. If your team is still playing a regular schedule in April please look at them, choose the best dates and times for your team, and let us know your preferences by email as soon as possible.  This year we have spaced the event over two weeks and have included dates and times in an attempt to accommodate any overlap. We will do our best to fit your needs within the available schedule and will surely discuss any conflicts that may affect your team.

Fifthly, this is a Charity event where the proceeds are donated to charity. We select two charities, one local and one international.  If you have any suggestions please let us know. The organizing committee will have a planning meeting in the next month to make the final choices.  If you are interested in attending this meeting, please let us know and we will send an invite to you.

Lastly, each year we have a dinner (and possibly a dance) and it is always a fun evening with good food, dancing and door prizes. This gives the hockey players and their wives and partners a chance to socialize outside of the hockey rink.  We cordially invite you and your team to join us.

It would be most gratefully appreciated if you could respond by January 31st.

Confirmed Scheduled dates and times (note others may be available if needed)

Apr01:Mon 3 games Arena1: 1300 Arena2: 1030,1130
Apr02:Tue 4 games Arena1: 1000,1100 Arena2: 11(30),12(30)

Apr08:Mon 3 games Arena1: 1300 Arena2:1030,1130
Apr09:Tue 4 games Arena1:1000,1100 Arena2: 11(30),12(30)