Underwater Hockey Fun Tournament at the Aquatic Centre

On Saturday, September 20th, I had the opportunity to visit the Aquatic Centre where an Underwater Hockey Fun Tournament was being held. This unique sport takes place at the bottom of the pool. I learned that a team is composed of six players, one team with white helmets and hockey sticks, the other in black. In addition to that, the players wear fins, masks, and snorkels. The untended goal is three yards long with a trough along the back into which the player must shoot the puck to score. Unlike most sports, there are the added challenges of holding your breath while playing and communicating with your team in non-verbal ways, both of which can be learned.

Sophie Gosse, an active member of the club for more than 30 years, explained that for this tournament there are six participating teams, two from Cornwall, and four from Quebec and elsewhere in Ontario. “Sometimes we have people across Canada,” she said. “We do it based on a point system. If you win, you get 3 points. If you lose, you don’t get a point. There is no play-offs system for fun tournaments.” The winning team gets a photo with a trophy along with individual medals and bragging rights. Volunteers and players help to run the tournament, by organizing, filming, and refereeing. The one-day event ends with a supper and award presentation.

Cornwall’s Underwater Club was founded in 1969 by Ron MacDonald, and it plays competitively around the world. There are no membership fees. The club is looking to recruit more players of any skill level. You might think it a difficult sport to watch since most of it takes place under water, invisible up above, but at this tournament, an underwater cameraman was filming the games, and the action could be viewed live on a screen.

Underwater hockey is played at the Civic Complex Aquatic Centre on Mondays and Thursdays from 8:30 p.m. to 10 p.m. People are invited to give it a try. It costs $7.50 to get into the pool. To try it, you just need to bring a swimsuit and your enthusiasm. Equipment is provided for trials. Beginners are encouraged to come on Monday nights as Thursdays tend to be more competitive. To make sure there is sufficient equipment available, it is best to notify the club of your intention to attend.

For more information visit the “Cornwall Underwater Hockey Club” Facebook group.