MINOCQUA, WI — The Pond Hockey Classic is proud to announce the acquisition of American Pond Hockey, expanding its growing portfolio of destination outdoor hockey events and bringing one of the Midwest's most beloved tournaments into the Pond Hockey Classic circuit.
Beginning this season, American Pond Hockey will join the U.S. Pond Hockey Championships, New England Pond Hockey Classic, and Lake Champlain Pond Hockey Classic, creating a four-event series that spans some of the most iconic outdoor hockey destinations in North America.
For players, the message is simple: everything that makes American Pond Hockey special will remain.
The same Northwoods atmosphere. The same historic venue. The same local traditions. The same dedicated team of friends, family, and volunteers who have helped build the event from the ground up.
What changes is the support behind the tournament.
Additional resources, expanded operational capabilities, enhanced player communication, new sponsorship opportunities, and long-term investment will help American Pond Hockey continue to grow while preserving the character that has made it a winter tradition in Minocqua.
Preserving What Makes American Pond Hockey Special
Since its founding, American Pond Hockey has become more than a tournament. It has become a celebration of winter in the Northwoods.
Set against the backdrop of frozen lakes, local restaurants, small businesses, and Minocqua's vibrant downtown, the event has created an experience that extends far beyond the rink. Players and spectators alike have embraced the unique atmosphere that has made the tournament one of the region's signature winter events.
That identity isn't changing.
"Our goal has never been to make every event the same," said Scott Crowder, Founder and Commissioner of the Pond Hockey Classic. "Each tournament has its own personality, traditions, and sense of place. What excites us about Minocqua is the incredible community, the venue, and the passion people have for outdoor hockey. We're honored to build on the foundation Will and his team have created while providing the resources and experience to help the event continue to thrive."
"I couldn't be more excited about the future," said Will Jeffery, Founder of American Pond Hockey. "Every year, we've found ways to improve this tournament, but we've also recognized that continuing to grow while maintaining the experience our players expect would require additional support."
"Our friends, family, volunteers, and local supporters aren't going anywhere. They're the heart of this event and always will be. What Scott and the Pond Hockey Classic team bring is the experience, infrastructure, and resources we've been looking for to help us take the next step while staying true to who we are."
"What I've kept quiet until now is that Scott and his team have spent years delivering the same elevated pond hockey experience we value so deeply, just on a larger scale. Joining forces with someone I've long considered the gold standard in our sport makes this partnership feel like a natural fit."
Building North America's Premier Pond Hockey Circuit
The addition of American Pond Hockey represents another important step in the Pond Hockey Classic's long-term vision of building the most respected collection of outdoor hockey tournaments in North America.
Players can now experience four distinct destinations:
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U.S. Pond Hockey Championships — Minneapolis, Minnesota
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New England Pond Hockey Classic — Meredith, New Hampshire
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Lake Champlain Pond Hockey Classic — Colchester, Vermont
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American Pond Hockey Classic — Minocqua, Wisconsin
Each tournament offers its own unique culture, setting, and traditions while sharing a commitment to exceptional event operations, unforgettable experiences, and preserving the heritage of outdoor hockey.
Did You Know?
Scott and Will's partnership actually began long before pond hockey.
Both were student-athletes at UMass Amherst between 2006 and 2010 — Scott as a member of the hockey team and Will as a member of the lacrosse team.
Nearly two decades later, their paths have crossed again on frozen lakes.
Call it a match made in pond hockey heaven.
Looking Ahead
Players returning to Minocqua can expect the traditions they've come to love, along with thoughtful enhancements that have become synonymous with the Pond Hockey Classic experience.
Investments in tournament operations, player communication, hospitality, sponsorship, and digital resources will continue to elevate the event while preserving the authenticity that has defined American Pond Hockey from the very beginning.
The future of outdoor hockey will always be built on great destinations, passionate communities, and unforgettable weekends on frozen lakes.
With American Pond Hockey now joining the Pond Hockey Classic portfolio, the next chapter of outdoor hockey in Wisconsin is just beginning.