2025 American Pond Hockey Schedule & Divisions
Registration for APH 2025 is now open for returning teams only. After May 1 registration will open to the public. Mark your calendars now and start sharpening your skates because the 2025 American Pond Hockey season is shaping up to be our best one yet. Whether you're a player, a spectator, or just a fan of the game, we can't wait to see you on the ice!
Mark your calendars and start sharpening your skates because the 2025 American Pond Hockey season is shaping up to be our best one yet. Whether you're a player, a spectator, or just a fan of the game, we can't wait to see you on the ice!
3v3 Showdown: Jan 24 & 25
Hayward, WI
We kick off the season with an exhilarating new addition to our lineup: the 3v3 Showdown! Taking place at the historic Lumberjack Bowl in Hayward, WI, home of the Lumberjack World Championship. This new event is intended for adult players whose primary objective is having fun. Whether you're a seasoned player or just starting out, grab some friends and join us for a friendly competition on the ice. We’re extremely excited to collaborate with the community of Hayward and lean into their experience of hosting the world famous American Birkebeiner ski race.
The Invitational: Feb 7 & 8
Minocqua, WI
Next up is our flagship event. The American Pond Hockey Invitational takes place at the Aqua Bowl over the first Friday and Saturday of February, this year that’s 2/7 and 2/8. The Invitational features three divisions in 2025:
Women's Division: New for 2025, our Women's Division celebrates the incredible talent and passion of female hockey players everywhere. Open to female players of all skill levels, this division offers a unique opportunity for women to compete on the big stage.
Premier Division: Reserved for the best of the best, this division showcases top outdoor hockey talent from around the world. Prepare to witness elite teams battle it out for supremacy on the ice. To submit your team for consideration please email will@americanpondhockey.com.
Open Division: Calling all adult players with any form of hockey experience! Whether you're a seasoned pro or just looking to have some fun, the Open Division welcomes players of all skill levels to compete in a friendly and competitive atmosphere. The team that wins the Open championship is promoted to Premier for the following season.
The Sequel: Feb 14 & 15
Minocqua, WI
Last but certainly not least, we have The Sequel. Happening on February 14th and 15th on the same rinks as the Invitational, this event features two divisions:
Bender Division: Intended for lower-level teams that don’t qualify for the Grouse division due to having some form of organized hockey experience on their resume. Comparable to senior rat hockey, this division is for the 50+ crowd, the mix-and match teams, and anyone who wants to “test the waters” before competing at the Open level. The top Bender team will be promoted to Open for the following season.
Grouse Division: Are you new to organized hockey or just looking to try something new? The Grouse Division is perfect for players who have never played organized hockey before. Join us for a weekend of camaraderie and friendly competition.
Stay tuned for more updates and be sure to follow us on social media for all the latest news and announcements. Let's make 2025 a year to remember!
2024 Photos & Feedback
Thanks to all who supported APH in year two and cheers to another successful season! Check back here in the coming weeks for the official video and other coverage as it becomes available. In the meantime, follow us on Facebook and Instagram for more photos and video from the festivities.
THAT’S A WRAP!
Thanks to all who supported APH in year two and cheers to another successful season! Check back here in the coming weeks for the official video and other coverage as it becomes available.
Congrats to our 2024 Champs!
Invitational (Premier): Steny’s Tavern & Grill, Milwaukee, WI
Invitational (Open): Linden Hills Dentistry, Minneapolis, MN
The Sequel (Open): Youngblood Beer Company, Madison, WI
The Sequel (Bender): Rasmussen Dental, Minocqua, WI
Would you like to see more of American Pond Hockey? Help get the word out by writing a Google review.
Have an idea for next year? Give us some feedback here to support our goal of constantly improving.
Check out these photos, videos and more on Facebook and Instagram
APH facilitates the Facebook group “Northwoods Adult Hockey”. Join the group for all things drop-in, rat hockey, and opportunities to play in the area, check us out!
Limited merch is now available for order on our website.
As always, Play Outside.
2024 American Pond Hockey Invitational is NOT CANCELLED!
American Pond Hockey is not cancelled, just different.
With temperatures expected to rise above freezing the conditions for competitive ice hockey ON a lake are not ideal. after a challenging season for winter activities in the NOrthwoods, we all need a win.
That’s why we’ve decided to work hard alongside local partners and friends, and host something fun and exciting for this community.
The American Pond Hockey Invitational will go ahead as planned with adaptations to maximize safety and enjoyment for all. Thank you for your patience as we communicate with teams, scorekeepers and the Lakeland Hawks Ice Arena to reschedule games inside when necessary.
We will also adapt the outdoor venue layout, activities, and prize giveaway schedule for fan and spectator enjoyment on Saturday afternoon, when temperatures are highest.
In the meantime:
With a brand new schedule we are starting at square one with volunteers and scorekeepers. Please consider helping us out and sign up to volunteer here.
Please consider staying off the marked ice at the Aqua Bowl this week and next, especially when temperatures are above freezing. Footprints or tracks left behind will become permanent when they freeze over night.
Do not drive a vehicle on the ice near the venue. If you plan to attend, please park in the lot and enter the venue from the designated point of entry at the top of the bleachers.
Follow American Pond Hockey on Facebook and Instagram, and RSVP to the Facebook Event to stay in the loop!
Limited edition Pond Hockey Pils and Pond Hockey hard Seltzer are now available for purchase at Rocky Reef Brewing Co. Head over and pick some up in support of our fundraising efforts for the Lakeland Hawks Ice Arena and Min-Aqua Bat Waterski Show. When it’s gone it’s gone!
In response to the growing inquiries from teams who were unable to cancel flights and/or lodging accommodations for the USA Hockey Championships on Dollar Lake in Eagle River, we’ve added a second week to American Pond Hockey and spots are limited. If you are interested in playing click here to register!
Embrace the Chill: Volunteer at the 2024 American Pond Hockey Invitational
We recently had to reschedule all tournament games to accommodate Mother Nature’s plans for APH weekend, leaving us at square one with scorekeepers and volunteers. Please consider supporting our efforts to host this much needed winter event for our community by signing up to volunteer!
Thank you for supporting our efforts to host a much needed winter event for our town and community. We’ve had to reschedule the tournament to accommodate Mother Nature’s plans, leaving us at square one for scorekeepers and volunteers. Please consider signing up for any portion of time and sharing this link with friends and family!
CLICK HERE to
JOIN THE APH CREW
Rough Schedule:
Friday, 2/2 9 AM to 4 PM (Lakeland Hawks Ice Arena)
Friday, 2/2 8:00 PM to 10:30 PM (Aqua Bowl)
Saturday 2/3 7:30 AM to 10:30 AM (Aqua Bowl)
Saturday 2/3 9 PM to 10:45 PM (Aqua Bowl)
This year, our fundraising efforts will benefit the Lakeland Hawks Ice Association and the Min-Aqua Bats Water Ski Club, two beloved non-profits connected to this tournament and our Minocqua community. Your support not only adds to the thrill of APH but also helps sustain these essential Minocqua cornerstones. By supporting the Lakeland Hawks Ice Association, we aim to enhance ice sports opportunities for the community, fostering a love for hockey and winter activities. Simultaneously, backing the Min-aqua Bats Water Ski Shows contributes to the vibrancy of our summers, ensuring the future of thrilling water ski shows that have captivated audiences at this very location for the past 75 years. Thank you for contributing to the legacy of these cherished local organizations.
Join the 2024 APH crew!
On the hunt for the Northwoods finest adult hockey players and outdoor hockey enthusiasts. Help us make lemonade out of a crummy snow-less winter by putting on an exciting weekend of outdoor hockey on Lake Minocqua.
With this holiday season coming to a close we're on the lookout for the Northwoods finest to represent American Pond Hockey at the 2024 Invitational on Lake Minocqua. It’s no secret that this winter has been brutal for snow sports but it's shaping up to be a great year for wild lake ice and pond hockey. We need your help to make some lemonade by hosting an enjoyable winter event for Minocqua, despite the lack of snow. If you are an adult with hockey experience please consider joining our crew of scorekeepers on Friday, February 2nd (and/or) Saturday, February 3rd.
The Lowdown:
Keep it simple – keep track of goals, report final scores, and make sure the games run like clockwork. The beautiful thing about pond hockey is the lack of stripes and whistles.
Click here to enter your contact information and availability
https://forms.gle/ob27Qi6A4G2iaArJ9
2024 Bonus:
This year we're hooking up our scorekeepers with a cozy tent, complete with a wood stove. We heard you loud and clear about last year's chilly vibes, so we're making sure you have private space to warm up between games this time around. We'll also throwing in free beer and food to keep you fueled and warm throughout the tournament.
Questions, or just want to chat about the tournament? Feel free to contact me directly at will@americanpondhockey.com or call my cell.
Thank you for your consideration and cheers to pond hockey!
Play Outside,
Will Jeffery
Founder, American Pond Hockey
Join American Pond Hockey at Beef-A-Rama in Minocqua!
Who doesn't love free stuff? We'll have some exciting giveaways at our tent, including American Pond Hockey merchandise and other surprises. Stop by for a sitewide promo code and your chance to win free swag! We’ll have a mini hockey game and cornhole boards.
We're always on the lookout for exciting events in our beloved Minocqua. One event that stands out among the rest is Beef-A-Rama! It's that time of the year when Minocqua comes alive with the savory aroma of beef, and we couldn't be happier to be a part of it. Visit us at the APH tent this year for your chance to win some hot-off-the-press merchandise.
What is Beef-A-Rama?
A beloved Minocqua tradition that takes place every year on the last Saturday of September. It's a carnivore's dream come true, with delicious beef-based dishes, live music, games, and more. The town's streets come alive with people celebrating all things beef, and it's an event you don't want to miss!
Visit the American Pond Hockey Tent:
At American Pond Hockey, we're all about celebrating the spirit of community and outdoor fun, just like Beef-A-Rama does. That's why we've set up our own tent at this fantastic event, and we invite you to stop by and say hello.
Here's why you should visit us:
Aside from our 2022 “Best Dressed” Award? To learn more about APH! If you're a hockey enthusiast or just curious about what we do at American Pond Hockey, our tent is the perfect place to learn. We'll have information about adult hockey opportunities in the area and our upcoming tournament on Lake Minocqua, which happens every February. It's a fantastic way to embrace the winter and enjoy the great outdoors. Click here to learn more about the 2024 APH Invitational.
Meet Fellow Hockey Enthusiasts: Did you know? The head official of the first inaugural Invitational in 2023 was someone we met at Beef-A-Rama!
Who doesn't love free stuff? We'll have some exciting giveaways at our tent, including American Pond Hockey merchandise and other surprises. Stop by for a sitewide promo code and your chance to win free swag! We’ll have a mini hockey game, free raffles, and cornhole boards.
Can’t make it in person? Use these links to follow us on social media for updates and images from the weekend
Lakeland Adult Hockey (Minocqua)
Drop in hockey is back in Minocqua! Sponsored nights are free, join us for a drink after each skate to show our appreciation.
Drop-in hockey is back in Minocqua!
Non-contact, adult hockey. Open to the public (18+). All levels of play are welcome. Sponsored nights are free, join us for drinks after the skate to show our appreciation. Please bring a black and/or red jersey.
When?
Friday Nights, 7:00 PM
NO HOCKEY on 4/12 or 4/19
Where?
Lakeland Hawks Ice Arena
7961 US Highway 51 S
Minocqua, WI
Rules:
Must be 18+ to participate
Cost is $5 per player
No clappers, keep your stick below the waist.
No contact.
No fighting!
This is a fun skate. Please respect the various skill and fitness levels of all players.
Proper helmet and equipment required.
Please leave locker rooms clean.
Lakeland Hawks Ice Arena reserves the right to ban players from future skates.
Honor your tendy.
American Pond Hockey 2024
Registration for the 2024 American Pond Hockey Invitational on Lake Minocqua is now open with very limited spots available. Register now to reserve your spot in the Premier, Open or Grouse Division.
February 2-3 in Minocqua, Wisconsin
RegistratION is now open and spots are very limited.
PREMIER Division (NEW) added by popular demand to separate the beauties from the benders. Reserve your spot today, final rosters are due January 1, 2024.
PREMIER Division: For players with professional, collegiate, AAA or other elite hockey experience. The team with the worst record will be demoted to the open division the following year. (only 3 spots available as of June 12)
OPEN Division: Comparable to Men’s League B/C and Rat Hockey. The team that wins the open division is promoted to the Premier Division for the following year.
GROUSE Division: An abbreviated APH experience for players without any organized hockey experience.
"The first pond hockey tournament in Minocqua WI was a fantastic winter event for everyone of all ages!! It was great to see so many people from all over the country participate. All the volunteers worked really hard to make this event a success and I hope to see this continue on! A big thank you Will for having the vision for the community and pulling this together!!" - Eileen
"This weekend is officially "Most Fun Weekend of the Winter in Minocqua"! Put it on your calendar for 2024!!!" -Mary
"This was a fun, well organized event!" -Evan
"First class!" -Paul E
"Great quality, unique event" -Kevn
"The first pond hockey tournament in Minocqua WI was a fantastic winter event for everyone of all ages!! It was great to see so many people from all over the country participate. All the volunteers worked really hard to make this event a success and I hope to see this continue on! A big thank you Will for having the vision for the community and pulling this together!!" - Eileen "This weekend is officially "Most Fun Weekend of the Winter in Minocqua"! Put it on your calendar for 2024!!!" -Mary "This was a fun, well organized event!" -Evan "First class!" -Paul E "Great quality, unique event" -Kevn
First Pond Hockey in Minocqua a Success (Lakeland Times)
Pond Hockey Scores for Veterans (WAOW Channel 9)
Pond Hockey is Coming to Minocqua (WXPR Radio)
The Parking Lot Podcast: Recap of APH 2023
NEW MERCH INVENTORY IS NOW AVAILABLE
2023 Champs, the Montucky Bombers (Madison, WI), sporting their custom APH Sboji Facewear shades. Use promo code PONDHOCKEY at Sboji.com for 15% off your own Sboji shades this summer.
The limited-run Lake Lovers Supper Club tee made special for the American Pond Hockey Invitational Tournament. Order yours now at LakeLoversClub.com
2023 APH Coverage
The first inaugural American Pond Hockey Invitational on Lake Minocqua was a huge success. See what people are saying about year one and what to look forward to in 2024…
what ARE people saying about the first inaugural American Pond Hockey Invitational?
“The first pond hockey tournament in Minocqua WI was a fantastic winter event for everyone of all ages!! It was great to see so many people from all over the country participate. All the volunteers worked really hard to make this event a success and I hope to see this continue on! A big thank you Will for having the vision for the community and pulling this together!!”
“This weekend is officially “Most Fun Weekend of the Winter in Minocqua”! Put it on your calendar for 2024!!!”
“This was a fun, well organized event!”
“Awesome merch. Bought a sweatshirt and haven’t taken it off in 3 days.”
“First class...”
“Great quality, very unique event”
“I love my new beanie, the fit and fabric are top notch! Thank you American Pond Hockey for the fresh gear.”
First Pond Hockey in Minocqua a Success (Lakeland Times)
Pond Hockey Scores for Veterans (WAOW Channel 9)
Pond Hockey is Coming to Minocqua (WXPR Radio)
The Parking Lot Podcast: Recap of APH 2023
Join the party, sign up for 2024:
WILD ICE!
In celebration of a clean sheet of ice on Lake Minocqua this week we’ve launched a new GROUSE division and a cozy winter hat for purchase in the merch store. Play Outside!
With a clean sheet of wild lake ice atop Lake Minocqua this week, and some cold nights in the forecast, we couldn’t be more excited about getting to work on creating the event space for American Pond Hockey 2023. To celebrate, we launched a new division called “GROUSE” for those who want to participate but don’t have the hockey experience to compete in the Invitational. 3v3 gameplay, rosters of 4, games on Saturday only. CLICK HERE for additional details.
New merch available
Pond hockey hoodies
New American Pond Hockey swag is now available for purchase while supplies last. Choose “pickup” option to save on shipping.
Choose “pick up” option to save on shipping. Join our email list and be the first to hear when new American Pond Hockey swag gets released.
Only 4 spots left in the open division!
Did you know?
With help from event sponsors, American Pond Hockey has already matched the cost of team registration ($950) in the retail value of player gifts, discounts and amenities for each competing team.
American Pond Hockey 2023
A unique new outdoor hockey experience is set to take place on February 3-4 in Minocqua, Wisconsin, a popular tourism destination in the Northwoods.
A unique new outdoor hockey experience is scheduled to take place February 3 & 4 in Minocqua, Wisconsin, a popular tourism destination in the Northwoods. Home to a 75-year old waterski show, this family-friendly venue transforms into a winter activity center after the lakes freeze.
Bookended by lodging, bars and restaurants with a front row view, the shores of this Island City are primed to become the next big thing in the outdoor hockey tournament space. The event features authentic elements like a wood burning sauna for registrants to use, military-grade shelters on the lake, live music and entertainment, prize giveaways, craft beer and concessions, curling stones, stadium seating & lights, and a Northwoods backdrop that can’t be beat. Players will all receive welcome gifts from our sponsors, including an American Pond Hockey branded Stormy Kromer hat.
The tournament is comprised of four divisions (Elite, Open, Women and 45+). Gameplay is non-contact, 4v4 hockey with 12-inch boards and traditional pond hockey goals (no goalies). Maximum roster size is 8.
