Pond hockey tournament preparation

Organizers are putting final touches on the 10^th annual Canadian National Pond Hockey Championship in Huntsville.

The event, which starts this Friday at Deerhurst Resort and runs over two weekends, will bring thousands of visitors to the town.

However, there have been a few last minute changes to the plan this year.

The ice normally used for the tournament, on Sunset Bay, was too dangerous this year to clear.

So instead, ten hockey rinks were prepared on Peninsula Lake.

“They couldn't get equipment on because it kept falling through,” explained organizer Neil Lumsden. “Everything we do is based on safety not only for our crew and volunteers, but for the players.

220 teams of six players each are registered for the tournament.

Downtown Huntsville businesses are also excited to welcome so many people to the town at a time when retail sales are at their lowest.

The first puck of the tournament drops at 1 p.m. on Friday.