press release

Matt Nafe, Climate and Sport Initiative, matt@leadingchangecanada.com

The Climate and Sport Initiative, Town of Hay River and Polar Pond Hockey Association partner on Save Pond Hockey event in Hay River, Northwest Territories

OTTAWA, Ontario – December 16, 2021 – The Climate and Sport Initiative today announced that Hay River, Northwest Territories, has been selected as the next Canadian location for a Save Pond Hockey event. Running from March 11-13, 2022, to coincide with the annual Polar Pond Hockey tournament, this public event, taking place on the iconic Hay River and Fisherman’s Wharf Pavilion will feature an All-Star Game of top athletes and NHL Alumni, a 4-on-4 tournament, hockey skills sessions, sustainability marketplace and more. Hay River’s Save Pond Hockey event will make it the only event of its kind in Northern Canada.

The Climate and Sport Initiative, which is funded in part by the Government of Canada in partnership with the Clean Foundation and championed by Canadian hockey superstar Hayley Wickenheiser, harnesses the power of sport to build awareness about climate change and what people can do about it. The Initiative aims to reach a broad audience about the impacts of climate change while working with Canadian communities to host exciting and educational events.

“Winter sports are the bedrock of many Canadian communities, and we are thrilled to partner with the Town of Hay River and Polar Pond Hockey Association on saving a game we love,” said Mike Gerbis, CEO of GLOBE Series and The Delphi Group and Chair of Leading Change. “There is nothing like skating on an outdoor hockey rink, and the Save Pond Hockey event in Hay River is going to be a truly memorable community celebration.”

“The Town of Hay River is very proud to be partnering with the Climate and Sport Initiative and Polar Pond Hockey to create awareness of the impact of climate change on our community and throughout the world. Our government is witnessing firsthand the negative effects of a changing environment on our community – we are proud to be taking a stance to help ensure a healthy future. The 2022 Save Pond Hockey event will have a global reach in its messaging while showcasing the passion and spirit inherent in the community of Hay River” said Kandis Jameson, Mayor of Hay River Northwest Territories.

“Since 2008, the Polar Pond Hockey Association has been organizing the annual Polar Pond Hockey Tournament, hosting up to 50 teams from several regions in the NWT, Northern Alberta, Nunavut and British Columbia on 10 outdoor rinks,” said Terry Rowe, Polar Pond Hockey Executive. “In 2019 the Polar Pond Hockey events had to be cancelled due to unseasonably warm weather. Canada’s northern communities are on the front lines of climate change, and we are pleased to host a Save Pond Hockey game and showcase how people can take action.”

ENDS

About the Climate and Sport Initiative

The Climate and Sport Initiative uses sport as a platform to educate, engage and empower Canadians to protect our planet for future generations. The multi-year initiative will include a series of live and virtual public events and experiences, interactive challenges, and prizes. It is led by GLOBE Series, The Delphi Group, and Leading Change Canada, funded in part by the Government of Canada, in partnership with the Clean Foundation, and championed by Hayley Wickenheiser.

About Save Pond Hockey

Save Pond Hockey is uniting the global hockey community against climate change. They organize pond hockey tournaments and donate tournament profits to projects tackling climate change. So far, they have organized more than 20 tournaments and donated over 56,000€ to climate action. More than 2500+ players have played in Save Pond Hockey tournaments, including Stanley Cup champions, Olympic medalists, Celebrities, and the President of Finland.

Find out more about Save Pond Hockey here: savepondhockey.org

Find out more about the Climate and Sport Initiative here: climateandsport.ca

For more info on the Polar Pond Hockey Tournament, visit polarpondhockey.com