Annual “King of the Pond” Tournament takes on new meaning

Already starved for more hockey? With the local minor league season complete and the Habs’ season winding down rather quickly, fans will have to turn their attention elsewhere to get their puck fix. Luckily there is a solution and it begins at Excellent Ice-Kirkland, where the 11th annual “King of the Pond Tournament” will be held from April 29 to May 3. Not only will spectators be treated to some exciting 3-on-3 action; they will also have a fully functional bar at their disposal as well as a barbecue to satiate their appetite. What more could you want?

As if it wasn’t enough, this year’s tournament will be held in honour of Errol Marc Cutler, who passed away at the age of 46 from Chronic Myelogenous Leukemia- 1 of the 4 types of Leukemia and the one most often found in adults. His son, Matthew Cutler, a member of one of Excellent Ice’s adult leagues and a veteran of the tournament, took the initiative to merge the two. Originally the idea was to hold a separate event, however Excellent Ice manager and tournament director Brent Sabino instead offered to incorporate the fundraising effort into the annual tourney, one that already has a significant following and is certain of a strong turnout.

Accordingly, a portion of this year’s proceeds will be donated to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society of Canada through their “Light the Night” fundraiser walk, held annually to celebrate and commemorate the lives of those touched by blood cancer. Cutler, who will serve as co-director of the “King of the Pond” tournament, is also on the planning committee for the “Light the Night” event, which will take place October 3, 2009 at Parc Jean Drapeau. Proceeds from the tournament will be made through his fundraising team for the walk, Team EMC, named in honour of his father and composed of his mom, Annie Cutler, sister and brother-in-law David and Andrea Godfrey, brother and sister-in-law Hilly and Debbie Cutler and his wife Jennifer Berzan.

Casual fans can also do their part by donating at the arena, where the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society and Héma-Québec will have booths set up, or directly into Team EMC’s fundraising account at http://www.active.com/donate/kingofthepond.