Friday, January 16, 2009

Pond Hockey slaps one inside

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By DANA DUGAN
Express Staff Writer

Players in the 2008 Pond Hockey tourney get some icing underfoot in Hailey. Photo by Willy Cook

Remember when playing hockey on bumpy ponds and along rock-strewn rivers was a part of growing up in the north—east or west? Obstacles and hats used for goal posts were the norm. No one wore gear, so someone usually ended up with a twisted ankle, bloody nose or concussion. But it was a blast. Re-creating that sense of youth and sunny winter days is the mission of pond hockey tournaments such as the national games in Fond du Lac, Wisc.

On Saturday Jan. 16, and Sunday, Jan. 17, the second annual Wood River Pond Hockey Tournament will take place, respectively, at Atkinson Park in Ketchum and Roberta McKercher Park in Hailey. The Blaine County Recreation District and Ketchum Parks & Recreation Department organized the tournament.

On Saturday, the tournament will begin at 9 a.m. for 'B' League and youth teams at Atkinson Park in Ketchum. And the games will begin at 10 a.m. Sunday, for 'A' League and Women's teams at Hailey Ice.

There will be more than 20 adult teams playing on several iced playing areas at each location.

"It might blow up, in a good way," said Piers Lamb, the rec district's youth and team programs coordinator. "We have two teams from Boise, one from California and at least five Suns teams. Word is spreading. We modeled it on the National Pond Hockey in Fond de Lac. This could turn into a major tournament."

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Spectators are encouraged to come cheer on the players. Fire pits will be set up and refreshments will include bratwurst, beverages from Hayden Beverage and beer courtesy of Sun Valley Brewery.

For more information call Lamb at 788-2117. Registration ends today at 6 p.m.