EVENTS: Maine Pond Hockey weekend at Snow Pond

The 12th annual Maine Pond Hockey Classic will be held this Friday, February 9, through Monday, February 11, 2024, at the scenic Snow Pond Center for the Arts, in Sidney, 8 Goldenrod Lane. The event is a fundraiser for the Alfond Youth & Community Center – a unique partnership of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Waterville, The Waterville Area YMCA, and the Alfond Youth Center – which serves more than 5,000 youth in Maine through its main facility in Waterville.

This year’s Maine Pond Hockey Classic will spotlight more than 70 teams – 560 players in all – coming from New England, other U.S. states, Canada, and as far away as Australia. Hammond Lumber Company is a Presenting Sponsor of the event.

“Folks absolutely love this authentic pond hockey experience,” said Patrick Guerette, the tournament director. “They love the charm and nostalgia of watching or playing hockey on frozen ponds, which evokes a sense of camaraderie, outdoor adventure, and a return to the sport’s roots.”

Guerrette noted that a grant from the Maine Office of Tourism represents a huge vote of confidence for the Maine Pond Hockey Classic and the positive community and economic effects it will have throughout central Maine.

“The grant not only raises funds to support youth locally at the Alfond Youth and Community Center, but also provides an economic boost for our entire community through tourism dollars. It’s exciting to know that the economic resources we attract to our community will ultimately have a compounding impact, benefiting the youth and families we serve daily,” Guerrette said.

The event planners say the Maine Pond Hockey Classic will be “a hockey tournament and much, much more” – a kind of winter carnival with additional activities and entertainment offered, including live music, a community skating area sponsored by Maine State Credit Union, food trucks, a Bud Light Beer Garden, interactive games, and opportunities for families and friends to enjoy a truly memorable weekend together. PLEASE NOTE: Parking passes are required for players and spectators.

For more information, please contact Patrick Guerette, Tournament Director, at 207-873-0684 or MEPondHockeyClassic@Gmail.com.