HockeyFest 2024 is underway in Owen Sound.
The event was inspired by Scotiabank Hockey Day in Canada, which took place in the city in January 2023.
Spokesperson Jennifer Wright revealed players from the University of Waterloo women’s hockey team will visit Notre Dame Catholic School, Alexandra Community School, and East Ridge Community School on Friday.
"Denise Reid, who was one of our co-chairs for hockey day, will moderate these visits that will feature some of the team's mascots along with Varsity players from the University of Waterloo women's hockey team," Wright explained.
Wright said Friday evening will feature several free on-ice clinics for current players alongside the University of Waterloo women’s hockey team.
"Players from the University women's team, along with local coaches, will be on the ice Friday evening for some on ice skills, and also have a chance off the ice on Saturday to learn about what it takes to be a varsity athlete and have the opportunity to ask questions of the players," she said.
There will also be a free Coaching Clinic from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. in the Shore Room at the Harry Lumley Bayshore Community Centre.
"The clinic will feature coaches from the University of Waterloo women's team, Shaan Reagan and Owen Sound's very own Dollee Meigs," Wright explained. "Mark O'Leary, who coached last year's WHL champion Moose Jaw Warriors, and longtime coaches, including former OHL Attack bench boss Mike Stothers. Mike's experience in the OHL, AHL and NHL will bring another dimension to this year's clinic."
Owen Sound Girls Hockey is celebrating its 30th anniversary with a Friday evening fundraiser, including the band Woodford U, starting at 7 p.m. at the Harry Lumley Bayshore Community Centre.
The puck drops at 2 p.m. Saturday for the OUA game featuring the University of Waterloo Warriors playing the Laurier Golden Hawks.
After that, people can head to the River District for Holiday Magic, featuring the Kiwanis Santa Claus parade at 5 p.m., and the kick off of the Festival of Northern Lights at 7 p.m.
Starting at 6:30 p.m., There will be"SICK SHOT" Organized Ball Hockey Games in memory of Josh Olynyk.
Josh was a former Owen Sound Minor Hockey Group player who passed away from cancer in 2009. The name of the tournament, Sick Shot, came from Josh's last words before he died. His father, Craig, has also had that phrase tattooed onto one of his arms in honour of his son.
"He repeated it three times very specifically and we didn't know what it meant", said Lucia. "All we can figure is that he was thinking about hockey. And you know how kids say sick instead of sweet (or good). Josh, as a little kid anyway, had a reputation of having a sick shot."
The festivities began Thursday with the East versus West games between High School boys’ and girls’ hockey teams from Owen Sound District Secondary School and St. Mary’s School at Bayshore Community Centre.