Between games players and fans sought refuge in an events tent, set up right on the ice of the Stewart Enterprises excavation pit. Portable heaters and rink fries helped provide the warmth to sustain players, fans and volunteers for a full day of fun.
The West Point Fire Department relies on the annual event to help raise funds for the department. This was the eleventh championship in 12 years. A mixed bag of weather forced the cancellation of the 2015 championship.
Weather was a factor last year, too, forcing organizers to shrink the 2016 championship to a one-day event. This year organizers decided in advance to go with a one-day championship and attracted 22 teams despite the cold temperature. Organizing committee member, Stephen Stewart, said they will evaluate in January whether to stick with a one-day event or go with a weekend event.
Department members spend several days preparing a gigantic excavation pit for the annual championship and shaping it into playing surfaces. This year they went with eight hockey rinks and a larger area for recreational skating. The playing surfaces this year were a little larger than normal, about 60 by 90 feet.
The fire department has its own Zamboni and is able to work on empty surfaces while games proceed on others. Several community volunteers help stage the event.
The Connor Sweet team emerged as this year’s overall champion, downing the Cory Milligan team in the “A” Division final. Rounding out the P.E.I. Pond Hockey champion team are Connor Dyment, Matt Bowness and Keaton Horne.
The Tyler Koughan team won out over Will Stewart and team in the “B” Division championship and “C” Division was claimed by Nicco Coughlin over Brett MacMillan.
Robbie LeClair’s Charlottetown team picked up the tournament’s most sportsmanlike team tro-phy and the Dustin Clements Memorial Trophy for the player who best exemplifies sportsmanship and passion for the game went to Johnathan Costello.
