This weekend (Feb. 3-5), Ramsey Lake will play host to the fourth annual Pond Hockey Festival On The Rock (PHFR). Ninety teams and more than 1,000 participants, spectators and volunteers will take to the ice for three-on-three play during the day and into the night.

The festival's organizing committee has created a unique-to-the-north opportunity for families, friends and colleagues to get outside, be active and, back to the grassroots of a game that is such a large part of Sudbury’s identity, a press release stated.

Additional events for 2012 include ice fishing for kids, hosted by Sudbury Game and Fish, dog sled rides, provided by M.U.S.H.E.R.S. Dog Sled Tours, a guided snowshoe tour directed by Rainbow Routes and tethered balloon rides in the famous Remax Hot Air Balloon. These activities are set to take place Saturday. Food and beverage vendors will also be on site for players and festival-goers to fuel up.

Parking will be available at the corner of York and Paris Streets, as well as a designated drop off and pick up point at Science North. There will be no parking available on site at Science North.

The Pond Hockey Committee is still searching for volunteer referees to help make the event a great success. Certification is not required to be a referee, all that is asked is that volunteers have a good comprehension for the game and are comfortable in the position. Those interested are asked to e-mail info@pondhockeyontherock.ca.

Proceeds from this year’s festival will go to Our Children Our Future, SportLink Greater Sudbury Sport Council and Volunteer Sudbury to help support local programs.

For additional information and a schedule of events, visit www.pondhockeyontherock.ca.

Posted by Laurel Myers