MINNEAPOLIS — Within 48 hours, 24 rinks were made on Lake Nokomis in Minneapolis, setting the stage for the 19th annual U.S. Pond Hockey Championship.
Event manager Jesse Delorit says 300 teams are signed up this year to compete.
“I was checking the weather everyday last week,” said Donald Wilson, who flew in with his friends from Los Angeles to compete.
The tournament dates back to 2005 and has become a destination for hockey lovers across the country.
It was nearly put on ice this year when the warm weather was throwing off ice preparations. Delorit says the City of Minneapolis gave them the green light on Monday and 24 people immediately started making the rinks. They had them ready within two days.
“It’s great. The ice. I am happy it’s here!” said Wilson, who will be one of 3,000 players expected to play.
The event runs through Sunday, Jan. 28. Spectators are welcome.
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