towel , Chris Weld , CEO of The Pass , the event ’ s main sponsor , put a lastditch call in to Berkshire School . With the monumental help of alum Robin McGraw , the school offered to let the tournament take place there .
“ To get an ice slot on a Saturday in February was quite literally a miracle ,” says Alex . “ They were kind enough to donate the ice .”
With eight teams agreeing to play indoors , they were at capacity at the new venue — and the tournament was back on ! The community rallied together , determined to make the event a resounding success . As the 2023 tournament unfolded , the spirit of togetherness was palpable . Teams battled fiercely , and the Pittsfield Police Department emerged victorious .
“ It was all hands on deck ,” says Alex . “ We had the tournament ; it was successful and just an amazing community event .”
As plans for the 2024 tourney take shape , Alex is determined to keep the momentum going . Plans are underway for the 2nd Annual Berkshire Pond Hockey Classic , tentatively scheduled for Saturday , February 10 , at Benedict Pond . Personally significant to Alex , the date is also his dad ’ s birthday .
While Alex is hopeful for the next tournament , he won ’ t let the unpredictable Berkshire winters create an annual roadblock . In an effort to strengthen the bond among hockey enthusiasts scattered across the community , Alex is spearheading a coalition to build a seasonal outdoor rink in Pittsfield . “ It would be a two-month rink with piping underneath so you ’ re not at the mercy of the weather so much ,” he says .
Along with a strong board of advisors , the coalition has begun talks with local investors to create “ a multi-use , community sheet of ice ,“ fostering community engagement and creating a lasting , positive impact .
Through this journey , Alex believes his purpose is simply to channel the passion and energy that hockey has unearthed . ” I really just feel like a conduit , a project manager who ’ s bringing people together ," he reflects . The Berkshire Pond Hockey Classic is a testament to the enduring power of sport , camaraderie , and community , proving that when the love for hockey runs deep , nothing can dampen the spirit of the game .
Visit berkshirepondhockeyclassic . com for updates and ways to get involved .
The Berkshire Pond Hockey Classic was held earlier this year at Berkshire School ’ s indoor hockey arena . The Pittsfield Police Department was the winning team . The hope is to have it next year at Benedict Pond .
Fall 2023 BERKSHIRE MAGAZINE // 69