Skip to content

Abbotsford's hockey festival growing

Phil Pritchard from the Hockey Hall of Fame
Phil Pritchard from the Hockey Hall of Fame at an event to announce the Hockeyfest Beyond the Pond event in Abbotsford.

Organizers of HockeyFest ... Beyond the Pond say a huge response from supporters has required them to reschedule the event, originally slated for Tradex in March, to October to allow more time to bring all participants on board.

Mater Promotions Ltd., which is launching the inaugural event in Abbotsford, will offer significant fundraising opportunities for minor hockey associations, to support the NHL Players Association’s Goals and Dreams program, and to financially support organizations such as the Canuck Place children’s hospice program.

“There has been so much recent interest, on a corporate sponsor and major exhibit basis, that we are forced to make some hard decisions to accommodate this,” said show manager Scott McWilliam.

The event is going to be all about hockey, including exhibits from the Hockey Hall of Fame, an indoor skating rink, former NHL players, and more.

The show was announced in 2010, when representatives from the Hockey Hall of Fame visited Abbotsford and brought the Hart Trophy, given each year to the NHL’s most valuable player.

Corporate supporters who have already confirmed include the Hockey Hall of Fame, the NHL Players Association, Canuck Place and more.

“We have decided to reschedule the inaugural HockeyFest...Beyond the Pond to Oct. 14,15 and 16, 2011. In doing so, we will be able produce an even more impressive event than we initially envisioned,” said McWilliam.

For updates on the show, visit www.hockeyfest.ca.