Fort Collins Pond Hockey League

FAQ

bc2007_robideaux.jpgWhat is pond hockey?

Pond hockey is the game of hockey in its most pure form. There are a minimum of rules, a minimum of equipment, a minimum of stoppage, and the game is played outside, in the cold, where it belongs. The most successful pond hockey players are not always those with the highest skills. Players that require boards to keep the puck in play, lines to restrict offense, and a huge net are better off staying on that milky-white brine that is found in the sterile, controlled environment of the over-priced slabs of indoor ice

Why this tournament?

Several members of the Fort Collins Pond Hockey League (FCPHL) have competed in pond hockey tournaments throughout North America. Experiences gained during these previous competitions were so compelling that it became our desire to offer this opportunity to our “brothers and sisters of the pond”. The first annual Beaver Cup in 2007 was a successful event and you will find improvements in each year’s tournament based our experience from the previous year. The objective is simply to have a good time on a winter weekend playing pond hockey with old and new friends. There will be hockey, beer, food and poker. What more could you ask for?

Where is the tournament?

The tournament is held at Beaver Meadows Resort Ranch, which is about 50 miles northwest of Fort Collins, Colorado. Plan your drive accordingly; winter weather can make the road icy and the curves dangerous. Take your time. From Fort Collins, go north on HWY 287, 21 miles to Livermore. At the Forks Restaurant turn left onto County Road 74E. Continue on County Road 74E for approximately 24.5 miles towards Red Feather Lakes. Continue past the Red Feather Lakes turn-off until you see the Pot Belly Restaurant on the right-hand side of the road, 1000 feet past the Pot Belly the road bends to the right, turning into County Road 73C. After 1 mile, County Road 73C will turn into a dirt road. Continue 3.3 miles northwest to the Beaver Meadows Resort Ranch entryway. You will see a log sign with our logo. Continue straight past the log sign and follow the entryway to the main parking lot and check-in (follow the signs). Check out the map on their web site at www.beavermeadows.com.

When is the 2010 tournament?

The tournament is the weekend of February 5 - February 7, 2010.

See the Tournament Structure page for more details and game times.

Who is on my team and when do I play?

For 2010, we are accepting only registrations of complete teams of four.

Where and with whom do I stay?

This year, you are responsible to make your own lodging reservations directly with Beaver Meadows. To keep costs down, lodging will be arranged on a per-bed basis and you’ll be sharing a room with a few other players unless you make other arrangements with Beaver Meadows. You will be issued room keys, meal “wrist bands”, and other credentials at check in Friday nite. Don’t loose the key! It will cost you $10.

What am I paying for?

All efforts were made to keep the tournament costs to a minimum, but still provide a great experience. All organizational time and tournament operations are volunteer. There is no “profit;” we just hope to break even! We wanted to make this as hassle-free as possible. Your tournament fee includes five games minimum (up from four games last year), all meals, refreshments, tournament gifts, and awards.

In addition, every player gets a welcome gift package with tournament mementos. The Tournament Champions and runners-up get highly coveted game jerseys and Champions shirts. Other prizes will be awarded as the Tournament Directors see fit.

Besides a cooperative attitude, hockey skates, a hockey stick and a solid color dark and solid color light sweater are required for all players. No goalie equipment is allowed. STRONGLY recommended are shin guards, hockey gloves, elbow pads, a helmet, ski goggles or sunglasses and any other protective gear you prefer to wear. Natural ice surfaces may have cracks, be rough or be soft. Dress for the weather. It can be cold and windy at Beaver Meadows. You will be hot when you’re playing, but cold when you’re watching other games. Think stocking caps, insulated boots and warm coats. We’ll set up an indoor drying area for equipment, but bring changes of clothes for long breaks and to dry your personal stuff. Winter boots and outer wear are a good idea. Beaver Meadows has facilities for tubing, cross country skiing, and snow shoeing too. Check their web site for these costs and rental equipment. www.beavermeadows.com.