Hockey. The way nature intended. Outdoors in the crisp winter air, skate blades gliding on the fresh ice below, with the sounds of clacking sticks and the smell of grilling bratwurst filling the air.

The Divisions

Open Division:

The Open Division is considered the most competitive division of the U.S. Pond Hockey Championships, with 160 teams competing to have their team name inscribed on a piece of pond hockey history: the Golden Shovel. This division is for men and women age 18 and older. Some open division teams carry former NHL legends, Division 1 hockey players or high school greats. Teams hold up to 6 players with 4 players on the ice at a time. Each team is guaranteed four games: two on Friday and two on Saturday. 32 teams will advance to the Golden Shovel round on Sunday to compete in up to 5 grueling games, with only one team emerging triumphant.
Team Fee: $600.

40+ Open Division:

The 40+ Open Division is for men and women age 40 and older. These teams are guaranteed four games: two on Friday and two on Saturday. Teams hold up to 6 players with 4 players on the ice at a time. After two days of competitive play, out of 20 teams, four teams will advance to the Golden Shovel round on Sunday to compete to have their names inscribed in the Golden Shovel.
Team Fee: $600.

50+ Open Division:

The 50+ Open Division is for men and women age 50 and older. These teams are guaranteed four games: two on Friday and two on Saturday. Teams hold up to 6 players with 4 players on the ice at a time. After two days of competitive play, out of 20 teams, four teams will advance to the Golden Shovel round on Sunday to compete to have their names inscribed in the Golden Shovel.
Team Fee: $600

Rink Rat Division:

The Rink Rat Division is for men and women age 18 and older who have the heart of a true pond fanatic, but may not have the skills to take on former NHL players. These teams hold up to 8 players with four on the ice at a time. The 48 Rink Rat teams are guaranteed 3 games on Sunday, with medal rounds for advancing teams following later that day. These teams play to have their name etched into the Silver Scoop.
Team Fee: $450

Women's Division:

The Women's Division is for women 18 and older who want to show what women's hockey is all about. Teams hold up to 8 players with 4 players on the ice at a time. Each of the 5 women's teams is guaranteed four games: all on Sunday with medal rounds for advancing teams following later that day.
Team Fee: $475