Play Resumes Saturday for U.S. Pond Hockey Championships

Thanks to Minneapolis Park Board, Final Games to be Played on Lake Nokomis

Nation’s Best Vie for Golden Shovel; “Game On!” says Commissioner

Some Out-of-State Players Overcome Obstacles to Return; Taking Red-Eye from L.A.

MINNEAPOLIS - JAN. 27, 2010 - The best of the best pond hockey players in the nation will reconvene on Lake Nokomis this Saturday, Jan. 30 to resume play in the 5^th Annual U.S. Pond Hockey Championships, the nation’s largest outdoor pond hockey tournament.

Though a freakish and frustrating rain system caused organizers to suspend play Sunday, Jan. 24, the public is invited to return to Lake Nokomis to watch the championship rounds for the Open, 40+ and 50+ divisions on Saturday. Play starts at 8.30 a.m. Organizers expect to award the Golden Shovel within each division by 2:30 p.m.

And, it’s pond hockey at its greatest: Teams featuring such elite players as Tyler Hirsch, Jeff Sorem, Dave “Shooter” Shute and John “Bug” Bloosten will compete. Also in Saturday’s round are two time champs “Wright Homes/Almost 40” and defending champs “Concord USA”.

“This will be bare bones play: No huge tent, music, food, beverage, and definitely no rain,” Fred Haberman, commissioner of the U.S. Pond Hockey Championships. “Just old school pond hockey on the lake in single temps under the blue Minneapolis sky.

“And, the lake will be filled with phenomenal pond hockey; one out of state player is even taking a red eye in from L.A. to compete. We hope fans can re-join us on Nokomis for the most exciting outdoor hockey in the nation,” Haberman added. “Parking is limited so please carpool, dress in layers and leave your umbrella at home. Game On!”

Following is a statement/email Fred Haberman sent to Open, 40+ and 50+ Championship players yesterday evening.

 

Dear Open, 40+ and 50+ Division Championship Players,

For championship teams that can return to Lake Nokomis this Saturday, January 30th, it’s game on.

Please know this will be an old school pond hockey affair with few luxuries – except the thrill of competition. We will skate on nine rinks, have access to the Park Board warming hut (thank you Minneapolis Park Board!) and secure as many volunteer referees as we can. There will be no tent, food or beverages, just hockey the way nature intended.

The public is welcome; however, please know we do not have shelter and parking is limited. Please carpool if you can.

Most games will start during the 8 a.m. hour, and we expect to award the Golden Shovel within each division by 2:30 p.m.

We will release game schedules by Friday. It’s awesome that most of you are planning to play. If you haven’t already, please let us know by noon tomorrow (Wednesday) if you are available to play on Saturday.

While I know this situation is not ideal for out-of-state teams and people with pre-scheduled events on Saturday, we want to provide our community and the championship teams at least an opportunity to provide closure to this year’s quest for the Golden Shovel.

ALL championship teams will be guaranteed spots for the 2011 tournament, regardless of whether or not they play this Saturday.

I want to thank my staff and volunteers who are going beyond the call of duty to make Saturday’s championship rounds possible. It’s because of their love for the game of pond hockey that we’ll see most of you on the pond this weekend.

Fred Haberman, Commissioner

U.S. Pond Hockey Championships