Clearview Township firefighters from Station 4 in Creemore – Chris Charlebois, Ashley Hopkins, Robert Morrey, Ed Van Severen and Jesse Stevens – were out working on a new outdoor rink Wednesday in preparation for the Creemore Winter Classic charity hockey game Feb. 27 when firefighters will take on Creemore Springs Brewery.
An outdoor ice surface is being created next to the arena in preparation for the Creemore Winter Classic.
Volunteers from Clearview Fire Department’s Station 4 in Creemore have been withstanding the cold temperatures of late to flood the ice for the event hosted by Curiosity House Books.
“People were really excited when they heard we were making an ice rink behind the arena,” said organizer Rina Barone. “The firefighters have been amazing.”
Expanding on last year’s event, there will be two hockey games this year over two days.
Saturday, Feb. 27 will see the Creemore firefighters take on Creemore Springs Brewery in a charity hockey game benefiting Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Georgian Triangle.
The game starts at 3 p.m. but people are encouraged to take part in a warm up game beginning at 2 p.m. Individuals and teams of three are welcome to sign-up for a fee of $15 per player. There are prizes to be won donated by Creemore Springs and Cardboard Castles.
Organizers are hoping for a good crowd. Iron Butterfly will have two warming stations set up, Affairs Bakery will be selling food and hot drinks and Cardboard Castles will have some activities for kids. Barone said firefighters will be passing the boot to collect donations for Big Brothers Big Sisters, which will be matched by Curiosity House Books.
On Sunday, Feb. 28, the Creemore Valley Hawks will play an exhibition game at the outdoor ice rink next to Station on the Green beginning at noon.
People are encouraged to bring their skates on either day and try out the rinks. The new ice will be maintained throughout the winter.
Barone said she is grateful to Councillor Thom Paterson for championing the event and said there is a lot of potential for it to grow each year.
To register for Saturday’s pre-game, call 705-466-3400 or drop by the bookstore at 178 Mill St.