Morden Fire and Rescue is inviting hockey enthusiasts to lace up their skates for the Three-on-Three Pond Hockey Classic, happening on March 15th at Lake Minnewasta. The tournament, which includes cash prizes, a 50/50 draw, and a silent auction, aims to raise funds for upgrades to the beloved courthouse outdoor rink.
Supporting a community staple
Morden Fire Chief Andy Thiessen shared that the outdoor rink at the courthouse has been a community fixture for 25 years but is now in need of some maintenance.
“It’s done very, very well over the years, but it needs a little TLC at the moment,” says Chief Thiessen. “We want to redo the puck board and some of the mesh in the back. Kiws are starting to get some pretty hard shots, and the mesh is showing its age. We just want to spruce it up and make it last another 25 years.”
Tournament details and registration
The Three-on-Three Pond Hockey Classic features three divisions: Under-11, Under-14, and Adult, with registration capped at 30 teams. Teams can sign up by emailing MFR3on3hockey@outlook.com.
“There is a slight fee—$150 for adult teams of five and $75 for youth teams,” says Chief Thiessen. “We’ve got a food tent, beer gardens, and we’re also doing a polar plunge that day.”
The Chief jokes about why he’s skipping the icy plunge this year. “I’ve got too much to organize for the tournament,” he laughed. “Plus, I don’t want to deluge the water out of the hole too much when I jump in.”
With both competitive and non-competitive categories, Chief Thiessen emphasizes that the tournament is open to all hockey lovers.
“We’re looking for people that enjoy the game, love being outdoors, and just want to have some fun,” he said. “When you’re on an outdoor rink, you’re playing for the NHL Cup, even if there’s nothing at stake.”
More than just hockey
In addition to the action on the ice, the event will feature a silent auction, including a smoker and a beverage fridge. Spectators are encouraged to come down, grab a burger, and enjoy the day.
“If you haven’t been to Lake Minnewasta in the winter, this is a great opportunity to see how much is going on,” says Chief Thiessen. “We were prepping the ice last weekend, and it was great to see how busy it was—people walking, using the toboggan hill, and skating.”
Morden Fire and Rescue takes pride in maintaining the courthouse rink, ensuring it remains a winter hub for the community.
“The guys put in a lot of effort, flooding it multiple times a day to build up the ice,” says Thiessen. “But it’s a labor of love.”
For more details or to register, visit Lake Minnewasta - Morden Manitoba