On Frozen Pond

They will come out in the early morning of an otherwise typical Wisconsin winter day. They will come one-by-one, team-by-team, to play a game that, for some, hasn’t been played since childhood. And for others, a game they play every chance they get.

They come out to play hockey—but not just any hockey. They come out to play pond hockey in the third annual Sand County Classic, taking place at Sand Valley Resort, a four-season destination in Central Wisconsin. 

They will skate on one of three frozen rinks in a natural amphitheater of snow-covered dunes and towering red pines, creating a hockey experience like no other. Teams will participate in a four-on-four round-robin tournament beginning Friday, January 31st in the afternoon and culminating in championship games Sunday morning, February 2nd. 

And here’s the best part; the tournament is open to everyone.

But, you say you’re not the best skater. Maybe a little out of shape or a little too old. Not to worry. Pond hockey is a game for all ages and skill levels. And the Sand County Classic is designed with that in mind, with brackets and divisions to level the ice, if you will.

Can’t find your skates, but love the game of hockey? Well, that’s OK too, because pond hockey is a game that’s almost as enjoyable to watch as it is to play. And it’ll cost you nothing to step onto the ice surrounding the rink and cheer on those who did find their skates. After all, the fans play a pretty big part in any hockey game.

If you’re not familiar, you may be wondering how pond hockey differs from regular ol’ hockey. It sounds obvious, doesn’t it? After all, it’s pretty descriptive. It’s hockey played on a frozen pond rather than a groomed and conditioned indoor rink.

But there are other differences, for sure. 

Yes, it’s similar in its object and appearance to traditional ice hockey, but for lack of a better term, it’s “dumbed down” (apologies to those who embrace the game with the same vim and vigor as the Great Gretzky himself) and simplified to appeal to a broader base.  

The rink size varies, but it’s approximately 50% of the size of a standard NHL rink - maybe a little more. It has no four-foot high boards or protective glass to keep the puck in play. In fact, sometimes only a neatly aligned accumulation of snow is called upon to define the field of play. 

And since there are no barriers behind the goal to contain high errant shots, the goals are not much more than 2x4s laid on their sides at opposite ends of the rink to encourage keeping the puck flat on the ice. As such, the game does not have a formal goalie and places more emphasis on skating, puck handling, and passing. 

And unlike the often-violent game of traditional ice hockey, pond hockey discourages hard physical contact. Therefore, the equipment is basic by comparison, although helmets are mandatory at this tournament (and shin pads are never a bad idea). 

To name just a few more differences; there are no slap-shots allowed in pond hockey, no body-checking, no offsides or icing, no lifting of the puck, and for those of you who enjoy the fisticuffs of traditional hockey, you’ll be disappointed to hear that fighting is strictly prohibited here.

There may be a few states that have more people who are passionate about hockey, of any type, like our neighbors to the east and west, for example, but it’s safe to say that Wisconsinites are equally fanatical. So if you’re one of those fanatics, or even if your interest has just now been piqued, make sure to mark your calendar for January 31st and come see some of the best (and maybe not so best, but definitely entertaining) hockey you’ll see anywhere.

Better yet, sharpen your blades, tape up your stick, put on your long johns and show us what you got. Oh yeah, a mouthguard to protect your chiclets would be a good idea too.

For more information on pond hockey or to register your team in The Sand County Classic, visit the Sand Valley Pursuits website at sandvalleypursuits.com or call 888-398-8671. But hurry, the end of January is almost upon us.

Sand Valley is located at 597 Leopold Way, in Rome, Wisconsin.

Written by: Lydell Capritta