Big E to host charity hockey marathon |
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WEST SPRINGFIELD — Hockey returns to Eastern States Exposition with “24-Hours of Hockey,” a pond hockey marathon from Feb. 11 at 2 p.m. to Feb. 12 at 2 p.m.
Don Moorhouse, director of Strategic Sales for the Springfield Falcons, is spearheading the event and said a 100-foot by 60-foot “pond” will be set up behind the Coliseum’s south entrance.
“Much like the annual Hockey Day in Canada, the event is designed to promote the game of ice hockey in Western Massachusetts and also showcase the history of hockey in our area. By holding the event behind the Coliseum, ‘24-Hours of Hockey’ hopes to pay tribute to the cultural and historical significance of hockey in West Springfield and the region while also introducing the sport to new fans,” Moorhouse said.
For decades, the Coliseum was the home of Eddie Shore’s Springfield Indians and Springfield Kings. It was also home to the neighborhood “Rink Rats” hired by Shore, many of whom went on to hockey careers themselves, and still-talked about mid-century high school hockey rivalries that rocked the rafters of the “Old Barn.”
Registration is open to everyone and players may sign up as individuals or as part of a team. Each team will have 10 players and games will be played three-on-three for adults and four-on-four for youths. Game times are reserved on a first come, first served basis. Each team will play pure pond hockey for one hour. There are no boards, no goalies, no lifting the puck — but “a lot of good shinny,” Moorhouse said.
All participants will receive two tickets to the Feb. 12 Falcons game to sit in the newly named “Coliseum Corner,” Section 14.
The event will also help raise the profile of The Hockey Project, a local non-profit, founded by Moorhouse, which promotes academic achievement and teaches life skills through the game of hockey.
The cost is $30 per player. Information and registration forms can be found at http://24hockey.blogspot.com, the Falcons website — www.falconsahl.com, and the team’s Facebook page. Parking at the Exposition will be free.
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