Ramsey Lake was bustling with activity all weekend as more than 1,500 people took part in the fourth annual Pond Hockey Festival On The Rock (PHFR).

According to the festival's organizing committee, “the event was an incredible success.”

“The event demonstrated Sudbury’s ability to bring together the community to help raise funds for local programming,” a press release stated. “From the tireless volunteers, to the corporate sponsors and all the players involved, everyone contributed making this event the most successful one yet.”

Over the course of the three-day tournament, 90 teams in eight divisions played 193 games on 14 ice surfaces, “demonstrating how passionate Sudburians are when it comes to hockey.”

The event has become a signature staple for Sudbury, and evidence was supported by the large amount of players who travelled from across the province, even Halifax and Edmonton, to take in the brisk air on Ramsey Lake, the release stated.

Championship Sunday concluded the festival with all eight divisions crowning their champions. Congratulations to the following winners: Beef N Bird (Corporate); Dirty Danglers (Men’s Competitive); Angry Ducks (Men’s Recreation); Off Constantly (Open Recreation); Titans (College/University); YTC (Midget); NHT Heat (Peewee/Bantam); and Skater’s Edge (Women).

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. A fundraising total had not yet been calculated.

Posted by Laurel Myers