It was the perfect Canadian winters day for the annual Castleton Cup Pond Hockey Tournament on Monday, February 17, 2025.
There were 26-teams signed up for the annual tournament with over 40 games played at the two outdoor rinks created by volunteers at the Castleton Sports Club.
Volunteer Jeff Turney said the tournament only happens if Mother Nature cooperates with cold temperatures.
This year, she has been more than accommodating.
The day was a mixture of weather conditions, but the last few games in the day the snow was falling with the sun setting in the background.
The Castleton Cup sat on the table as participants for the tournament walked by to take part on two ice rinks.
At the end of the day, the trophy goes to no one, and everyone as it is strictly a fun tournament with each team playing three games throughout the day.
All ages participated in the tournament from age six, to the “old guys.”
“It’s a perfect day for it. We were really worried about the weather.”
Last night volunteers left at 11 p.m. and were back at 5:30 a.m. checking the conditions with the first puck drop at 8 a.m.
It was a lot of work for the volunteers preparing for the tournament, but at the end of the day, the volunteers say it was well worth it.
“The kids really enjoy it and they came on board pretty quick. It’s been a very relaxing day. There have been lots of smiles and happy faces – it’s been really good.”
Author: Pete Fisher
Has been a photojournalist for over 30-years and have been honoured to win numerous awards for photography and writing over the years. Best selling author for the book Highway of Heroes - True Patriot Love
