In January 2023, Owen Sound residents and visitors joined together to celebrate the game of hockey when Scotiabank Hockey Day in Canada blanketed the city with all things hockey. Being a true hockey community, several partners have come together, supported by the City of Owen Sound, to keep annual celebrations going, with HockeyFest 2024 planned for Thursday, November 14 to Saturday, November 16.
HockeyFest is a partnership between Owen Sound Girls Hockey, local elementary and high schools, and the City of Owen Sound, with the support of the University of Waterloo Warriors, who compete within Ontario University Athletics.
The festivities will begin on Thursday, November 14, with the East versus West High School boys’ and girls’ hockey teams (Owen Sound District Secondary School and St. Mary’s School) as they come face-to-face at the Bayshore Community Centre. The games are free to attend and will be live-streamed on Rogers TV. Plan to attend and cheer on your favourite team!
On Friday, November 15, the University players will visit Notre Dame Catholic School, Alexandra Community School, and East Ridge Community School, hosted by Denise Reid and the University of Waterloo women’s hockey team. The visits will include a game of floor hockey and Q&A period.
Friday evening will feature several on-ice clinics for current players alongside the University of Waterloo Women’s hockey team, sharing skills and tips about the game.
Are you a coach interested in learning from experienced coaches and sharing stories, knowledge, and learning strategies? Be sure to sign up for the free Coaching clinic and hear from an expert panel moderated by Fred Wallace. Registration is open, visit: https://form.owensound.ca/Hockeyfest-Coaching-Clinic
Owen Sound Girls Hockey is celebrating its 30th Anniversary with a Friday evening fundraiser, including the band Woodford U at the Harry Lumley Bayshore Community Centre. Tickets can be purchased by emailing fundraising@owensoundgirlshockey.com.
The Regional Silver Stick hockey tournament will also be in Owen Sound throughout the weekend, with a full slate of games at local arenas.
Saturday, November 16, the puck drops at 2 p.m. for the OUA game featuring the University of Waterloo Warriors playing the Laurier Golden Hawks. Game tickets can be purchased in person at the MacVicar & McComb Sutton Realty Attack Box Office, over the phone at 519-371-7452, or online.
Following the game, the community can join in the River District for Holiday Magic, featuring the Kiwanis Santa Claus parade, and help kick off the Festival of Northern Lights.
Immediately following the parade, the ‘Sick Shot’ recreational road hockey games will take place in memory of Josh Olynyk, who passed away from cancer in 2009. Josh played minor hockey in Owen Sound. Teams of four, three players plus one goalie currently playing U7, U8, U9, U10, U11, and U12, can sign up for one hour of play consisting of 15-minute games. Players must sign up to participate, wear a CSA-approved hockey helmet, and bring proper footwear, gloves, and clothing to play. Scotiabank and Tim Horton’s will be hosting a warming station with hot chocolate inside the branch provided by Tim Hortons.
The complete schedule of events and information on how to sign up for clinics, purchase tickets, play ball hockey, or volunteer for the event are available at OwenSound.ca/HockeyFest.
