Over the past two months, the Edmonton Oilers have been celebrating all that is great about the game of hockey, from backyard rinks to the pros. Nothing further embodies the spirit of hockey than the annual Alberta Pond Hockey Tournament held each February in Lac Cardinal, Alberta. This tournament takes it back to the days when the game was played in the crisp winter air, with no red or blue lines, no face-off circles, just a frozen lake and just for fun.

The Edmonton Oilers are proud to take part in this event for the second year in a row. Oiler staff will drive the 512 km to Lac Cardinal, located in the picturesque setting between Peace River and Grimshaw, and be on-site as the tournament kicks off.

Tonight’s event will include minor hockey skill development sessions for local Atom and Novice teams coordinated by Oilers staff. Each player that takes part will receive one-on-one instruction and Oilers souvenirs.

“Having the Oilers host a series of minor hockey clinics at the championship inspires the little hockey player in all of us,” said John Haney, President of the Alberta Pond Hockey Association. “For the youngsters, taking part in an Oilers hockey clinic on a frozen lake, in the middle of winter in Northern Alberta, is a true life experience - it’s what dreams are made of and it will be an experience that will be fondly remembered by all.”

The Peace Country is an important part of Oil Country and the Edmonton Oilers are thrilled to be a part of the event. The nostalgia of the good old hockey game is sure to be in the air and on the ice this weekend as the Alberta Pond Hockey Tournament gets underway.