USA Hockey Adult Pond Hockey Championship

The Puckahoes… Juliet, Marcy, Danette, Erin, Kara and Nicole

I had the opportunity this weekend to participate in an event that embodies all that is good about sport.

(Yes, for those who do not know, I play women’s ice hockey….on a travel team, with a real coach and everything, in Chicago.)

This event in Eagle River Wisconsin is a perfect storm of camaraderie, teamwork, competition and fun.
Taking place on Dollar Lake in Eagle River, Wis., the 2009 Labatt Blue/USA Hockey Pond Hockey Championship featured 196 teams, 1,200 players (representing 25 states), 20 rinks and 3,500 pucks.  And while the numbers have not been calculated for 2010, the event was even bigger than last year.

While hockey parents can be among the craziest with their kids, none of this is evident in this well-run and well-played adult tournament.  All you have to do is walk (or skate) around the pond and there are people everywhere asking how you did, when your next game is and what rink are you playing on.  There are always a few fans, and many of them ones you just met.  In the course of the weekend, I met people from Arizona, Seattle, North Carolina, Ohio, Illinois, Minnesota,  Texas  and those are just the ones I am remembering!

So while the “Puckahoes”   did not win a game  – - We came close, losing one 10-9, which was a much improved performance, thanks to tips from coach Johnny – -  I know we will be back ready to play again next year….along with our other teams  (The Checkahoes and Hookahoes…we all put the ho in hockey….I know, I know)  who did manage to win games and even made it to the playoffs…..

This amazing event is about teamwork, fun, friends and a little friendly competition.  What more could you want from an adult hockey tournament!

And next year, maybe e7sports will even be able to help out with the event.  We love to make Cameron’s life a little easier.

The pond at rest