The Saskatoon Renegade Rattlers and the Elk Ridge Resort are teaming up on an event that will provide a grassroots experience.
Next weekend beginning on Saturday, January 21, the resort will be the site for the U11 Winter Classic Pond Hockey Tournament. Six teams across the province will take part in the two-day tournament.
Chase Tippett from Elk Ridge Resort said they were approached by the Renegade Rattlers manager, Christina LaPointe about the idea of hosting the outdoor tournament and everyone involved agreed that it was a venture worth exploring.
Six teams from areas of the province will participate in the round-robin tournament. Joining the Renegade Rattlers at Elk Ridge will be the Regina Monarchs, the Humboldt Broncos, the Saskatoon Phantom Flyers, the Prince Albert Teal, and Battleford Purple Barons.
An added historic aspect of the Pond Hockey Tournament will see each squad representing an Original Six NHL team. All of the teams at Elk Ridge will be outfitted with special jerseys that will display their NHL affiliation thanks to CCM Hockey and Olympian Sports.
Here is a list of teams and the NHL team they will be representing next weekend.
Regina Monarchs- New York Rangers
Humboldt Broncos- Toronto Maple Leafs
Saskatoon Flyer Phantoms- Montreal Canadiens
Prince Albert Teal- Detroit Red Wings
Battlefords Purple Barons- Boston Bruins
Saskatoon Renegade Rattlers- Chicago Blackhawks
Tippett says the main objective of the outdoor event is to create something that the players will never forget.
“It’s all about the kids, create truly memorable experiences at a really special place.”
There will be a beautiful setting around the hockey venue according to Tippett.
The maintenance crews at Elk Ridge have created two full-scale outdoor rinks on the pond behind the resort. Besides the hockey action, there will be bonfires positioned around the resort, tobogganing will be available as well the snow trails will be open. There will also be a fireworks display that will blend in with the visuals of the northern lights.
“You’re treated to a light show with the fireworks and you’re treated to a light show afterwards with the northern lights.” Tippett explained.
He added that they won’t take away the pond hockey elements from the games. The perimeters of both rinks will have no rink boards.
On Sunday, January 22, the first-ever will U11 Winter Classic Champion will be crowned, which will wrap up a one-of-a-kind weekend.
