A perfect winters evening at the Castleton Sports Club on Friday, February 7, 2026.
With snow falling and the lights on, a number of youths took to one of the ice rinks for an evening of shinny.
First it was putting the sticks and centre ice, then one by one the sticks were chosen and the game was on.
Maybe future starts of the National Hockey League, but for a Friday night, it was friends and strangers having fun on the ice made by volunteers.
Jeff Turney is one a core group of volunteers that takes care of the ice.
This year there are two rinks, Crokincurl, a shuffleboard rink and a curling rink on the 15-acres of land known as the Castleton Sports Club.
“It’s been a great year for ice activity.”
“The weather has been very good for the last three weeks and we’ve been pumping lots of water like crazy to make lots and lots of ice.”
Listening to the background would make any Canadian smile hearing the sticks on the ice, children laughing and having a blast.
“The sports club in Castleton is registered not for profit and our number one focus is to provide for kids and families to have a safe place to come and enjoy themselves.”
Turney says there are a “great, dedicated bunch of volunteers” that look after the Club.
On, Monday, February 16 the annual Castleton Cup takes place at the site.
The Pond Hockey Tournament is four-on-four hockey of all ages.
Turney said that more teams are welcome to join in on the fun with three games guaranteed.
In previous years there were up to 32 teams participating.
“For a small, little community we have a fantastic turnout.”
For anyone interested go to https://www.castletonsportsclub.ca/castleton-cup-pond-hockey-tournament/
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
