EAGLE RIVER, Wis. (WXPR) — The 10th annual LaBatt Blue/USA Pond Hockey National Championships will have a new home this year.
Skaters from many parts of the U.S. and Canada compete in what some call the purest form of hockey competition February 6-8.
Since it’s inception in 2006, the event has been held on Dollar Lake. But USA Hockey spokesperson Dave Fischer says the event will be held this year at the Eagle River Derby Track. He says a series of rinks will be constructed on the Track. Fischer says it’s a safety issue with the ice on Dollar Lake. “Unfortunately, the conditions on Dollar Lake were not suitable to play the tournament. We’ve been extremely fortunate the first nine years to have that terrific environment at Dollar Lake.”
Fischer says he thinks the amenities already in place at the Derby Track will easily facilitate activities the Pond Hockey players and spectators are used to. Fischer says the NHL’s Stanley Cup trophy will be in town for the event. He says they’re anticipating 330 teams and 2300 players and there’s a waiting list to enter. In 2006, 40 teams and 240 players came to the first event.
