WNEM TV 5 Area hockey tournament needs ice

Area hockey tournament needs ice

It's the middle of January, and while some people are really enjoying the lack of snow, it's a big problem if you're planning an ice hockey tournament.

This year we just haven't had our usual weeks of below freezing temperatures or any significant snow fall.

Organizers of the Lake Fenton Winter Classic say that unless Mother Nature decides to lend a helping hand, the only ones suiting up for this tournament are the ducks and geese that are still hanging out on Lake Fenton.

"Our measurements are around nine inches depending on the amount of people that we have. The more ice the better when it comes to ice because safety does come first, and we don't want to put anyone in jeopardy just to have a little bit of fun," says Tournament Director Sean Lapham

Now, pond hockey is a little different than recreational hockey.

The rink measures 50 feet wide by 125 feet long, and you play without a goalie because the net is only 6 inches high by 6 feet long.

"There's more finesse in pond hockey. There's more digging in, there's more hand and stick puck handling and you don't have the wideness of a regular ice rink, it's really fast. Four-on-four hockey," Lapham said

It's kind of like the Gus Macker Basketball Tournaments only with pucks, sticks and skates.

Organizers tell us these pond hockey tournaments are one of the most up and coming types of outdoor recreational activities that are going on here in Michigan. 

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