The puck will drop once again at Invermere on the Lake, for the 2nd annual BC Eastern Regional Pond Hockey Championships. Building on the momentum of last years’ inaugural event, organizers are optimistic that the town will see a marked increase in participation with teams coming in from B.C., the U.S. and Alberta.

The tournament takes place from Kinsmen’s Beach on beautiful Lake Windermere from February 1 to 3, 2013. Each team will play five regulation games, with a chance to compete for bragging rights in the semi-finals and finals, which will be held on the Sunday of the Pond Hockey tournament weekend.

“It really is about getting back to the roots of the game,” stated Nathan Thomson, team captain for the Hosers team out of Nelson. “The atmosphere is incredible, the local hospitality amazing, and the chance to play true Pond Hockey outside on beautiful Lake Windermere, unmatched.”

A passion for the game is essentially the only criteria to register, that and a minimum age restriction of 19 for men and women. Teams of six play four on four, change on the fly, and should be prepared to skate almost non-stop throughout each 30 minute game. There are no goalies, icing or off-side calls, and off-ice referees are stationed at each rink to remind players of the non-contact and sportsmanlike requirements of the game.

Players who want to experience this one-of-a-kind event that takes you back to skating on backyard rinks and frozen ponds can now register their team and book accommodation packages for the weekend through www.bcpondhockey.com. Registration is on a first come, first served basis.

For more information on the BC Pond Hockey series, visit www.bcpondhockey.com.