The ice of Lake Muskoka is set to come alive once again as On the Pond! Canada returns to Muskoka for its 20th year.
The annual pond hockey tournament runs from February 20 to 22 on Lake Muskoka at the Muskoka Wharf. This year marks the largest North American Cup in the event’s history, with six divisions, 20 rinks, and more than 100 teams from across North America.
The first rinks were built on Lake Muskoka in 2006, when organizers launched the North American Cup as a way to boost business in Gravenhurst during the quieter winter months. What began as an experiment drew in 18 teams competing on six rinks.
Since then, the tournament has grown significantly. Rob Carleton, president of On the Pond! Canada, estimates more than 2,500 teams have travelled to Muskoka to compete, adding it is the only major pond hockey tournament in Ontario and one of just two in Canada.
“There is a truly Canadian feel to pond hockey. It is part of our roots,” Carleton said. “That’s what this tournament taps into. It’s a celebration of Canadiana and a weekend-long blast of fun.”
The tournament offers four divisions: men’s competitive open, men’s recreational open, men’s 35 and older, and women’s open. Teams play four-on-four games consisting of two 15-minute periods with a brief intermission. The tournament follows a round-robin format, with the championship game set for late Sunday afternoon.
Off the ice, the weekend will include a Friday night kickoff party, an opening ceremony Saturday morning, and an awards ceremony and party Saturday evening.
“This year promises to be bigger and more fun than ever,” Carleton said.
For more information visit onthepondcanada.com
