The Geeks are coming!
Apr. 16, 2008
Organizers of the fifth annual Geeks on Ice hockey tournament are preparing for this week’s arrival of 300 IT professionals from across Atlantic Canada who will play in support of two partner agencies of the United Way of Greater Moncton and Southeastern NB Region.
“We’re ready to welcome our 16 teams of Geeks and get the fun started!” said tournament chair Jason Clements.
Games begin Thursday night at the Tim Hortons 4-Ice Centre in Moncton (also known as the Fourplex), with the official puck drop set for 5 p.m. Friday on Rink C, with Deputy Mayor Merrill Henderson doing the honours.
Proceeds from this year’s Geeks on Ice tournament will support Ability Transit, a service available to residents of Moncton and city visitors with serious mobility problems due to a physical disability. The event will also support the BUILT Network (Building Up Individuals through Learning and Teamwork), an organization that helps individuals with disabilities develop personal and professional skills in a supportive environment.
Among the new elements of this year’s tournament, co-sponsored by the City of Moncton and Enterprise Greater Moncton in partnership with the United Way of Greater Moncton and Southeastern NB Region, is the addition of the first all-women’s team – Acadiennes on Blades.
Also new this year is the Family Fun Zone for players’ families and the general public, open from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday at the Fourplex. The Zone will feature a variety of games, hockey skills competitions, face painting and more. A freewill donation will be accepted at the entrance to the Zone.
One of the most anticipated events of the coming weekend is Molson GeekFest 2008, which kicks off at 8:30 p.m. Saturday at Slapshots Bar and Grill in the Fourplex.
Molson Geekfest 2008 is open to geeks of all kinds – 19 years of age and over -including players, supporters, IT professionals and hockey fans. There is no admission fee.
The Geeks on Ice tournament wraps up at 2 p.m. Sunday, April 20, when the Whitehill Cup will be presented.
Throughout the weekend, raffle tickets will be sold on a variety of prizes. Ticket prices are one for $2 or three for $5.
Since 2003, individuals and organizations from across Atlantic Canada that share a passion for information technology, their community and hockey have participated in this family-oriented event.
“The Geeks continue to make a big impact on our community,” said Micha Fardy, director of community development for the local United Way. “To date, more than $15,000 has been invested back into the community as a result of this tournament, helping agencies better serve the youth and families of southeastern New Brunswick. It’s really fantastic.”
Funds raised have been invested in computers, software and technology to organizations without regular, effective access to digital and information technology.
For more information on the tournament, visit the GeeksOnIce website or email GeeksOnIce.
For more information, contact Geeks on Ice co-chair Trevor MacAusland at 872-2348 or Cathy Donaldson, Communications Coordinator, United Way of Greater Moncton and Southeastern New Brunswick Region, at 858-8600 Ext. 64 or 866-6427.






