skip navigation

Night Time Is Right Time For Pond Hockey

02/06/2015, 6:45pm MST
By Harry Thompson - Editor, USA Hockey Magazine

Venue Change Creates Unique Outdoor Opportunity

EAGLE RIVER, Wis. - Mother Nature threw a curve and USA Hockey still managed to knock it out of the park.

When poor ice conditions on Dollar Lake put the 2015 Labatt Blue/USA Hockey Pond Hockey Championship in jeopardy, organizers in Eagle River, Wisconsin, were able to change of the fly and bring the event across town to the AMSOIL Derby Track to keep the 10th anniversary celebration alive.

The change in venues forced members of Serving The American Rinks and local volunteers from the Eagle River Fire Department to work around the clock to get the 24 ice sheets ready by the time the puck dropped Friday morning.

“The community has always been extremely supportive and great to work with,” said John Monteleone, a member of the STAR ice crew. “They always do a great job but this year they stepped up big time to get things ready.

“This year more than ever it was important to have the core group of guys who know what they’re doing.”

USA Hockey's announcement in mid-January to move the event from venerable Dollar Lake was taken in stride by most of the 2,000 adult players who were happy that their annual pilgrimage to northern Wisconsin would still be on track. Still, there were some who wondered how USA Hockey was going to make the switch at the 11th hour.

“I wasn’t happy when I first heard that they were moving it here from Dollar Lake but they’ve done a great job,” said Jim Karl, the captain of the Wreck League 3 team competing in the Beginner Division. “USA Hockey and the Eagle River Fire Department stepped up and really rocked it.”

One adjustment has been that the 24 rinks are slightly smaller (100 by 50 feet) than the (135 by 60) sheets carved into the vast expanse of Dollar Lake. Still, the ice conditions have held up well considering the multiple games that are played on them over the course of the day.

“The ice is definitely better here than it is on the pond, especially early in the day,” said Rich Mirch, who plays with Jolson Kids in the Beginner division. “No matter where they play this tournament, it’s a great time. The way I view it, this is spring break for adult hockey players.”

One of the biggest benefits of staging the event at the Derby Track is the ability to play games under the lights. According to USA Hockey’s staff members, the lights allow them to squeeze in the 580 games over the three days.

“I definitely think the night games are pretty cool,” said Kevin Krueger, also a member of the Wreck League squad. “They should definitely adjust the schedule to play all the semifinal games under the lights on Saturday night.”

They will get their wish as the schedule calls for some quarterfinal games to start at 6:15 on Saturday night prior to the start of the welcome reception that will include an appearance of the Stanley Cup.

As the first day of the tournament drew to a close, the conversation shifted from a change in venue to how thankful players were to keep the streak alive for the 10th year.

“I wouldn’t miss this tournament for anything,” Ryan Douglas said minutes after his Ale Asylum team won its Silver Over 30 division game on Friday night.

“Anyone who complain about the tournament being here needs to ask themselves if they’d rather be home sitting on the couch.”

Pond Hockey News

Popular Articles & Features

The American Truth About Labatt Blue

02/04/2014, 8:00am MST
By USAH

Former CEO Steps Out of Comfort Zone and Onto the Ice

09/23/2016, 10:30am MDT
By Elizabeth Boger

Hockey keeps Rhody Oldies feeling 59 again

05/22/2013, 4:15pm MDT
By Mike Scandura - Special to USAHockey.com

The requirements to play for the Rhody Oldies include the ability to skate, stick handle, pass and shoot the puck. But there’s one more: Each player must be 60 years of age or older.

Tag(s): Home  Pond Hockey  News  2015