By Darren Lum
Dec. 6 2016
After a two-year absence the Canadian National Pond Hockey Championship is returning and the importance of an army of dedicated volunteers isn't any less than the last time it was held here in 2013 and 2014.
The Pinestone Resort and Conference Centre will be the lone venue this time to welcome hockey players from Jan. 27 to 29 and again Feb. 3 to 5 this winter.
Its owner and operator John Teljeur invites people to volunteer for this event.
“I'm looking for anybody who has some time to spare and interested in helping us out and have some fun doing it” he said.
Training will be provided. Community hours will be available for students.
The two-weekend event needs a variety of indoor and outdoor positions.
Outside scorekeepers runners and floaters people to get pucks or take information rink marshals and assorted other positions are available outside. Inside there will be registration for teams volunteers and customer assistance and selling merchandise.
Teljeur invites people who are creative to tell the event's story on social media whether through images or words.
Local charitable groups will benefit from this event he said.
Depending how many hours people can give he hopes to have at least 80 volunteers and believes that will be enough for the one venue.
He wants people to commit at least four hours per shift. In 2013 and 2014 there were close to 100 volunteers.
So far there are a dozen who have confirmed. Among the volunteer roles include co-ordinator.
He said a past co-ordinator performed so well she parlayed her experience in getting a job at the CFL Hall of Fame.
Teljeur remembers seeing the rapport that developed between the players and volunteers and the between volunteers. Volunteers not only helped to facilitate the event but carried themselves professionally and acted as ambassadors for our area.
“To see these people ambassadors for the community and do the things you couldn't train them to do any better was amazing” he said.
See canadapondhockey.ca/volunteer for more details.
If you’re not sure what you want to do and need recommendations call 705-286-6573.
