How do you describe the frozen northland where 30,000 people descend upon Lake Nakomis on three cold days in January to watch teams vie for the Golden Shovel Award? Fantastic!
Welcome to the USA Pond Hockey Championships.
Take a moment to watch my animated slide show (with music). I spent the afternoon over at the championships taking photos (after first skiing 25 kilometers this morning). This is Winter in Minnesota!
2012 finds teams competing from all over the United States and Canada (even a team from Latvia)! Players range from old rink rats to former NHL players. The final aerial photo in my slide show is courtesy of the local CBS affiliate (story). Enjoy!
Finally, if you're on this page, I assume it's because you like hockey being played outdoors! Link to a previous post of mine and watch the movie trailer for Pond Hockey!
USA Pond Hockey on PhotoPeach (click in bottom right to expand)
(click upon to view at full size)
Does this even get a lot of crowd coming in? The slideshow doesn't show much people. It does seem like an amazing sport though.
Rich responds: The Pond Hockey Championships are a 3 day event. I took my photos during the preliminary rounds. When one gets to the final stages, the crowds soar.
Posted by: annapurna circuit | February 13, 2012 at 05:35 AM
Hello I came across your slide show of the US Pond Hockey Champ. and sure enough you included a picture of me. Will you share raw photos? (green jersey/blue helmet at end)
Rich responds: Of course, I'll contact you privately.
Posted by: John | February 10, 2012 at 12:29 AM