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LIIDLII KUE/FORT SIMPSON
It wasn't an average hockey game, with players switching teams, but the location for the annual event in Fort Simpson isn't average either.

Alex Campbell, left, Tom Dadaos and Shawn Gillis watch to see if Gabriel Byatt, right, can get the ball past goalie Paul Simon during the annual Road Hockey Rumble in Fort Simpson on Nov. 10. - photo courtesy Shyanne Smith

The Road Hockey Rumble once again shut down a section on 99 Avenue in Fort Simpson on Nov. 10. Now in its fifth year, the ball-hockey tournament has evolved from its beginnings in 2008 when it was organized to celebrate Chris Hewitt's birthday.

"Now it's a tradition and people enjoy the afternoon," said Hewitt, who still hosts the event in front of his house.

Round-robin format

Approximately 20 people participated in this year's rumble. In previous years, the event followed a round-robin format with players forming teams. This year, the format was more fluid.

Using a pick-up game mentality, players subbed in and out of the game, which ran for about three hours including breaks. The players switched sides when they felt like it. This allowed participants to shoot on a different goalie and play with different people, said Hewitt.

"There was lots of playing time for everyone," he said.

Hewitt and Paul Simon stepped forward to be the goalies for the game.

"Paul and I made some great saves," Hewitt said.

When people weren't playing they gathered on Hewitt's front lawn where there was a fire pit to help them stay warm and food on the grill. Julia Tsetso flipped burgers to help keep the players and spectators fed.

Vanessa Murtsell was one of the new participants at the rumble.

Murtsell had heard about the event before, but was always away from the village on the day it was held. This year, a message on Facebook alerted her to the upcoming tournament.

"I like playing hockey and playing outside is a lot of fun," she said.

The pick-up game format worked really well because it allowed people to play even if they arrived late, she said. Murtsell said she definitely hopes to participate again next year.

Hewitt thanked all of the players and spectators for coming out to the rumble because that's what makes it fun, he said.

"It was a good time. There were some sore bodies the next day," he said.

The interest in road hockey is growing, said Hewitt. A group of residents, including some who missed this year's rumble, are considering holding another event in December.

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