US Pond Hockey Championships Acquired by the PHC
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Pond Hockey Classic Acquires U.S. Pond Hockey Championships, Creating North America’s Largest Pond Hockey Platform
Meredith, NH – October 1, 2025 — The Pond Hockey Classic (PHC), one of the nation’s premier pond hockey tournament organizers, announced today the acquisition of the U.S. Pond Hockey Championships (USPHC), held annually on Lake Nokomis in Minneapolis, MN. This landmark move unites two of the most iconic pond hockey events under one portfolio, creating the largest and most influential platform in the sport.
Founded in 2009 by former UMass-Amherst hockey player Scott Crowder, the Pond Hockey Classic has hosted tournaments in New Hampshire, Vermont, Montana, and New York City, becoming a leader in delivering authentic outdoor hockey experiences. The U.S. Pond Hockey Championships, created by Fred Haberman in 2006 and later managed by SportsEngine and WOW Factor Sports, quickly became a cultural touchstone for hockey fans across North America.
“From the beginning, I have admired the U.S. Pond Hockey Championships as a top notch example of what a pond hockey tournament should be,” said Scott Crowder, Founder of the Pond Hockey Classic. “To now carry that tradition forward under the PHC banner is an incredible honor. Our goal is to preserve what makes the USPHC special, while using our 17 years of experience to elevate the player and fan experience for years to come.”
The newly combined platform will feature three marquee events in 2026:
U.S. Pond Hockey Championships – January 23–25, 2026 – Lake Nokomis, Minneapolis, MN
New England Pond Hockey Classic – January 30–February 1, 2026 – Lake Winnipesaukee, Meredith, NH
Lake Champlain Pond Hockey Classic – February 6–8, 2026 – Malletts Bay, Colchester, VT
Together, these tournaments are expected to attract more than 5,600 players, 40,000 spectators, and 10 million social media impressions, cementing PHC as the preeminent pond hockey organizer in North America.
In addition to the acquisition, the USPHC will return in 2026 to its original structure, including a Thursday night Player Check-In & Welcome Party, Friday and Saturday pool play, and Sunday playoff rounds. Registration is now open for all three tournaments — visit www.pondhockeyclassic.com to learn more and to register your team.
About the Pond Hockey Classic
Founded in 2009, the Pond Hockey Classic is dedicated to celebrating hockey in its purest form — outdoors, on frozen lakes. With flagship tournaments in New Hampshire, Vermont, and now Minnesota, PHC brings together thousands of players and fans each winter for unforgettable hockey festivals.
Media Contact:
Scott Crowder
PHC Commissioner
scrowder@pondhockeyclassic.com