A Lockport family embraced the idea of playing hockey outdoors, despite a windchill factor that could chatter teeth.

Cory Usipiuk brought 14 11-year-old hockey players, including his son, Alex, to the Norwood Community Club so their 11A2 team could participate in Hockey Manitoba's 100th Anniversary Outdoor Series on Sunday.

"It's a big thing," Usipiuk said. "They don't get to play outside like we did when we were kids. It'll be a change for them ... They're learning they have to double up (clothing) like we did when we were kids to protect certain parts that are exposed."

The frigid February air was not about to bother him, though.

"I'm used to it," Usipiuk said. "We're outside all the time where we come from."

Almost 3,600 players aged five to 17 from 259 teams played 142 games around the province to help celebrate the century mark. Each player was given commemorative black or gold CCM jerseys, matching hockey socks and pucks. Players aged 5-6 also got free hockey sticks

"That's pretty neat," Uusipiuk said. "You come out for one game and it's just like the pros, you get an extra set of jerseys and socks."

They also got free hot chocolate.

"The kids are ecstatic," said Dean Matthews, Norwood's hockey convenor. "And the biggest thing was the jerseys."

His daughter, Jace, said the jerseys were the best part, but the games were good, too.

"It was good. I enjoyed it," said Jace, 9, who plays for the 9A1 Seals White. "It wasn't cold because I'm used to it."

Suzanne Buffie said her five-year-old daughter, Johanna was afraid the event was going to get cancelled due to the cold.

"She asked me every hour this morning, 'Did you get an email yet that said it was cancelled?' And I said, 'No.' Then, she was really happy," Buffie said. "This is fantastic."

Her friend, Jen Rempel, agreed as she watched her six-year-old daughter, Senna, take to the ice.

"She was thrilled," Rempel said. "She was hoping to goodness that it wouldn't be cancelled because she was getting new socks and a jersey and getting to play outside. So, she was very excited."

One official was warming up inside between games.

"You are moving, so you don't get too cold," said Brendan Hrushka, 15, who enjoyed the event. "They've got the vintage jerseys and it's got a winter-classic kind of feel, so it's fun."

jim.bender@sunmedia.ca

Twitter: @bendersun

Hockey Manitoba goes all out for century celebrations

Scott Furman called it “the largest outdoor game ever, taking it back to its roots.”

More than 142 outdoor hockey games were played by 3,574 participants in 20 locations around the province to celebrate Hockey Manitoba’s 100th Anniversary. And yes, all of the scores were being tallied to determine an overall winner between the Black and Gold teams, the Hockey Manitoba director of business operations said.

“It’s been a lot of fun,” Furman said after coaching a team of 7-8-year-olds that included his son, Andrew, at the Sir John Franklin Community Club on Sunday.

The Outdoor Series was the brain child of Hockey Manitoba communications director Kyle Prystupa.

“But it was a collaborative effort that was embraced by all of us,” executive director Peter Woods said. “We were blessed with some good weather, a little chilly maybe, but OK.”

No other province has ever organized such an event, Woods believed.

“It’s certainly unique for us at this particular level,” he said.

The giveaways cost Hockey Manitoba about $100,000, but some of its expenses were covered by the $29 registration and last summer’s golf tournament, with a gala dinner to come.

“Of course, we’re not planning to do this again for another 100 years,” said Woods, who thanked all of the volunteers involved.

“It’s been quite a hectic year but quite enjoyable, and very rewarding.”

The venues used for the outdoor games will be given hockey grants totalling $10,000 by Scotiabank.