CORKERY – It’s a fast-growing tradition at Corkery’s outdoor rink, a day devoted to the best game you can name.

“Hockey Day in Corkery is back,” Corkery Community Association (CCA) vice president and community centre outdoor rink boss Andrew McIsaac released in a statement Jan. 13.

It’s a day-long celebration of the world’s greatest sport and the CCA’s Hockey Day in Corkery 2020 takes place Saturday, Jan. 25.

The highlight of the day is the four-on-four hockey tournament. It’s a recreational community tournament to help neighbours meet each other, organizers said. The event starts at 9 a.m. and goes “until we’re finished.”

Admission in the tournament is one good used or new hockey stick, or a $10 donation to help the CCA send hockey sticks up north to “hockey-mad Hall Beach, Nunavut.

Players must be aged 13-and-up. The day also included chili, treats, coffee and hot chocolate. Organizers are considering having a chili cook-off but have not finalized details at the time of publication. The CCA is looking for volunteer chili cookers either way.

The Hockey Day shinny tournament is being organized a little differently this year.

“This year we’re asking players to register as individuals and then organizers will draft teams,” McIsaac said. “When you sign up, add the name of a friend or family member you’d like to play with and we’ll keep you together. Our goal is to create an even playing field and allow folks with all skill levels to have fun.”

The format is five players per team (one spare). Goalies will be assigned to games, not teams, at random. Games will be 20 minutes and it will be a double elimination format. Teams are in charge scraping the ice before games and players not playing may be asked to referee. No slap shots or raisies above the net. Helmets are required. If you would like to register, or for more information click here. You can also email organizers at corkeryrink@gmail.com.