Page 10 - The Hockey Academy News February 2018

Patriots Place Tournament Heats Up!
By Zach Lubinski
Another year of our Patriots Place Tournament in the books! Our Patriots Place tournament took place Monday, February 19 and Tuesday, February 20. Unfortunately, we had to cancel the PeeWee division which was to be held on Wednesday, February 21 due to weather. Who knew it would be almost 80 degree’s in February!
This tournament takes place on a scaled down ice sheet complete
with boards and glass in the parking lot of Patriots Place. We have been running this tournament for quite a few years now and is always a favorite amongst our teams. Games are played 4 on 4 with “Pond Hockey Style” nets which are roughly 8 inches in height. No goalies are needed for this tournament! What could be better than playing on a refrigerated outdoor rink with your friends in a competitive environment
on school vacation week?
Monday’s Mite Tournament
went on great with some water building up on one end of the rink as the sun came out. The ice held up great otherwise and all teams had a blast! Hanover walked away with the championship.
Tuesday was a slightly different story with weather in the high 60’s. Games started ne and but once the sun came out, water built up a little. Unfortunately, we can’t control the weather for these outdoor events. Games went on and the kids ended up switching from a puck to a ball as the pucks were sticking in the water. This only made the kids laugh more and enjoy the day. Players were diving in puddles with smiles all around. The Dusters would take the championship on Tuesday.
We will be offering the tournament again next year. If interested, register early as it lls up quick and we only take 4 teams! Thank you for all participating teams this year and we hope to have you back in the future!