Thornhill's Polansky enjoys ball hockey before first round tennis action
NHL and tennis greats compete in ball hockey exhibition

YorkRegion.com
Aug. 4, 2014
David Li

While tennis is the main focus of the Rogers Cup, Thornhill’s Peter Polansky was able to squeeze in a friendly game of ball hockey with some of hockey’s top stars Sunday afternoon at the Rexall Centre.

Among the hockey stars participating were Toronto Maple Leaf forward Phil Kessel, Dallas Star centre Jason Spezza, and Markham’s Cody Hodgson, who plays with the Buffalo Sabres.

The fan friendly ball hockey exhibition, which was held on centre court at the Rexall Centre, also featured Juno Award winner Jim Cuddy, and tennis great Roger Federer.

“Got some big hockey names and some big tennis names out here, and a lot of people were out here to watch. I think a lot of us had a lot more fun than we were expecting to have,” said Polansky, who earned a wild card into the main draw of the Rogers Cup based on his ranking.

This weekend also featured player qualifying for a place in the main draw which starts this evening.

Unfortunately, Thornhill’s David Volfson and Pavel Krainik, and Richmond Hill’s Carol Zhao – playing in Montreal – were unsuccessful in their efforts to join Polansky and Milos Raonic in the main draw.

The 26-year-old Polansky will play his opening round match against Jerzy Janowicz of Poland tonight.

With the Rogers Cup being so close to home, Polansky says he will be counting on the support of family and friends.

“Having the hometown support, it’s a great feeling... You don’t really get it too often,” pointed out Polansky, who took full advantage of the home court advantage at the 2010 Rogers Cup to knock off then world No. 13, Jürgen Melzer of Germany in the opening round.

“I’m looking forward to a good crowd and an exciting match.”

The winner of the match between Polansky and Janowicz will meet Federer in the second round. 

Thornhill’s other tennis star, Milos Raonic, who captured the Citi Open title in Washington, D.C. Sunday afternoon, has received a first round bye and will play his second round match Wednesday evening.