The third annual Parkland Beach Classic Hockey Tournament is set to return to Gull Lake on Sunday, Feb. 18.
The annual ice hockey extravaganza sees local enthusiasts create a rink on the frozen lake and compete in a four-on-four, one-day tournament.
Athletes ages 14 and up will be welcomed on the rink for the tournament with a maximum of six teams participating. An additional outer skating oval has also been created around the perimeter of the rink to allow families and those not playing in the tournament a chance to skate as well.
Organizers have arranged for the Olympia zamboni from Big Hill Services out of Cochrane to finish the playing surface making the ice extremely clean to skate on. Additionally, the event will also feature warming tents, fire pits, music, hot food, alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages as well as bathroom facilities.
Food and beverages services are being made available through Jorgy’s Hotspot. The local Establishment will also be hosting the official after party for the tournament on their outdoor patio facility following the tournament.
Scott Rattray, a Parkland Beach local and his business partner at Triangle Construction, Deven Chrenek started the Parkland Beach Classic Hockey tournament in 2022.
Rattray stated in an interview with the RimbeyReview that he wanted to organize a family-friendly winter event at the lake to give back to the community.
“The summer is always busy at the lake but we wanted to do something that would get the community together in the colder months,” he explained. “After the first year, I got so many calls asking if we were going to do it again, so we decided to bring it back bigger and better.”
Rattray and his team spend a good deal of time clearing the snow from the surface of the ice in addition to numerous floods to get the ice as nice as possible for the tournament.
“You don’t find many outdoor rinks with a zamboni on site to resurface the ice between periods so I think that’s been part of the success of the tournament as well,” said Rattray.
This year the tournament has also lowered the age of the tournament to 14 years old from 18 to allow for more players to get involved and engage multiple generations within the community.
“It gives people the chance to play alongside their parents in a way they may never have before,” said Rattray. “We hope to see this continue for many years to come and we are very thankful for the support of our community.”
Those wishing to play in the tournament can reach out to Rattray directly at 587 590 5880.
