The U.S. Pond Hockey Championships returns to Lake Nokomis tomorrow for the 20th anniversary of the event.
The good news is, unlike last year, the weather for the event is perfect. That means the tournament won't get cut short again.
This recent blast of serious cold helps the ice too. It should be the best seen in years.
"At least we got some good weather this year," says Richard Janiak who was working one of the Zamboni machines cleaning up the rinks. "It'll be nice and solid for these next couple of days, and then when the tournament time comes, it's going to be perfect ice, so we'll get these all flooded out and get her looking nice and cleaned up."
Janiak says the weather just makes it easier to get clean rinks.
"It's looking good. It's real good," says Janiak. "I mean, compared to last year, after we get some work done out here, we finish up some tight ends and it'll be real good for pond hockey this year."
It's definitely a process to get the rinks ready, but it's made easier thanks to teamwork.
"The right team, T-Rex Rinks and stuff," explains Janiak. "I mean, they have a solid group of guys that are out here really kicking butt."
ESPN once dubbed the event one of the "101 Things Sports Fans Must Experience Before They Die." The U.S. Pond Hockey Championships draw some major, top-tier talent. That includes some former Olympians, NHL players, and collegiate stars, alongside those passionate "Rink Rats" that fill ponds all across Minnesota, the U.S. and Canada.
280 teams in six divisions will compete for the prestigious Golden Shovel trophy which will be presented to the winners on Sunday. You can see a full schedule of events here, so let the games begin!