Image Credit: PlayOn Hockey Night in Canada
May 21, 2013 - 1:04 PM
This Saturday and Sunday Kelowna hockey enthusiasts of all ages and skill levels will be passing the puck in street rinks beside Prospera Place. The fourth annual Play On! Kelowna tournament will bring over 1,000 people out to play a casual outdoor game with a bit of competitive spirit.
Play On! event coordinator Court Brown says, "it will take hockey back to a grassroots level, giving everyone the opportunity to get out and play without expensive equipment." Brown says too often only a fortunate few get to join indoor hockey leagues.
And to amp up the excitement there will be a special celebrity game on Saturday, pitting defenceman Justin Schultz of the Edmonton Oilers along with current and ex-Olympians against Kelowna City Councillors. The celebrity games will take place from 12 p.m. to 1 p.m.
Brown expects over 15,000 spectators will check out the event, but for those who want to get in the game, deadline for registration is tonight at midnight.
Categories range from the seven and under Tidbits division and a 19 and under youth division. Adult participants can register in beginner, intermediate and elite levels and there will also be co-ed and all-girls divisions.
Registration fees start at $35 for youngsters and reach up to $55 for adult participants.
So far there are roughly 170 teams registered to play this weekend rain or shine.
That money will pay for the cost of the event, the permits and the food vendors who will be serving concession fare at the event.
A portion of funds raised will also go to Kidsport B.C. "It's an organization that supports disadvantaged youth who don't have opportunity to get out and engage in sports," Court says.
Play On! is a Hockey Night in Canada event and will take place in 18 different cities across Canada, including Vancouver, Saskatoon, Barrie and Moncton, Ontario.
To contact the reporter for this story, email Julie Whittet at jwhittet@infotelnews.ca or call (250)718-0428.
News from © iNFOnews, 2013