CONCORD, N.H. —The Black Ice Pond Hockey Championship looked a bit different this year after it had to be pushed back and ultimately moved indoors due to unsafe outdoor ice conditions.
The tournament usually takes place at White Park in Concord. The 1883 Black Ice Pond Hockey Championship and Festival have become one of the largest outdoor winter events in New Hampshire. The event hosts 95 teams and closes to 700 hockey players that participate in the Black Ice.
Joe Shoemaker, president of the Black Ice Pond Hockey, talked about how fun was to do a tournament inside.
The change didn’t stop players, volunteers, and fans from having a good time.
The 12th annual tournament was held at Everett Arena with 52 teams playing on three cross-ice rinks.
And while pond hockey would have been preferred, volunteers said this has been a great alternative.
“Just helping out in the community, we do everything we can to represent Concord High hockey,” volunteer Carter Doherty said.
Black Ice Pond Hockey Tournament is run by dozens of volunteers with donations going back to the community. Players come from all over and stay in local hotels and go out after the games.
This year was the Bonfire Hockey Club’s Black Ice debut. While they were looking forward to playing outside, they said they’re already looking forward to next year’s tournament.
“We were pretty bummed at first, but I think we’ve made the best of it,” said Julia Swarbrick with Bonfire Hockey Club.
“Hopefully it’ll be outdoors, but if it’s indoors, we’ll still be here,” said Theresa Thompson, with Bonfire Hockey Club.
More information about the tournament and registration for next year can be found at blackicepondhockey.com
