It’s not too late to get in on the action at the first-annual Ponoka 24 hour hockey game.
The Ponoka Minor Hockey Association (PMHA) has enough sponsors, food and activities lined up to make the event a success — now they just need more bodies.
READ MORE: 24 Hour Hockey Game will be played at Ponoka outdoor rink Feb. 7 and 8
“We’re really still looking for players,” said Erin Williamson, public relations director for PMHA.
Initially, PMHA was hoping for between 80 to 100 players to sign up.
As of Monday, Feb. 3, there were only about 35 to 40 players registered. That number would allow for 10 teams, and each team would be on the ice for 1.5 hours at a time with three to four hour breaks in between.
The more players that participate, the less pressure there will be on players, allowing for longer breaks off the ice.
So far it looks like the weather will cooperate for the event, with a high of -1 and low of -4 in the forecast, so the plan is still to start the game at the Ponoka Outdoor Rink at the arena complex.
The game will start at 4 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 7, and go until 4 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 8.
The game will move into the arena at around 11 p.m., and move back outside at 7 or 8 a.m.
Minor hockey families will be bringing chili and buns, the bantam team will be making a pancake breakfast, and Boston Pizza is coming with pizza, and burgers will be made during the night, to keep the players and volunteers fed. The Time Out Zone concession will be open as well.
There will also be hot chocolate for spectators and three or four stations set up with kids’ games.
The game is being hosted by PMHA with part of the proceeds going to KidSport Ponoka.
Players can register up until 8 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 7, but getting an earlier count for numbers would be helpful, says Williamson.
Those interested in playing can register by calling PMHA vice president Ryan Gillespie or emailing him at rgillespie@atb.com.