USA Pond Hockey’s tournament is just getting underway.  Running from January 18th to 20th, there are 225 teams composed of 1,400 men and women playing 4-on-4 hockey—“the way nature intended.”

Developed by a group of passionate pond hockey enthusiasts from Minnesota with a sincere appreciation and respect for the purity of the game, the USPHC seeks to draw attention to the traditions of outdoor hockey while giving back to the community. A percentage of proceeds will benefit the Herb Brooks Foundation, DinoMights Inner City Youth Hockey League and the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board.

“It’s hockey as nature intended: on the pond, outside in the elements and during the absolute coldest time of year,” said Fred Haberman, co-founder of the tournament and president of Haberman & Associates public relations. “The U.S. Pond Hockey Championships provides the community a weekend to pay tribute to an important tradition, while bringing national attention to the purity that still exists in sport.”

*Photos, highlights, history and more info about the tournament can be read here. Video below.

*Note: the first 30 seconds is a weather report… then the video previews of the event.