09/23/2026
A message from Will, founder of American Pond Hockey in Minocqua
“Friends and Family,
Before anything else, thank you. Whether you've been with us since our very first year on the ice or you found us more recently, APH exists because you showed up, registered your teams, sponsored a rink, or just came out to cheer in the cold. We built this thing from it’s infancy on that support, and I don't take it for granted. When I look back to how far we’ve come I feel an immense amount of pride, and camaraderie. The APH project is literally how I’ve made all of my closest friends in the area since moving here in 2020.
I'm writing because we have some big news, American Pond Hockey is joining the Pond Hockey Classic circuit, alongside the U.S. Pond Hockey Championships, New England Pond Hockey Classic, and Lake Champlain Pond Hockey Classic. Here's what that means, and just as important, here's what it doesn't mean.
WHAT STAYS THE SAME
I'm not going anywhere, I'll still be your local contact for American Pond Hockey operations. The venue, the small town feel, the reasons you keep coming back: none of that changes. Sponsors who've supported us will all have the chance to come back on board. Returning teams get first crack at registration, same as always.
WHAT'S CHANGING
To keep the event coming back year after year, and to grow our impact on Minocqua's winter economy, we teamed up with people who've been doing this at a bigger scale, for longer, and could bring real infrastructure to the table. That's where Scott Crowder and the Pond Hockey Classic come in. Scott and I go back further than pond hockey. We were both athletes at UMass Amherst between 2006 and 2010. When our paths crossed all these years later, it turns out we'd both been chasing the same idea independently: elevated outdoor hockey tournaments that lean into the character of the small towns that host them. Turns out we'd both spent years building our vision, just in different regions of the country. Joining forces with PHC means we finally have the resources to welcome more teams and grow our impact without losing the authenticity that makes pond hockey weekend in Minocqua stand out.
COME SAY HI
Our first demonstration that 2027 is business as usual, you'll find us right where we always are on September 26, competing in the smoke division at Beef-A-Rama. Stop by, ask questions, tell us what you think. And as always, sponsors, partners, players, and friends are always welcome to reach out via email or phone call.
As always, Play Outside!
“
2027 pre-registration is officially open.
Pond Hockey Co. celebrates outdoor hockey culture with premium apparel, gear, and heritage designs inspired by frozen lakes, community, and tradition.
