What is Geeks on Ice?

For several months I have experience some degree of frustration in trying to explain to people what Geeks on Ice represents or what is our goal as a group. It is a very valid question and one that deserves an answer, so we have decided to come together and define who we are and what we offer (Value-Add).

Since 2003, groups of individuals and organizations have gathered at the Moncton 4 Ice Center to participate in an annual ritual of recreational hockey and networking while leveraging the assembly as charitable mechanism to serve the community we live and play in. Our progress as a group has resulted in business transactions taking place, employment opportunities revealed, co-workers bonding outside of a traditional office setting and showcases this region's knowledge economy.

We are excited about the positive impact GOI has had in the community and that is why our group decided to embark on a vision exercise to see how we can "export" our model to the rest of the world. The goal was to make the region a global leader on an international stage in relation to social economic development. Our mission was going to be eliminating the digital divide trough sport and transfer of professional expertise of those who want to join our team.

With such a mammoth task at hand, the group questioned whether the existing base of "Geeks" were enough to export our brand of digital hockey to the world? Change was inevitable and that's why we re-examined the entry criteria for the tournament. There is a perception out there that you need to be either from a software or hardware based organization to play in the tournament, this is false! Our entry requirements have always been broader then that definition because technology effects everyone in a 21st century digital economy...

In our best effort to define our target audience, we broadened the definition of Geeks on Ice. For 2008, our group would include organizations and individuals who share a passion for sports, community and technology.

This year's line-up certainly represents this bold new vision looking out towards 2012. Some teams playing in the tournament might puzzle our critics and skeptics who say we cannot reach our goal. We say, in a 21st century economy, anyone leveraging the power of the network (Internet/Technology) is a certified Geek on Ice!

Trevor MacAusland
Chairman & Founder
Geeks on Ice


Geeks on Ice would like to thank its 2008 sponsors the City of Moncton, Enterprise Greater Moncton and Molson Breweries.

Registration Deadline Extended

Registration has been going well since we resolved our technical issues, however; due to communication mix-ups the Tournament Committee Chair Jason Clements has decided to extend the registration deadline to March 15th.

Registration Fee: $800/team

If paying by cheque, please make it payable to: Geeks On Ice

You can send it to:

Michael Nied
Geeks On Ice
c/o Aditya Birla Minacs
720 Coverdale Road
Riverview NB E1B 3L8

If you have any questions or if you wish to make arrangements to submit your registration fee, please contact Michael Nied at 506-860-5963 or email him at geeksonice@gmail.com.

Registration Package:

Rules and Regulations (Click Here)
Player Contract (Click Here)
Team Registration Form (Click Here)

Geeks on Ice would like to thank its 2008 sponsors the City of Moncton, Enterprise Greater Moncton and Molson Breweries.

2008 Tournament Update: T-Minus 60 Days

We are approximately 60 days from when the puck drops on the 5th annual Geeks on Ice hockey tournament. Lots of activity is happening at the committee level in preparation for another successful campaign and our team would like to share what we've been working on over the last couple of weeks.

Each year, the tournament committee survey's past participants to gauge your feedback on what we did good and not so good. One overwhelming topic last year was the increasing level of competitiveness amongst some teams. Players shared their concerns that we are phasing away from our roots of a "fun" atmosphere with a winner take all mentality. To address this concern, our Logistics Chair, Michael Nied, and Tournament Chair, Jason Clements, were tasked with find creative solutions to this growing problem. One of the solutions they proposed was to take a fresh look at the rules and regulations.

The recommendations that Michael and Jason proposed where unanimously accepted by the committee and would reinforce our "networking first, hockey second" family atmosphere. You can read the 2008 rules document by visiting the Penalty Box section at GeeksonIce.com or download the rules here.

Registration has gotten off to a shaky start! We have experienced some technical difficulties, however; the Logistics committee is back up and actively contacting those companies that have expressed interest. At last count, 23 teams have showed interest in playing with only 16 slots available.

If you have not inquired on your registration, please contact Michael Nied at geeksonice@gmail.com.

Stay tuned for more exciting news in the coming weeks!

Geeks on Ice would like to thank its 2008 sponsors the City of Moncton and Enterprise Greater Moncton.

Geeks on Ice 2008: Registration is now open!

Registration is now open for the 5th annual Geeks on Ice gentlemen’s hockey tournament! Since 2003, individuals and organizations across Atlantic Canada that share a passion for information technology, their community and hockey have participated in this family oriented event. This event, in partnership with the United Way of Greater Moncton and Southeastern NB Region, raises funds for IT investments for Community non-profit agencies.

To date Geeks On Ice has invested over $15,000 back into the community to help agencies better serve the youth and families of Southeastern NB. “Being a non-profit organization, it is very difficult to acquire and maintain reliable computer equipment capable of handling the operations of our Club.” explains Andrew LeBlanc Program Coordinator for the Riverview Boys and Girls Club, ”The equipment and technical support from Geeks On Ice has allowed us to better track the programs and opportunities for the youth we serve. Our focus can remain on the Youth and the Club instead of hours wasted trying to send an email, access a program or design a simple graphic. We also upgraded the computers in our Drop in Centre’s Homework Computer room; connected to the internet, we are now able to give our kids supervised internet access.”

Geeks on Ice will run from April 17th-20th at the Greater Moncton 4 Ice Centre. Deadline for registration is February 29th and the first 16 teams registered will play in the event, so register early!

To register and for more information on the tournament and the IT fundraiser go to www.GeeksonIce.com or email geeksonice@gmail.com.


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Media Contact:
Geeks on Ice: Trevor MacAusland 872-2348
United Way of Greater Moncton and Southeastern NB: Micha Fardy 858-8600

In the News: Geeks' hockey tournament helps fund non-profit groups

Times & Transcript staff
Published Wednesday April 11th, 2007
Appeared on page C2

Technology professionals from across Atlantic Canada are practising different skills these days, getting ready for a growing annual event each April, the Geeks On Ice Hockey Tournament.

Teams of "techies" will be trading in their computers for ice skates on Thursday, April 19, at the Moncton 4-Plex arena and a chance at bragging rights as well as the opportunity to raise money for the United Way of Greater Moncton and Southeastern New Brunswick Region.

The goal this year is to raise $6,000 for the organization which intends to use the money to provide computer equipment and software programs for use by non-profit charitable organizations.

The tournament also promotes health and wellness.

There were still a few empty spots late last week for any organization or group willing to field a team and participate in the tournament.


To register, contact geeksonice@gmail.com.Raffle tickets for various prizes donated by local merchants and for two passes to the Faith Hill and Tim McGraw Rocks the Hill Concert Sept. 1 can be purchased from the United Way Office, telephone number 858-8600.


Geeks on Ice would like to thank its 2007 sponsors Whitehill Technologies, Inc., G4 Tech TV, Government of New Brunswick, Wild Rose Inn, YourteamOnline.ca and Rising Stars. Prize donors include Red Bull and NRC.

Geeks Team Up with YourTeam Online

Saint John Based Social Networking Portal to Provide Geeks Registrants a Chance to Network

YourTeam Online and Geeks on Ice have announced a formal partnership today as part of the 2007 hockey tournament. The agreement will give each registered team their own team zone on the online social network.

Compared as the MySpace of the hockey world, YourTeam is an online social network dedicated to improving hockey teams, creating an online community where coaches, players and families can communicate better and share information. Teams can share game plans, schedules, statistics, photos, videos and information with their players, fans and other Geeks on Ice teams. YourTeam is an ideal tool for the event participants since the tournament focuses networking among peers.

Teams can register their team zone at http://www.yourteamonline.ca. As teams sign up, Geeks on Ice will post the links to each Team Zone section on the Geeks on Ice website. Teams are encourage to participate and alert the Geeks on Ice committee of the Team Zone web address.

The Geeks on Ice tournament will have 16 teams play at the Moncton 4Plex from April 20 to 22. IT workers can sign up as a team, or individually as free agents. To register, or for more information about Geeks on Ice 2007, please visit ,www.geeksonice.com or write to mailtto:geeksonice@gmail.com.

Draft Jim from Rim Deadline Today

Geeks have yet to hear from Jim Balsillie

Moncton, NB-- The deadline imposed by Geeks on Ice organizers for Jim Balsillie to respond to their invitation will expire tonight. The “Draft Jim from Rim” campaign has attracted the attention of the public as well as the local, national and international media outlets who want to know one thing… Will Mr. Balsillie accept the invitation?

The campaign kicked-off in late January with letters from local business and community leaders being sent to the business icon requesting he attend the annual hockey tournament benefiting local non-profit agencies. The group of leaders who participated included Whitehill CEO Paul McSpurren, Aliant CIO Ivan Toner, FatKat Animation President Gene Fowler, Business New Brunswick Minister Greg Byrne, Moncton City Councillor Doug Robertson and local MP Brian Murphy. Each letter is posted on www.GeeksonIce.com for the public to read.

Organizers have yet to hear from the Research in Motion co-CEO as of noon on deadline day. Many have speculated that Mr. Balsillie has no interest in playing alongside Atlantic Canada’s elite group of amateur hockey players and technology professionals. Know as a self described “hockey nut” and competitive golfer, Mr. Balsillie is best know for his attempt to buy the Pittsburgh Penguins in late 2006.

“Our committee determined that the combination of our tournament coinciding with Research in Motion’s one year anniversary in their Halifax office with the know fact that Mr. Balsillie is a hockey fan made him the perfect candidate for our goal to attract an industry icon”, says Trevor Macausland, Geeks on Ice Founder. “We are slightly disappointed that we have yet to hear from Mr. Balsillie, however; we are hoping to hear good news today”.

Should Jim Balsillie decide to pass on the opportunity to participate in this year’s event; the tournament committee has already set their sights on attracting another major technology icon for 2008 as part of their 5-year anniversary. Through media report in Europe the Geeks on Ice team has discovered that Sun Microsystems CEO Scott McNealy is also a hockey enthusiast. The group has already contact Mr. McNealy about the tournament and he responded immediately. While Mr. McNealy has a conflict for 2007, he is interested in playing in Geeks on Ice 2008 as long as he does not have a scheduling conflict.

Registration Deadline Reminder

This is a reminder to all teams or organizations looking to register a team in the annual Geeks on Ice hockey tournament. Registration deadline is Wednesday, February 28, 2007.

FAQ:

Q) What is Geeks on Ice?

A) Geeks on Ice is an annual technology hockey tournament with a goal to promote networking among technology professionals, promote wellness and serve as a fundraising mechanism to help local non-profit agencies upgrade their computers and software.

Q) How many years has the tournament been played?

A) Four years.

Q) What is the skill level? Is this tournament competitive?

A) Geeks on Ice is recreational hockey tournament focusing on the networking through sport. The committee measures each team based on their roster skill level and places each team in the appropriate division based on the skills assessment. The tournament has a zero tolerance policy on fighting and strictly enforces non-contact rules. Organizers place emphasis on the family atmosphere of the tournament and its main focus is on sportsmanship, which is what makes the tournament a unique event.

Q) Does my team qualify for registration?

A) The tournament focuses on organizations that use technology for manufacturing or delivery of their services. Traditionally this includes call centers, R&D, insurance, banking, consulting, bioscience, gaming, animation, and software and hardware organizations.

Q) How much is registration?

A) Registration is $800.00 per team. Event organizers are asking for a minimum $100.00 deposit by February 28th.

Q) What does the registration fee cover?

A) 3 games, Geekfest admission, player liability insurance, sponsor specials, Rising Stars player gift prize bag and official 2007 Whitehill Technologies Geeks on Ice puck.

Q) To whom do I make the payment to?

A) Geeks on Ice

Q) Whom do I contact for registration?

A) Michael Nied, Logistics Chair (geeksonice@gmail.com)

Q) How many teams can play in your tournament?

A) Maximum 16 teams

Q) Can I register more then one team?

A) Yes

Q) Do I need to give you my full roster by the registration deadline?

A) No, but tournament organizers would like to have your roster as soon as possible after the deadline date.

Q) What are the dates of the tournament?

A) The event kicks off on Thursday, April 19, 2007 and runs until Sunday, April 22, 2007.

Q) If my team is from out of town, will I have to play on Thursday night?

A) Arrangements can be made with the logistics sub-committee, however; we do not guarantee your game times until after registration has passed.

Q) If I do not have a team and want to play, what can I do?

A) Geeks on Ice offer a free agent option. Send a request to geeksonice@gmail.com to express your interest in becoming a free agent.

Q) Who is your non-profit partner?

A) United Way of Greater Moncton and Southeastern NB Region

For more information please contact us at geeksonice@gmail.com

Geeks want to skate with Balsillie

DAVID SHIPLEY
Telegraph-Journal
Published Monday February 5th, 2007
Appeared on page B1


A high-tech hockey tournament in New Brunswick is hoping to draft a top player.

But organizers aren't looking for an NHL-quality ringer.

Instead, they're interested in someone who's more famous for building his communications company into a household name than he is for hockey skills. The Geeks on Ice have set their sights on Jim Balsillie, chief executive officer of Research in Motion and an avid hockey enthusiast. ....

For the rest of the article click here
Download PDF version
or pick up a copy of the Telegraph Journal

Public Information Session Notes

The 2007 Geeks on Ice committee held a public information kick off meeting on December 19th, 2006.

Download Presentation

Here is a summary of the key points that were discussed at the kick off session:

1. Our number one objective is to organize a successful and fun hockey tournament, which fulfills our mission

a. To promote health and wellness (among IT professionals & the community)
b. To promote networking (of IT professionals)
c. To raise money for a local-non profit organization (to support an IT related project / need, such as new hardware / software)

2. While fulfilling our mission another objective should be reached, which is to promote the IT Industry in Atlantic Canada

3. Notes about the Committee Architecture

Appeals Official - A new role for 2007, to act as a neutral ombudsman for major complaints that come up during the tournament, and also to implement any disciplinary sanctions that may be required. Note: Per official tournament rules the on ice officials calls are final, however the Appeals Official will be in a position to take additional actions, if deemed appropriate.

Registration - A suggestion was made that we should identify a specific role for managing registration, on the day of the tournament. We will discuss further at our first committee meeting in the New Year.

4. Additional Volunteer Opportunities

Geeks on Ice 2007 will require additional support at various times leading up to and during the tournament. Such roles include:

Marketing Assistants - People to assist with obtaining and coordinating sponsorship and promotions.

Geek Ambassadors - People to represent the committee at the tournament and the Geekfest social; Go-To people, to answer questions and resolve issues as first point of contact for participants and observers.

Time Keepers - People to manage the clock during the hockey games.

Stats Officials - People to track, update, and post game statistics during the tournament.

First Aid - Have previously used Saint John Ambulance services, and would be interested in pursuing this relationship again in 2007. May also consider Red Cross or other First Aid providers.

Webmaster - A person to take responsibility for keeping the GeeksOnIce.com website updated with tournament and IT related content.

5. Committee Meeting - We plan to schedule our first committee meeting in early January, once the Co-Chairs and Treasurer have met to discuss budget.

If you have any questions about how the comittee is progressing, please contact:

Randy Delorey
Geeks On Ice 2007 Co-Chair
randy.delorey@gmail.com