With live music sets from reputed DJ’s, canteen snacks and high-flying three on three hockey action on display, Fort-Coulonge was the place to be for Pontiac hockey fans, from April 11 to 14.

Held at the Centre de loisirs des Draveurs, the ninth annual Pontiac Cup took place last weekend, inviting over 100 hockey players for the chance to compete for cash prizes and the right to be crowned as champions.

With six players going up and down the ice in the cold barn, people packed the seats in the lobby to get the best possible view of the action.

Included with the on-ice entertainment, was also live music from a variety of performers, such as Michaela Cahill, DJ Kezz and internationally acclaimed, Montreal-native musician, DJ Domeno.

With 30 teams competing in four separate divisions (Open, A, B, and Women’s), the event serves as a fundraiser for the local arena.

For the tournament’s main organizer, Danick Boisvert, it has become a very positive event for the community and his goal is to welcome everyone. With hundreds of outsiders pouring in to participate and many locals eager for a good show in town, the event is the perfect combination of fundraising and fun.

“It’s a really good event for the town,” said Boisvert. “This year we had 30 teams, which means a lot. They spend money at gas stations and depanneurs and groceries and stuff like that, so it’s really good for the economy of the town, during the weekend. People say it’s the biggest party in town. They enjoy it. They can come watch some good hockey and have a couple of drinks too.” “I’m also proud because it’s been a lot of work. It means a lot because it has its history. It’s the ninth year so people are waiting for it every year. I get a lot of good feedback about it. So, I’m very proud about what I’ve accomplished.”

Now more popular than ever, with 30 teams involved, Boisvert is forced to turn some away because ice-time schedules are completely booked once the weekend arrives – a stark contrast from when the event made its debut nine years ago.

“It’s grown a lot,” said Boisvert. “The first year we had five teams and as organizer I had to make an extra team by picking up players to play in the tournament so we could have enough teams. It was really small. Then the year after, we got 12 teams and then 18 teams. It just seems like it’s built up every year, to a point where we can’t take anymore teams because we only have one rink.”

For Boisvert, the tournament’s latest rise in popularity is largely contributed by the addition of live music to the event, giving it a party-like atmosphere.

“It’s been two years that we’ve brought in international DJ’s and people really enjoy it,” he said.

When it was all over, the Washed Up Wolves won the Open division after defeating the KZ Falcons 3-2 in overtime, taking home a $700 grand prize. In the Women’s division, V’s Team won the title and $350 following a 2-1 win over team Murray. The A division champs, banking $500 were the Old Man’s Crew with an 8-5 victory against the Pontiac Connection in the final, while the Quebec Londiques took home the B division crown and $350 after a 7-2 thrashing of the Coulonge Timberwolves.

All the funds raised from the event will go back to the arena, according to Boisvert.

30 teams competed in four seperate divisions at the Pontiac Cup, in Fort-Coulonge, this weekend. Pictured, a forward with team Agence Vacarm dishes a pass in the neutral zone.

A forward with team Agence Vacarm attemps to deke a defenseman.

A forward with the Quebec Londiques skates the puck out of his zone.

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