('Battle at the Beach Ball Hockey Tournament' on Facebook)

By Sheldon Spackman

Ball Hockey Tournament

Battle at the Beach set for return to Sylvan Lake’s waterfront

May 17, 2019 | 12:13 PM

For the second June in a row, Sylvan Lake’s waterfront will be the site of a major street hockey tournament.

The 2019 Battle at the Beach Ball Hockey Tournament will run June 15 and 16 in the Lakeshore Drive parking lot, offering kids of all skill levels between the ages of 5-18 an opportunity to play with no caaaars, trucks or traffic around.

Tournament organizer Colin Fraser says the 3-on-3 co-ed tournament will have a maximum of seven players per team, including a goalie.

“It’s not a new idea, but something that wasn’t in central Alberta,” says Fraser, a three-time Stanley Cup champion, with Chicago and Los Angeles.

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“It’s basically just for the kids to have fun, come out, get off the video games and run around, enjoy the weather and enjoy the sport of hockey from an old-school hockey perspective.”

Fraser, who calls Sylvan Lake home these days, is grateful the Town has been so supportive of the event.

“Year one was a home run, so in year two we’re looking to grow it and make it bigger and better,” adds Fraser. “Last year we had 36 teams and 251 athletes. This year we’re sitting at 50 teams and around 350 kids.”

Fraser points out you don’t need hockey experience to play.

“We’re not trying to make this a competitive weekend for only competitive players,” he explains. “We’re looking to make it an event for anyone and everyone who wants to enjoy and have fun. We’ll probably have four games per team, maybe more.”

Fraser anticipates the 30 minute run-time games to take place from approximately 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. on June 15 and 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. on June 16.

In addition, participants are invited to join BIG 105 and 106.7 The Drive on location June 15 for a BBQ with Save-On Foods.

Fraser notes the event is also partnered with the Sylvan Lake Food Bank and Special Olympics Alberta, so food and cash donations will be accepted for both charities.

The registration deadline for the Battle at the Beach Ball Hockey Tournament is May 21.