New England Pond Hockey

New England Pond Hockey returns for the eighth season to Rangeley, Feb. 1 and 2, 2014, with the event’s headquarters at the Rangeley Inn. There will be two-player parties Friday and Saturday nights. The rink crew reunites to build the ice road, layout the rinks, build the rink boards (snow), and flood the rinks in preparation for the players to enjoy pond hockey at its finest.

Team members travel again this year from as far away as California, Illinois, Mississippi, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Wisconsin, New Hampshire, North Carolina, Florida, Pennsylvania, Connecticut, Michigan, Vermont and Maine to renew friendships and make new friends.

The New England Pond Hockey Festival originated with a dream of three friends who play hockey in the Portland-area arenas. They wanted to skate in the Worlds Pond Hockey Tournament held in Plaster Rock, New Brunswick, but the waiting list was too long. They decided to start the New England Pond Hockey Festival in Rangeley eight years ago. Pond Hockey traditions continue today on Haley Pond in Rangeley.

The experience of seeing skating on a pond led to the creation of the Rangeley Skating Club, which offers free skating on Haley Pond. The club provides free skates, skating and a warming hut for the young and old alike. The club continues with donations from the festival each year, the Town of Rangeley and other donations. Nearly 150 pairs of skates were donated to help the club get off to a great start.

Come to the Haley Pond entrance between City Cove Reality and the Rangeley Inn, Saturday and Sunday, to watch a time-honored tradition. Enjoy helicopter rides provided by Acadian Seaplanes. Food will be offered by the Shed and Desserts First severing breakfast and lunch on the ice. Games will begin Saturday at 9 a.m. and continue on the hour. Opening ceremony begins at 10 a.m., and the last games begin at 3 p.m.. On Sunday, the games begin at 9 a.m. with quarterfinals followed by semifinals at 10 a.m. and championships at 11 a.m. Award Ceremonies will be held right after the championships. To see the New England Pond Hockey Trophy with names of the winners for the past seven years go to Sarge’s Sports Pub & Grub, where it is displayed in the case all year long. For more information, visit newglandpondhockey.com, go to Facebook, or email Linda Sikes, Event Coordinator or call 207-491-6566.

Maine State Championship Snowshoe Race

The Maine State Championship Snowshoe Race will held Saturday, Feb. 8 at the Rangeley Lakes Trail Center in Rangeley. The even is the qualifier for the nationals, which will be held at Prospect Mountain Ski Center, Woodford, Vt.

Whether you plan to race in the nationals or just want to have fun participating in a snowshoe race, this is your chance to come enjoy Rangeley and our well designed and fun race course.

All levels of ability are welcomed. For more details, check out the event’s website at rangeleylakestrailscenter.com.

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