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Pond Hockey Tournament Submitted: 02/13/2009
EAGLE RIVER - Hundreds of people from across the country are in the Northwoods to skate their way to victory.

It's not everyday you see 20 games of pond hockey going on at once.

But if you visit Eagle River this weekend, that's exactly what you'll see.

Things are getting rowdy on Dollar Lake in Eagle River. 200 teams from 24 states are in town for the 4th annual LaBatt Blue Pond Hockey Championships. Bryan Taylor flew up from Winston Salem, North Carolina. When he heard about the tournament, he knew his team, The Ice Holes, would want in on the action, but they weren't sure where the action was.

Bryan Taylor says "Well first of all we had to look it up on the map because we didn't know where that was."

The Ice Holes found Eagle River with no problem, but they haven't been as lucky on the ice.

Bryan Taylor says "We just got it handed to us out there on the ice for the first game. But we're going to try to recover from that and see if we can make a go of it next time around."

Whether teams are winning or losing, one thing's for sure, the location is a score.

Dave Grohusko, the Grand Manager for LaBatt USA, says "We're guaranteed year in and year out the ice conditions that we need to have not only a safe game but a very playable game."

Lars Geary and Frank Vanek, who traveled from Chicago to play, say "Love Eagle River. If they ever move this from here, it would just be wrong."

It's obvious everyone's having a good time, but the Ice Holes still have goals in mind.

Bryan Taylor says "To not get skunked. If we score 1 or 2 goals a game I think we'll be alright."

Even if they get wiped out, The Ice Holes trip to the Northwoods is an experience they'll never forget.

40,000 square feet of snow had to be cleared from Dollar Lake to get it ready for this tournament.

Winners get trophies, but organizers say the bragging rights are more important.

The action lasts all weekend long and is open to the public.



Story By: Janelle Dobson

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