PLASTER ROCK (GNB) – Great hockey will not be the only thing on display at the World Pond Hockey Championships in Plaster Rock this week.

Some of New Brunswick’s best foods and beverages will also be featured at a Taste of New Brunswick welcome reception for the estimated 700 hockey players and journalists arriving on Feb. 12 for the four-day tournament.

The reception will feature local producers serving up some of the province’s best products. The reception will also promote the tourism sector.

“We want to provide our guests from across North America and the world with a lot of reasons to return to New Brunswick with their friends and families,” said Tourism, Heritage and Culture Minister Bill Fraser. “By hosting a welcome reception featuring local foods and beverages, we are promoting both agri-tourism and culinary experiences, as well as supporting our local producers before a national and international audience.”

A total of 120 teams compete in the pond hockey event and more than 8,000 spectators are expected to visit Plaster Rock during the tournament.

“Providing this showcase reflects our commitment to New Brunswick’s food and beverage producers, who are developing products for export and local markets,” said Agriculture, Aquaculture and Fisheries Minister Rick Doucet. “These companies are playing a vital role in growing New Brunswick’s economy, providing valuable jobs as well as delicious and unique local products.”

The reception is being hosted by the Department of Tourism, Heritage and Culture. The following local producers and products will be represented through Real Food Connections of Fredericton:

  • Jolly Farmer (raw milk sharp cheeses);
  • Red Rover Brewing Company (craft cider);
  • Speerville  Flour Mill (pancakes prepared on-site and  topped with maple syrup);
  • Canadian Maple Co.;
  • Covered Bridge Chips;
  • Atlantic Mariculture (dulse);
  • Fromagerie Les Blancs d’Arcadie (cheese curds);
  • Java Moose (coffee);
  • Coburn Farm (apple cider);
  • Mrs. Dunster’s (donuts);
  • True North Salmon; and
  • Cedar Valley Springs.

The pond hockey championships run from Feb. 12 to 15 in Plaster Rock.

 

12-02-15