Table Hockey Heaven

torontotablehockey · Sophmore Joined: 11 Jan 2009 Posts: 82

Hello Table Hockey Enthusiasts,

The Ontario Table Hockey Association (OTHA) is pleased to announce the Upcoming 13th Annual Toronto Classic Canadian Championships.
We have great news to share with you about this event, that we hope will entice the wider table hockey community to come and join us.
This year's event is being held in partnership with The Toronto Marlies and Big Brothers Big Sisters of Toronto.
The Event will be held in downtown Toronto and hosted by the Toronto Marlies at their stadium, the Ricoh Center.
The venue is bright, large, and energetic - A walk through crowd of 8000+ willl be in attendance for the Marlies game played during the tournament!
All are welcome to come out and join in on the festivities. We are hoping to have representation from the various leagues from the OTHA.

While the main tournament proceeds, a second doubles friendly will be taking place for the Big/Little Brothers (pairs of adult and their child friends). Proceeds from the event will go towards the Big Brothers Big Sisters of Toronto organization (BBBST). The tournament is proud to be partnered with this worthy charity. The OTHA has pledged its commitment to BBBST in order to promote awareness of the work they do, recognize the organization publically, and to raise funds to help BBBST continue the fine level of service it provides to families and children.

The event is being held on Saturday April 7, 2012.
Start time will be 10am (but not firm) and should wrap up by 7pm
We will be playing in the "Marlies Alley" located in the West Annex.
Cost for the event will stay the same as last year at $40.00.
Entry fee includes a $20.00 ticket to watch the Marlies game, a Toronto Classic t-shirt and possibly $8.00 for a food voucher.
And as usual there will be many prizes up for grabs again this year. Who knows what will be available.... last year we had signed game used memorabilia from Gaborik, Spezza, Wolski, Lundqvist, as well as some team signed items from the New York Rangers. We had a grand prize of free beer for a year from one of our sponsors. Sid Kloosterman has also offered to build a few SK stadium to raffle off to support the event and help raise funds for BBBST. A special thank you goes out to Sid for all the work involved, and I hope others order games from him... sensational workmanship!

With the Partnership of The Toronto Marlies And Big Brothers Big Sisters of Toronto, this event is shaping up to be one of the largest table hockey events since the inception of The Toronto Classic 13 years ago. The main tournament will be capped at 100 participants, and the doubles friendly is expected to have 60 players involved. The tournament, now being dubbed the Canadian Championship, will be widely promoted through our partners (Marlies and BBBST) using their websites, facebook and twitter, and poster print media. The table hockey tournament will also be announced on the speaker system during several Marlies home games, several Toronto radio stations, and Rogers TV. Rogers will also broadcast portions of the table hockey playoffs during the intermissions of the Marlies game.

Don't miss the biggest table hockey tournament in North America! As a final sweetener, we are making huge efforts to draw new members into the OTHA community... a cash prize will be awarded to the top rookie player (who has not yet participated in the Toronto Classic)! If you have been waiting for your chance to attend the premium event in Canada, then here is your chance! (the long weekend also allows travellers plenty of time to arrive, see the sites, etc)

Please come join us in making this event a huge success.
Contact Mark Sokolski at torontotablehockey@hotmail.com 613.687.6926
or Dave Kraehling at superdave3n2@yahoo.ca 416.894.5968
Confirm your attendance to either as soon as possible. Entry fees can be mailed or done instantly on paypal.

www.ontariotablehockey.com

ReggieJ44 · Posted: Wed Feb 01, 2012 5:49 pm Post subject:

Great job, Mark and Dave!

Reggie Stefaniszyn ETHL

torontotablehockey · Sophmore Joined: 11 Jan 2009 Posts: 82

The Ontario Table Hockey Association (OTHA) is excited to announce the Toronto Classic Canadian Table Hockey Championships!!!

Sat. April 7, 2012 - The Toronto Marlies wil play host to the Table Hockey Tournament at the Ricoh Coliseum. Prizes from Nazim Kadri and Joey Crabb aside, this will be a spectacular event, with over 8000 people walking through the table hockey event during the Marlies end of season home game!

Major sponsors, ladies division, massive prize packs, AHL and NHL memorabilia, Cash prize for the top Rookie of the event (bring a friend who has never played in the Toronto event!!!), huge crowds in attendance, Rogers TV broadcasting the table hockey playoffs during the Marlies intermissions, stadium style table hockey games, round robin and then playoffs for all at their skill level!!! This is a entertaining day for all!!!

Details:
SAT. APRIL 7, 2012.
10:30-6:30
100 Princes Boulevard - Ricoh Coliseum - http://www.marlies.ca/tickets/directions.asp
Contact: Dave Kraehling 416.894.5968 / Mark Sokolski 613.687.6926

Spaced limited, please register quickly! (***please see attached entry form and details!)
$40 entry fee includes Canadian Table Hockey t-shirt, Ticket to Marlies vs Grand Rapids (3pm start)
guaranteed 12 games and playoffs at your skill level.

___________________

Please watch for the OTHA on CBC National on Fri. Feb. 10. (aired CBC Toronto between 5:00-6:30 pm)

Visit the OTHA booth at the Toronto Sportsman's Show from March 14-18!!!

Superdave3n2 · Posted: Fri Feb 10, 2012 7:02 am Post subject:

The first promotion of the Toronto Classic took place last night as the National TV station CBC visited our league night and did a piece on Table Hockey for the news tonight (Friday).
For those of you in the bordering states of Southern Ontario that pick up our Canadian Channels. The CBC will be airing the piece between 5-6:30 pm.
SD

Superdave3n2 · Posted: Thu Feb 16, 2012 2:53 pm Post subject:

What a week....

The names are starting to flow in for participation into The Toronto Classic Canadian Championships.

We have some notibles joining us. Dr. Lou Marinoff from New York and Daniel Bordileau from Montreal, QC. We are have plenty of room for players to join into this historical making event.
We are looking for Ladies to join in on the fun as this year we have a "Ladies" division. Trust me folks, the Canadian women can play table hockey as well.
We have a "Rookie" division this year for NEW players to the sport.
Dave

Superdave3n2 · Posted: Thu Mar 01, 2012 2:02 pm Post subject:

I found out today that admission to the Tournament is on a prepaid understanding. Now I know allot of people in the past have been allowed to pay at the door. This practice is going to be hard to do this year.

Due to time constraints this year, we need all of the participants that are planning to come to get their payments in now to avoid being turned away at the door.

This is a huge event and we are going to need all of the time we are there to focus on the event and as little time as possible administering it.

Please forward your payments today and let either Mark or Dave know your intentions.

Thanks
Dave
Cheers

torontotablehockey · Sophmore Joined: 11 Jan 2009 Posts: 82

http://www.edge.ca/Blogs/FearlessFred/Home.aspx

check out the blog by Fearless Fred... nice!!!!!

you can listen to the radio interview on his blog, just click on the little play symbol at the right...

torontotablehockey · Sophmore Joined: 11 Jan 2009 Posts: 82

I have been invited as a guest speaker on the Fan Sports 590 AM radio in Toronto on March 18. any ontario readers here please tune in... although nowadays you can stream it online as well.
A few days ago I was called ny CFNY Edge 102.1 FM to talk about the Canadian Table Hockey Championships... Sat. April 7

The link was provided earlier in this thread if you want to listen to the interview... it was well done when it aired.. as Fearless Fred called the tourney `what might be the greatest sporting event of all time`

pretty cool

ReggieJ44 · Posted: Fri Mar 09, 2012 6:49 pm Post subject:

Nice interview, Mark!

Reggie Stefaniszyn ETHL

Superdave3n2 · Posted: Sat Mar 10, 2012 4:33 am Post subject:

Yes Reggie, Mark did a very nice job on that interview.
People, the Blog is still posted go to the bottom of the Blog page and on the right side is the title for table hockey.
If you haven't heard it yet, have a listen.
Dave

torontotablehockey · Sophmore Joined: 11 Jan 2009 Posts: 82

We will be on The Fan 590 Sports radio on Sun.March 18th at 8:20am

check out:
http://tablehockey-discussion.2665692.n2.nabble.com/Two-Sportsman-s-Show-Pics-td7373582.html

The Ontario Table Hockey Association is spending the week promoting table hockey at the Toronto Sportsman Show, one of the biggest worldwide events of its kind that attracts over 130,000 people each year. Yesterday, I handed out hundreds of flyers promoting leagues and tournaments across Ontario, and even passed information to two people from Vancouver who wanted to find out about a league in their area (I think Warren K has just started one again!)

This promo opportunity has become a game changer! We attracted dozens of people to our upcoming Canadian Table Hockey Championships on April 7, passed out league contact information to hundreds of people, and are having fun talking about table hockey and playing on a dozen different games with the public! Everyone passing by had a unique memory and a table hockey story to share! I even learned a few neat tricks from some old-timers who really knew quite a lot about the history and the strategies behind out awesome game.

If you can find a way to Toronto on April 7, we already have some big names coming to join us! Ron Marsik, Bernie Kunzler, Lou Marinoff, Kevin Williams, and even old-time veteran of Benej and Coleco... Monsieur Daniel Bordeleau!

This will be the biggest table hockey event of the century! A doubles division, a ladies division, and the main event! Over 10,000 people walking through the event, which is being hosted by the Toronto Marlies (AHL farm team of the Toronto Maple Leafs) during a season ending home game!

Please come support this once in a lifetime event... table hockey needs you to be there! All the proceeds go towards BigBrothersBigSisters of Toronto.

email torontotablehockey@hotmail.com

for more details

torontotablehockey · Sophmore Joined: 11 Jan 2009 Posts: 82

Well, Super Dave Kraehilng, with Antonio Ferrera and Bernie Kunzler, are road-tripping it as we speak to SNAC Detroit for the 2 day table hockey party!

Did not want to talk Toronto while another tourney was in the works, but it is time to release some juice!
Toronto has over 80 players registered for the Canadian Table Hockey Championships, and more people confirmed and sending in entries. It looks like we will top 100 players this year!!! It is very exciting.

The Ontario Table Hockey Association has involved itself with many leadership activities and promotions this year and the dividends are pouring out now! We have many partners and contacts who are helping to support the event, both internally and externally. The media has latched onto the event and we have done 2 radio, 2 newspaper, and are expecting at least 2 TV stations to be filming. CAGA will also be on hand, as Kevin Williams is participating in (and carefully filming!) the massive table hockey extravaganza!

The OTHA had a 5 day display of table hockey games at the Toronto Sportsman Show last week, which was a remarkable success! Hundreds of people stopped to play their old childhood games, and many wanted to join leagues and try out a table hockey tournament! The NHLPA sent a representative to meet with us and we are discussing how they may support the April 7 tournament in Toronto.

**Anyone out there ready to make the trip to be part of this historic event??? Table hockey ambassadors Ron Marsik, Daniel Bordeleau, and Dr. Lou Marinoff are welcome additions to the great table hockey community on Ontario! Dave K does road trips to support many events... please follow his example and support this event! Dave is the co-host of this tournament, and will be taking over the organization of the event.

Proceeds of the event go to BigBrothersBigSisters of Toronto. We have a Men's Division, Ladies' Division, and a doubles portion set up for just the Big and Little Brothers.

As the tournament is in a high profile location, over 10,000 people will be walking through and seeing it! The Ricoh Coliseum is the home arena of the Toronto Marlies, who have partnered with the tournament to help bring table hockey to new heights.

This will be the craziest day of Table Hockey you can imagine! Don't miss it!
Please email torontotablehockey@hotmail.com for more info

www.ontariotablehockey.com

EricK · Posted: Fri Mar 23, 2012 1:43 pm Post subject:

Appreciate that courtesy.

Toronto sounds like a great event. Congrats on all the major sponsorship and involvement and numbers.

Best,
Eric

torontotablehockey · Sophmore Joined: 11 Jan 2009 Posts: 82

cracking the 90 player plateau ... funny that John Barnes just signed up for the Canadian Championships, but not the same JB who was in Detroit yesterday! lol

Amazing co-ordination of efforts from many OTHA committee members is leading to super ideas and extra emphasis on further promotion efforts, even during the event!
Looks like we will have fine looking models dressed as referees serving as greeters for the public...
Smile

torontotablehockey · Sophmore Joined: 11 Jan 2009 Posts: 82

Wow - the entries have been pouring in this week for the Canadian Table Hockey Championships, held at the Ricoh Coliseum in Toronto!
Take a look at the registered players list on the homepage of the OTHA!!!! www.ontariotablehockey.com
It has not been updated yet by the Tech Committee, but it is around 90 players right now!
There are still about 12-15 people who are promising that they will have their entries in shortly, so we should surpass 100 players and the pools for the main division are nearly ALL FULL!!!

If you are reading this, then grab those last spots! A 4 day long weekend means being able to attend the Toronto extravaganza, even if travelling!!! Thanks to Lou Marinoff, Ron Marsik, Kevin Williams, and Daniel Bordeleau for making the trip as our table hockey ambassadors!!! AND Thanks to all the people who got registered early... this is such a big help for the organization of the event!

Please call those friends who have yet to register, as this will be a historic event! Missing this is worse than missing the SuperBowl, as an event of this magnitude does NOT happen every year! The stars have really aligned for us on this one, as the OTHA will see some amazing things happening in 2012!
Don't you dare miss it!!! We want you all there....

The NHLPA may have some prizes to offer us, and Dave has already received a few prizes from the Hockey Hall of Fame! what a year... whew

Superdave3n2 · Posted: Tue Mar 27, 2012 1:39 pm Post subject:

Yes Mark, this is definitely shaping up to be the BIGGEST event of this Millenium. Last week in Detroit saw many players from all over North America and two from Denmark. But having attended the event and knowing what is about to transpire I say that any person that doesn't attend the Canadian Championships at thr Ricoh Colesium is definitely missing one of if not the Premier event(s) of the Present Day Table Hockey Scene.

I suggest that those players sitting on the fence on whether to join us or not, need to get off the fence and sign on.
Detroit was great, don't get me wrong but where can you go for a table hockey tournament, play table hockey, then go watch a real hockey game and also watch the play-offs On the BIG SCREEN for the table hockey tournament at the same time. Not to mention a beautiful table hockey T-shirt commerating the event as well as an opportunity to win fabulous prizes (with a raffle Ticket).

Mark, the only thing we are missing here is MORE Players.
Mark's right we are at 90 participants as I write this and we have just under two weeks left before this event takes place.
I tell you folks, the Hype is unbelievable.
The action is going to be fierce and who knows we may just have a new tournament champion to crown.
Anything is possible.

Our sponsors are on board with some phenomenal prizes. I'm just waiting on the NHLPA to confirm their donation. I'm also hoping that some of the hockey players from both the Marlies and the Griffins will stop by prior to or shortly after the game.

Thousands of people will be specticle to our event as the Toronto Marlies will be playing the Grand Rapids Griffins. So Michigan, here's your excuse to come across the border and join us.

Folks we have but 11 more sleeps until we get it on!!!
I'm looking forward to seeing you all there.

Our Charity partner this year is Big Brothers and Big Sisters of Toronto.
If you can't make the event please consider helping out this great cause by donating at least the entry fee.

Thanks and see you there.
SD

torontotablehockey · Sophmore Joined: 11 Jan 2009 Posts: 82

thanks dave!

also, we are asking players if you cannot attend, can you please support our charity partner, BigBrothersBigSisters of Toronto? This is a wonderful children's charity that serves families in Toronto very well. Any cheques can be made out to BBBST and mailed to Dave Kraehling, or send a paypal to torontotablehockey@hotmail.com and leave a note with all your details which we need to submit for any tax information.
Dave Kraehling
16-1375 Southdown Rd
Mississauga, ON
L4J2Z1
Canada

Thanks for any support you can offer! We have already received $290 in player donations as some people could not attend and wanted to contribute to the event in this way. Many thanks...

mark and dave

torontotablehockey · Sophmore Joined: 11 Jan 2009 Posts: 82

Dave just emailed me that he just received 3 more entries

We are at 94 participants right now... wowzers
anyone want to become the elusive #100 player???? step in the ring! hmmmm.....

torontotablehockey · Sophmore Joined: 11 Jan 2009 Posts: 82

With 8 days to go ... we have 99 registered players in for the Canadian Table Hockey Championships.

If you needed an excuse to finally get to see Toronto, is a 4 day long weekend and the biggest table hockey tourney ever motivation enough for you?
Come support the overwhelming efforts of the committees of the Ontario Table Hockey Association as we try to show the table hockey community that teamwork really does work! We are such a great tapestry of talent and when put together the results have been first rate! We have coleco players, stiga players, benej players, powerplay players, munro players, leagues, collectors, experts and novice players, kids, women, teenagers, and SUPER DAVE! haha

WHO IS GOING TO BE #100? Many doubters thought we could not pull this off when we set out to achieve this, but we had a clear plan and good team leadership in place. I would like to publically acknowledge all the team players out there, but it would be a lot of typing. Thank you Guys! The next thing to plan is the after party!

Superdave3n2 · Posted: Fri Mar 30, 2012 5:28 am Post subject:

Let it be Me, Let it be Me!!!!!

Oh darn, I'm already registered.

Wow, 99 and counting. People this event isn't just about the table hockey,
It's an event of momentous proportions.
Table hockey this year is looking brighter than recent & past years and is rivalling yesteryears. In the seventies we saw events of this size as the norm. To see an event like this in 2012 is UNBELIEVABLE.
I would love to see more people join to set a precident, that will be sought after for years to come....(ok until the next event).

Folks, you have read Mark and I going on about this event for the last month, and with a week to go until the Big Show Down, wouldn't you love to be part of history in the making and take in an AHL game to boot.

We have a tapestry of excitement happening on April 7th,

For each participant, we have for you a T-shirt, a Ticket (to the Marlies game), and a food voucher (Pizza Pizza)

First and foremost, The event is being held in one of the oldest buildings in Toronto, located in the Famous CNE grounds which also host the the Toronto Foot Ball Club (TFC Soccer), it's also where the annual Honda Indi is held. (You will actually cross the starting grid to get into the event).
The building that is the host site for this Table Hockey Championships is remembered by many as the "Old Horse Palace" where Show Horses used to be housed and displayed at the Royal Winter Fair and other competitions during the year.
Now, however, The renovated building houses the Future of Toronto Ice Hockey with The Toronto Marlies.
Secondly, we have many great sponsors, donating many great prizes.
For instance, "Pizza for a year" from Pizza Pizza, Beer packages from two different breweries Steam Whistle and Wellington, clothing, NHL prizes on behalf of the NHLPA, Toys from a toy manufacturer. Canadian Hockey Hall of Fame passes, and many more prizes to be won.
Thirdly, This year we are introducing a "Womens Division" as well as a "Doubles Division" for our partnered Charity, Big Brothers and Big Sisters of Toronto.
The winners in each division will receive a beautiful trophy as well as a subsiduary prize for there win.
Trophies will be given for each division for 1st, 2nd, 3rd.
After the Play-offs, The "B","C", and "D" divisions will be able to take in the Toronto Marlies game vs The Grand Rapids Griffins, to complete the day.

SOUND LIKE FUN?

Next Saturday will be the Biggest Table Hockey event in Toronto for some time. I'm both Excited and Looking forward to this event.

The day holds many things to do as well as play in a table hockey tournament.

Final preparations are being made to make this memoriable.

PLEASE, if you haven't signed up yet and are wondering if you should make the trek to Toronto, don't hesitate as this opportunity to be part of this Big event, is slipping away.

SIGN ON TODAY DON'T DELAY, AND PLAN TO GET AWAY, AND STAY IN Toronto.

Dave

torontotablehockey · Sophmore Joined: 11 Jan 2009 Posts: 82

TYLER SCOTT ... (last year`s 4th place finisher is in the ring! He keeps his top seeding too...)

His registration just came in!!!

WOW - 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100

Should we give a special award or prize just for being the 100th entry?
NOPE

we should give it to Bernie Kunzler, who registered first! A 24 pack of Steam Whistle beer is coming your way Bernie! Thanks for your endless support, always being a great example to others, and for your efforts behind the scenes (as well as your kind support in promoting our efforts when you speak to others privately or online publically!).

Three Cheers for Bernie Kunzler! Let`s have some beer!

torontotablehockey · Sophmore Joined: 11 Jan 2009 Posts: 82

A few more big additions have rolled in, making the total number of players currently at 103 for the Canadian Table Hockey Championships!
Danny Saliani, one of the fastest hands in the Ontairo powerplay rankings, is finally able to make the commitment. Danny finished 5th in last year's event, and comes back to claim his seeding.

A pleasant surprise is the late addition of Greg Scoma of the US. Greg has travelled to several Canadian events in the past, accomplishing a 2nd place finish in the Brampton-based Johny Goodguy tourney (losing to Super Dave in the finals if my memory serves me right). Great to have a gent like Greg Scoma join the event, as he has a strong passion for table hockey and brings another element to the competition!

Welcome gentleman... should be a remarkable day!

Superdave3n2 · Posted: Sun Apr 01, 2012 6:45 pm Post subject:

I am pleased to anounce that Antonio Ferrara has signed onto the Classic as of today. We are now at 105 and more room available.
SD

torontotablehockey · Sophmore Joined: 11 Jan 2009 Posts: 82

With the addition of 5 more players today, we stand at 110 registered players for the upcoming Canadian Table Hockey Championship. While mosy years there are always a few people who end up missing teh tourney due to some sort if change in plans, we still feel confident that it will be the most memorable table hockey event in the modern history of the game.

In speaking to a few 70's and eary 80's table hockey tournament players, there were only a few 100+ tourneys on record, with the biggest having around 125 people. If someone has more accurate information to share, please add it to this discussion.

Nonetheless, in a post-video-game era... we feel extremely proud of what we have achieved this year in Ontario! Our group has shown superb initiative and leadership in tirelessly promoting table hockey, finding dozens of new players who may now be joining out OTHA leagues and other tournaments in the fall.

We hope that a few more people are still jumping on "board" this week, and that some of the angels in here in heaven decide to grace us with their participation on Saturday.

torontotablehockey · Sophmore Joined: 11 Jan 2009 Posts: 82

This tourney started as a bit of a pipe dream... I remember Sid, Dave and I were talking and we thought,
"Oh ya, I think we could work hard at it and get 80 people.. that would still be good."

This morning, we registered player #115.

WOW WOW WOW WOW WOW

I don't even think we are done yet... Table Hockey is Alive and WELL! It is back, and better than ever!

Two players this morning also commented they will be in touch with Guy Mason about joining the Cambridge league.

This is what the dream was in September... reach out - be a public force - get table hockey back in the spotlight~!
I see it in my classrooms ALL the time... if you expose kids to something, they leap at it with energy!

We saw it at the Sportsman Show - hundreds of people flocking to play out table hockey games! Kids leaving their parents and staying for 3-4 hours to try every game we had... Smiling faces, memories, and a twinkle that spoke volumes, "I wish I had one of those!"

Thanks to everyone for being a part of this experience - you will certainly look back at this as the most important time in the history of Ontario Table Hockey! Remember this post!!! 5 years from now, you will be able to judge by all the new faces which will one day become the next pillars of the OTHA, just as Sid Kloosterman, Danny Saliani, Dave Kraehling, Guy Mason did 6-7 years ago.

Keep playing table hockey - take it to the streets - take it to work for a company event - play it with kids on the street. .... Table Hockey Kicks Ice!!!