Minnesota, land of 10,000 lakes, cold winters and snow, ice fishing, skiing, snowshoeing, hockey, and every other winter sport you can name that requires snow, ice and frigid temperatures. We Minnesotans have been terribly disappointed with the moderate and almost snow-less winters the last few years. Last year's St. Paul Winter Carnival's ice contest melted before the week was out. Thankfully, it wasn't the year for an ice palace. Finally, finally we've gotten snow and cold enough temperatures to play outside again!
So, let the play begin with the second annual U.S. Pond Hockey Championships. The moderate temperatures in the Twin Cities threatened cancellation of this year's tournament, but the last two weeks of more "normal" Minnesota temperatures hardened the ice and the play began today. The location was changed from Lake Calhoun to Lake Nokomis in Minneapolis. Twenty-five rinks provided area for 222 teams to compete in three categories (seniors, women's, and rink rats) for the coveted golden shovel award to be presented on Sunday, January 21. Warming tents, a beer garden, merchandise stores, and hockey the way it started out assures fun times for all.
Don't try to tell me Minnesotans hibernate in the winter!
Bonnie, 222 teams; that is incredible; one thing I love about Minnesota is how you guys embrace the weather; and why not? It all sounds like fun!
Posted by: Carole Cohen | January 25, 2007 at 12:32 AM