The first Southern Manitoba pond hockey tournament was a great success.

On March 3, nine teams gathered at the Chortitz Pond to have a fun competition playing hockey and fundraising.

Around $4,000 was raised toward keeping the Chortitz rink in operation, as well as to be donated to the Pembina Valley Bible Camp.

Event Organizer Kevin Wiebe said the money being donated to the Chortitz rink will go toward the general upkeep and operation of the building, while the Bible Camp will be using their money to assist with their operations as well.

Kevin Wiebe Event Organizer

Wiebe said though it was a little wet they had a great turn out and the support from the community was tremendous.

"I'm thankful for everyone who came, it was a lot of fun. I'm glad they could come and hope they come next year."

Jeremy Weber of the Rockets said they put a team together to help support the local Chortitz rink and Bible Camp. They had a great time and said everyone around them seemed to be having a great time too.

With four rinks and Wiebe explained they want to expand for next year. He said they'll see how everyone thought things went this year, so they can have some fresh ideas for 2019.

The Rockets with Jeremy Weber, Lee Grenier, Steve Peters, Chris Ivenie, Sandi Debreuil