U.S. Pond Hockey Championships 2009

The U.S. Pond Hockey Championships were held on Lake Nokomis again this year and just like last year, the temperature was below zero. Add a nice steady wind into the mix and you are looking at a wind chill of 20 below zero. These are not ideal conditions for photography but I still managed to get some good photos.

No zambonis in Pond Hockey so the players have to shovel between games...



This is what the pond hockey goals look like...



and this is what four players battling for one puck looks like...



Look at the expression on this guys face. There's a guy who want to win...



Soooo cold...



Yet so much fun...



I'm sure sales of hot cocoa were good this weekend...



Cocoa wasn't the only thing giving off steam...









In some ways the players have it easy in this kind of weather. After all, they are working hard. So what about the fans? I saw several people wrapped up in blankets...



Even dogs were wearing boots...



There's no fat lady so it's all over when the guy with the bullhorn says so...



Time for a breather...



More vapor enters the air...





and some posing...



Then it's off to the parking lot until next year...



I love Minnesota because temperatures like this never seem to stop people from having a good time. I know I did!

I shot all of this years photos with an 85mm prime on a Rebel XTi.

Click here to see the rest of my photos from this years tournament.
Click here to see my photos from 2008.
Click here to see my photos from 2007.
My photos from 2006 weren't all that great, soooo no need to link those :-)