The gloves are off and the mascot challenge is on

Cogeco Beaver and NipU Piker join Canadore President Barbara Taylor to launch this year's Canadian Pond Hockey Face-Off. Photo provided.

Canadian Pond Hockey Face-Off
News Release

*********************

The 4th Annual Canadian Pond Hockey Face-Off was launched on Wednesday with highlights being announced of the signature Outreach Program and a new Mascot Challenge that will see many of the area mascot's face-off in a pond hockey game.

The tournament scheduled for February 13th, 14, and 15th will once again partner with the Atlanta Thrashers who will choose three players for an all expense paid trip of a lifetime to North Bay to play hockey the way it all began - on a pond, with some friends, having fun!

Three local players will be chosen with the help of Low Income People Involvement (LIPI), and will act as ambassadors for North Bay as the partner with the players from Atlanta to form the 'Junior Thrashers'.

"We are thrilled to once again be partnering with the Atlanta Thrashers," Co-Chair Chris Dawson said. "This great partnership, resulting from North Bay being named Hockeyville in 2007, has allowed us to not only offer a great opportunity to deserving kids, but allows us to highlight some of the best North Bay has to offer."

Adding to the excitement of the weekend, the Committee announced the addition of the Mascot Challenge. This unique pond hockey game will include many mascots from North Bay, including the new Nipissing Lakers mascot, Nipper the Crime Dog, the Canadian Pond Hockey Face-Off's very own Cogeco Beaver and many more.

"Many local businesses, schools, and sports teams are excited about the opportunity to showcase their mascot by participating in a friendly game of hockey that will no doubt bring a lot of laughs," Dawson added.

Teams of all ages that are interested in playing in this year's tournament can call 472-POND or visit www.pondhockeyfaceoff.com

*********************