The Elora Rockers are offering financial support for future refurbishment of the Bissell Park rink.
Elora Rockers president Tom Keating told councillors on Nov. 27 the Rockers are an “old timers” hockey club that formed in the 1980s.
“It started off as a group of guys who went in a few old timers tournaments, rented the ice locally, played some pickup hockey and a few exhibition games,” he said.
“As the club evolved, some have stopped playing and become alumni.”
He said with the combination of players and alumni, the group has evolved into a bit of a social club as well.
For the past 20 years the Rockers have organized a February tournament.
Keating said last year the group decided to donate the proceeds.
“We wanted to put money back into the community,” he said.
He noted club member Dave Alves is a supporter of Bissell Park. Alves is involved with flooding the rink and maintaining the ice.
Keating said as a hockey club, members decided to earmark proceeds of the tournament for Bissell Park improvements.
On Nov. 27 they donated $2,500 to the township.
The 2018 tournament is the weekend before Family Day.
Keating offered a “shout out” to the Elora Brewing Company and a partnership that allows the club to donate more money to Bissell Park.
“We are interested in the park and financially … we have a group of guys who may be willing to become more involved in other ways,” he said.
Alves said the rink provides a good, year round surface for various Sports and activities.
He also said the surface materials and boards are “getting kind of tired” and they’re hoping to kick start refurbishment “someday down the road.”
