Thirteen years after the 2013 flood, downtown High River is coming full circle, with its wide sidewalks and pedestrian-friendly streets now bringing the community together.
On June 13, Battle on the BlackTop presented by Mortgage Towne, a community-led street hockey tournament, will transform the downtown core into a high-energy, family-friendly event designed to bring people the hockey community together.
The event will shut down 3rd Ave, 4th Ave, and potentially portions of 1st Street (pending registration numbers), creating multiple outdoor rinks and gathering spaces in the heart of town.
Open to U7, U9, U11, and U13 divisions, the tournament welcomes all players—not just club teams—making it an inclusive opportunity for kids across the region.
Beyond the games, the event will feature a full day of activities including skills competitions hosted by K&M Hockey Development, a mini sticks rink, BBQ and food vendors, a dunk tank, playoffs and a lively atmosphere for families and spectators.
“This is exactly what we had in mind when we rebuilt downtown—wide sidewalks, people first and making room for the community to gather,” said Mayor Craig Snodgrass, while chatting with the event organizer. “Our downtown is the heart of our community and it’s really cool to see how far we’ve come since 2013 and watching that vision come to life through things like this street-hockey tournament.”
With streets closed and strong foot traffic expected, the event also creates a unique opportunity for local businesses to connect with the community in a meaningful and high-visibility way.
The event is being organized in coordination with the Town of High River, following all required special event permitting and safety guidelines to ensure a smooth and successful day.
Organizers hope this will become an annual tradition that continues to bring energy, activity, and connection to the downtown core.