I was creating a new group on Facebook for Hockey Is Our Game and came across a Pond Hockey Documentary which had it’s world premiere at the Minneapolis/St-Paul International Film Festival. I watched the trailer (see bellow) and I can’t wait to see it. I’m actually ashamed that I’ve just discovered this now. I would have went and seen it in a heartbeat.

I pulled this quick write up about it from the official website

“Pond Hockey is a movie from Northland Films documenting the outdoor hockey experience and the role of sports in our modern society. For generations, rink rats have grown up on outdoor ice—where the ice is gritty and so is the play. Now, there are climate-controlled arenas in every town, and that’s where the kids go to practice year-round. Through interviews with hockey legends like Neal Broten and Wayne Gretzky and the on-ice action of the U.S. Pond Hockey Championships, Pond Hockey examines this changing culture in search of the true meaning of sport.”

The official release is in November so anyone who’s even remotely a fan of the sport should definitely go see it. Enjoy the trailer!!!

I’m helping organize a friendly game on Sunday July 27th, 8:15pm - Plymouth Ice Arena. The level of play is semi competitive but the goal of the game is to have a good time and a couple of beers afterwards with the other team.  Most of the players are from my Tuesday Minnesota Wild Adult Hockey League (C Division) . We are looking for 3 players (2 defence, 1 forward). If you are interested in playing let me know asap.

I assume the cost will be $10 each or there about.

This is the schedule for our private hockey group, session 2. See below for ice times and locations. If you are interested in playing hockey with us use leave a comment below.

6/16/2008
blake
8:15pm

6/23/2008
blake
8:15pm

6/30/2008
blake
8:15pm

7/7/2008
blake
8:15pm

7/14/2008
blake
8:15pm

7/21/2008
blake
8:15pm

7/28/2008
blake
8:15pm

8/4/2008
blake
8pm

8/11/2008
augsburg
7pm

8/18/2008
augsburg
7pm

Our first shinny night was a blast. Lots of rust on the old skates and burning lungs but well worth it. Much so that we’re doing it again next Tuesday, Feb 5th at 9:45pm. Same place…Parade Ice Rink!

It’s the small rink and we’re only going to have a max of 10 skaters plus two goalies. If you’d like to join our list please contact us.

I’ll post some pics of our next game.

My friends and I have organized some ice time at the Parade Hockey Rink. We will be playing on the smaller rink next Monday, Jan 28th, at 9:30pm. Since it’s on the smaller rink we’ll be playing 3 on 3. We plan on making this a more regular event and eventually moving to a full size ice surface. If you or someone you know would like to join us please let me know. The skill level is yet to be determined (since I haven’t played with these guys yet). We do have some players who are just getting back into playing so this will not be extremely competitive.

I think we’re also short a goalie at this point so if you play goal you can get in some free playing time and meet some new people!!!

Check that…we have two goalies!!!

Minnesota Pond Hockey tournament this weekend at Lake Nokomis. January 18-20

Don and I are putting together a group of players that want to play once or twice a month. This will be Shinny Hockey

Basically we are thinking of renting the smaller rink at Parade
($75/hr).

Planning on wearing most normal hockey gear from the waist down (your choice), helmet, maybe elbow pads.

No checking

One of the group thinks he can round up some goalies.

If you are interested please let us know.

The player list is of all skill levels. We are doing this for fun!

My name is Don Giroux and I’m new to the Twin Cities area. I’m originally from Sudbury, ON, Canada (200 miles North of Toronto and home of the Sudbury Wolves) and have played hockey all my life. Hockey is more than a sport to me. It’s a stress reliever, networking tool, exercise regiment, therapeutic outlet, and much much more. I love the fastest game on ice and now that I’m here in Minneapolis I want to be part of the hockey community.

My hockey related claim to fame (which is a very short list)

Was one of the 64 finalist at the 2006 Red Bull Crashed Ice event in Quebec city. If you haven’t heard of this you have to check out the link.

Played triple A hockey with Todd Bertuzzi. I know I’ll probably get booed for that especially here in Minneapolis but he’s the only NHLer I remember playing with. By the way, we were 8 years old so I’m not boasting. I’m an average player at best.

I’ve already met a couple of people who play so hopefully I’ll be playing regularly soon which isn’t soon enough. I should probably mention that I’m 32 years old. If you have a spot, leave a comment.