Sidney, Maine, Charity Pond Hockey Tournament Back for 10th Year

One of Maine's most popular fundraisers is back for its 10th annual event.

According to centralmaine.com, the 10th Annual Maine Pond Hockey Classic is booked and ready for the puck to drop Feb 4-6. The tournament will be held on the ice of Messalonskee Lake in Sidney.

After a scaled-down 2021 tournament, the news outlet reports that the organizers are hoping for 60-80 teams for 2022.

Centralmaine.com notes that the festival will include at least 10 rinks, food vendors, beer garden, fire pits, entertainment, a public skating area, and more.

The Maine Pond Hockey Classic raises money for the Boys & Girls Club and YMCA of Greater Waterville at the Alfond Youth & Community Center, and this center is incredible.

I had the opportunity to tour the Alfond Youth Center some years back. This facility is a state-of-art mecca for the community, and especially local children. It has a wealth of programs, services, and activities that are simply irreplaceable. It's wonderful to see this tournament continue to strive, even during the COVID-19 era.

However, there will be COVID-19 regulations in place for participants, volunteers, spectators.

According to centralmaine.com, a vaccination or negative COVID test within 48 hours is mandatory. This is a pretty standard protocol currently, so people shouldn't be thrown off guard.

Good luck to all the teams competing, and a huge thank you to all involved, especially the unsung heroes of any nonprofit event, volunteers. The communal support this event and the center receives is quite heartwarming.

For more information about registration, spectating, and volunteering opportunities visit the tournament's website, mainepondhockey.org.