Owen Grand – Contributor

What started as a backyard project on Church Street has quickly grown into one of Winterfest’s most anticipated events.

On Friday, Feb. 6 at 1 p.m., students will gather off campus for the Winterfest 2v2 Hockey Tournament, a student-run event featuring hockey, music and an outdoor party. While Winterfest weekend is officially organized by the Student Representative Council at Bishop’s University, this tournament is different; it was created entirely by students, for students. It should be stated that this event is in no way affiliated with Bishop’s University or the SRC. The hockey tournament is entirely funded and run by the students who created it, on private property, with no university oversight. 

Image courtesy of Kai Luginbuhl

Last year, five roommates living together on Church Street decided to take advantage of winter conditions and build a hockey rink in their backyard. As Winterfest approached and excitement grew over the weekend, the group opened the rink to the student body. With little notice, they launched sign-ups for a 2v2 tournament, capped at 16 teams and hoped for the best.

What followed exceeded expectations. Throughout the afternoon, hundreds of students stopped by to play, watch and take in the atmosphere. A DJ kept the energy high, while spectators gathered around the rink, and others joined in games set up nearby. The event quickly turned into a go-to stop for students that afternoon.

Encouraged by the turnout and positive feedback, the group decided the tournament deserved more than a one-year run. Planning for this year’s event began early, with rink construction starting shortly after Christmas and a clear goal in mind: turning a successful idea into a lasting Winterfest tradition.

This year’s tournament takes inspiration from the NHL’s Four Nations format, reimagined with a Bishop’s twist. The four Divisions are Club Hockey, Lacrosse, Team Toronto and Team Ottawa. Each division has eight players, four teams each, resulting in a full bracket of 16 teams, 32 players facing off to win the tournament on behalf of their division. 

Organizers have put equal effort into creating a welcoming space for spectators, with easy viewing areas, DJs, a fire pit and partnerships for giveaways to spectators and players. 

At its core, the Winterfest 2v2 Hockey Tournament captures exactly what the weekend is meant to celebrate: outdoor activity, University winter culture and a student community coming together. Whether students are on a team or simply stop by with friends, the hope is that everyone leaves having shared in the spirit of Winterfest, and maybe the start of a new Bishop’s tradition.