Geeks on Ice History

We'll people it's been quite the week for Geeks on Ice! The committee has been hard at work getting teams signed up, getting names for the free agent draft, contacting local media and reaching out to community leaders. The greatest knowledge industry sports event in the country is going to be a definite blast in 2006! GOI is also making quite the splash in the local circles. we are now feature on the local in the know blog community (http://moncton.localintheknow.com/). Everywhere I go, people are asking me about "Geeks" and commenting on the positive impact, it is leaving in the community. Geeks work hard and play harder...

As founder of Geeks on Ice, I have seen the tournament double in size from 8 to 16 teams in just three short years. I would have never imagined the type of support we have received since 2003. I am extremely proud of our accomplishments thus far. It also validates that Atlantic Canada does have a strong base of skilled and talented knowledge industry professionals, both on and off the ice.For historic purposes, my initial vision for Geeks on Ice was to promote networking between industry professionals. The idea arose on a frigid January 2003 evening at the weekly Whitehill pick up game. William Langley from NRC sat next to me. Will and I were chatting away as I mentioned the lack of local events where likeminded individuals could meet and talk IT. I recall saying: "Wouldn't it be cool if someone organized a local IT hockey tournament?". The following day, I received a couple phone calls and emails from people wanting to know about an IT hockey tournament I was trying organize. Upon reflection, I concluded: "Why not?”

The rest is history.

Once work began on the tournament, I quickly discovered it could be so much more. I discovered that we could channel the positive energies from the event to benefit local charity. For the first couple of years we raised funds to sponsor a Relay for Life team, a great cause. This year, after hearing from Nancy Hartling of Support for Single Parents, we decided to raise money to purchase computer peripherals that will enable them to deliver their services to thousands of individuals in the Moncton area.

Throughout the years, the event has also served as a positive image to the public. The bursting of the dot com bubble in 2000 has really battered the IT industry’s image. Geeks on Ice serves as a reminder that we are alive and kicking! For the record, we still use terms like "cool", "awesome" and "sweet" to describe what we do everyday and drink ridiculous amounts of Java (The drink not the language). Well, at least I do.

As such, I would like to extend a warm heartfelt invitation to the non-"Geek" community, especially students who are looking for a career option, to come out to the event. It takes place at the Moncton 4Plex on the weekend of April 21, 2006 to April 23, 2006. Come and experience one of the most fun filled weekends and eye opening events of your lifetime. To the over 300 knowledge industry professionals who are participating in the tournament, I look forward to seeing you. As a great poet once said, "Keep your stick on the ice!”

Cheers,

Trevor Macausland
Geeks on Ice Organizer
W: 506-855-0005
H: 506-852-8096
Email: macaustr@nb.sympatico.ca
www.GeeksonIce.com

The goal of Geeks on Ice is to serve as a networking catalyst and promotion for knowledge industry firms and professionals from all over the region. The unique focus of GOI is the fact that each team must consist of players who work in an IT related profession in IT organizations, insurance, banking, contact centers or businesses that specialize in the transfer of knowledge.