Volunteers needed for pond tourney

The chill in the Minnesota air brings extra excitement as plans are made for the Labatt Blue U.S. Pond Hockey Championships to be played Jan. 25-28 on frozen Lake Nokomis.

Photo right: Archive photo by Margie O'Loughlin

They are looking for referees and volunteers to join the 2018 Pond Crew. You can be a part of the “Best National Amateur Sporting Event” without even lacing up your skates. Hundreds of helping hands are needed to continue making this event the absolute BEST! This year’s event marks the thirteenth year, and we look forward to continuing with our incredible USPHC Pond Crew tradition!

If you haven’t signed up yet, what are you waiting for? Now is the time to sign up and join in. Players are also welcome to join the Pond Crew and get in on the tourney action from a little different angle.

The four-on-four outdoor hockey competition for women and men will include more than 250 teams coming together from nearly all 50 states, Canada, and many countries worldwide to play hockey the way nature intended.

With more than 600 games in 3 days, they need referees to make it happen. Referees stand off-rink and mainly serve as scorekeepers and make goal-tending calls; hockey knowledge is required. They will provide a training session before the event. New in 2018, referee pay has increased to $15 per game. You may choose to donate your earnings to our worthy charitable partners, and they will receive the benefits of your labor.

For other volunteers, there is no better way to get in on the action than as a member of the USPHC Pond Crew! By volunteering your time, on the pond or inside the massive warming tent, you will play an essential part in providing an unmatched experience to players, sponsors and the tens-of-thousands of fans on the pond.