THUNDER BAY — 60 players got on the ice at Vickers Heights Community Centre’s rink for a five-on-five boot hockey challenge.
Wolfy’s Pond Cup is held every year and aims at finding a cure for Type 1 diabetes.
“It's all about having a good time, raising a little bit of money,” said Darren Wolframe, coordinator of Wolfy’s Pond Cup.
The boot hockey fundraiser began donating to Breakthrough T1D when Wolframe’s 4-year-old daughter was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes.
Wolframe said every year they see more and more players.
“This year we have a bunch of new guys. We were able to up the limit of people, so we have 60 players this year. It’s a lot bigger than previous years, and I usually have it at home on the pond, but this year we're back here again, so we're able to add to it and people just come and have a good time.”
The sponsors get bigger and bigger each year, Wolframe said, “everyone kind of hears about it and helps out, do what they can. Every little bit helps.”
Wolfy’s Pond Cup has raised over $41,000 in the past 12 years. The hope is to raise $1,500 this year, Wolframe said.
“Usually it's a three on three, but this year it's five on five, and goalies usually rotated from team to team. This year we tried for 10 goalies and sure enough, we got 10 goalies, so each team has their own goalie.
“It's a little different than skate hockey. Lots of guys play, lots of guys it's the first time today. They play skate hockey but never tried on boots, so a little different for sure, little getting used to,” Wolframe said.
Wolframe said the teams also play to get their name stamped on the Wolfy’s Pond Cup.
“We (also) had small 3D printed trophies, so they had to take one of those home, and Impact Promotions do little gift each year.
“This year they get a Bluetooth speaker, medals and trophies,” he said.
