JOGGINS - Pond hockey is coming back to Joggins in a big way.
The Joggins Fossil Centre, with help from the Joggins Volunteer Fire Department, will host Pond Hockey Day in Joggins on Saturday, March 10, kicking off a week of March break activities at the fossil centre.
"We just thought it was one of those things that would get people outside, and be interesting," said Jordan LeBlanc, assistant superintendent at the Joggins Fossil Centre. "We were talking about ideas for March Break, and (Joggins Fossil Institute director) Jenna Boon said why not a pond hockey day?"
It turns out that there is a frozen pond located not far from the fossil centre, which was used by community members for pond hockey in the past. LeBlanc himself said he used to play hockey on the Hurley Road pond.
"We used to put on the skates and just go out and have fun," he said. "Maybe throw a couple blocks on each end for nets, and just play. It was never serious, just fun."
That is the aim of this event, he explained.
The local fire department has been using the pond in recent years as a water filling station, as indicated by the hydrant in place there now. Fire Chief Laurie Melanson said they are all too happy to help out with the event.
"The fossil centre helps us out a lot through the year with fundraising, by donating prizes for auctions and that type of thing," said Melanson, who said many of the firefighters played pond hockey there as children too. "This is just a way for us to give back."
The fire department will flood the ice and get it in the best possible condition it can.
All that is needed for participants are skates, sticks and helmets, although full hockey gear is recommended for children between five and 12. There is no cost.
Hockey will begin at 11 a.m. for children between 5-7, then continue with a time for 8-12-year-olds between 1 and 2 p.m., and for those 13 and up from 2 to 4 p.m.
A "rain date" of March 17 has been set, in the event that weather conditions disrupt the event. LeBlanc admitted they are a bit worried about the unpredictable weather this winter has brought so far.
"We are concerned, yes," he said. "But we'll hope for the best."
Pre-registration for the event is requested but not required. Phone 251-2727, extension 225, to register.
