Ok so maybe the helmet doesn't help you harken back to your youth out on the pond but for The 9280' Pond Hockey Tournament in Keystone, Colorado it happens to be a requirement. Take part in a pond hockey tournament on the highest zamboni maintained ice surface in North America! There is nothing quite like the feeling of skating on an open pond in the fresh mountain air, as has been seen with the NHL's 'Winter Classic' game which is played annually on January 1st. The joy of playing hockey outside is one of the most unique experiences that one can have and for many it is not even a possibility due to temperatures, but here in the mountains of Colorado we can for up to 5 months a year! Pond Hockey is really hockey in its purest form. NHL players and coaches alike always seem to think of pond hockey as some of their best memories.
However, now, in the modern era, we have the best of both worlds in many fashions. Pond Hockey outdoors, with state of the art specialized pond hockey nets instead of your typical milk crate. They will have brand new "NiceRink" pond hockey dasher boards instead of packed snowbanks to lose the pucks in. Best of all, They will have natural pond ice which has been enhanced by being Zamboni resurfaced. All these factors combine to provide the most unique and authentic and exciting experience possible.
The Keystone 9280 Pond Hockey tournament starts on January 23rd and runs until January 25th with several divisions to play in for men, a women's division and a 45 and older division. Also there is a youth tournament for the first time with 4 different divisions for kids to participate in based on their age. What about kids and parents who want to play together? No problem! There are 3 Adult/Youth divisions for kids, friends, coaches, and relatives to announce their family or team supremacy in pond hockey!! Over the 3 day tournament there will be a beer garden, food, tournament play, and even live music to keep the fun going all day and with nearly 50 adult teams and scores of other youth and mixed age teams you will definitely get your hockey fill this weekend! Find more about the event and register at 9280pondhockey.com/.
If you are visiting Keystone to take part, why not rent a condo for the weekend? We have some great properties in Lakeside Village, some even have a view of the rink! Check out Montezuma #1766, which is still available for the weekend!
Written By: Wren Arbuthnot
