shoreleave | by Patti McCleery
St. Ignace, Michigan Winter heats up with pond hockey and ice golf tourneys.
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ho says you can’t enjoy recreational time on the Great Lakes during the winter months? Even in a winter as brutally cold and snowy as this one, many cities and towns around our Sweetwater Seas sponsor winter festivals and outdoor events, making the most of the ice and “white stuff” that blankets the ground and water. But none are as interesting and unique as an athletic pair of events conceived by the City of St. Ignace, Michigan. The city hosts an annual pond hockey tournament and ice golf scramble during the months of February and March, respectively. Lots of action and fun on Lakes Michigan and Huron — smack dab in the beating heart of winter! Imagine the opportunity to watch hockey played outdoors, a warm, cozy blanket draped over your shoulders and a steaming cup of hot cocoa (or beer!) in hand. Or participate in an ice golf scramble in the shadow of the historic Mackinac Bridge. Come to St. Ignace this winter and you can do both! The pond hockey tournament, sponsored by LaBlatt Blue and sanctioned by USA Hockey, takes place February 13-16; the U.P. Ice Golf Scramble happens March 1 on Lake Huron’s Moran Bay (registration fee is $35 per person for teams of two, which includes lunch and dinner).
Hurray for hockey The Labatt Blue UP Pond Hockey Championship draws more than 1,400 players from across the country. This year, 200 teams will be competing in various age groups. There’s even a women’s category. According to Mark Sposito, chairman of the St. Ignace Events Committee, the pond hockey tourney is in its eighth
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year and has ballooned from just 27 teams when the event first started back in 2007. Lots of local residents are involved in helping create the 35 rinks used for the tournament. Admittedly, the rules are a little different from regular hockey. There are no goalies, so all shots need to stay on the ice. Goals are made of lumber and are 6 feet wide by 6 inches tall. The actual rinks are made of packed snow and are 150 feet long by 70 feet wide and 24 inches tall. Also, there are no boards. The emphasis of tournament play is placed on skating and puck handling; not shooting and checking. Hundreds of fans come out and watch from behind snow mounds created by building the rinks. Even the National Hockey League’s (NHL) Detroit Red Wings get involved, as their alumni team plays an exhibition game at the event in St. Ignace with a previous years’ tournament-winning team. “Come up and spend the weekend,” Sposito urges. “It’s a great time, and you’ll see some excellent hockey!”
Gaga for golf If hockey seems like a “normal” sport to observe in February, golf has to be the most unlikely candidate for winter play — and on the ice in March, no less. The U.P. Ice Golf Scramble is fun for all, as anyone, experienced and novice alike, can join in the fun! This lively event has been played in St. Ignace for the last 29 years. “It all started with a bet in a bar,” Sposito explains. “Four guys bet they could play a round of golf on Lake Huron.” The locals in the bar decided to follow the guys as they made good on their bet, and a golf tournament was born. Now sponsored by the Cheboygan Brewing Company, the tournament boasts 100, two-person teams. This year an additional course is being created, and participants have the choice of which one they’d like to play. The Mighty Mac Course is played on Lake Michigan beneath the Mackinac Bridge, while the Old Chief Wawatam Course is played on Lake Huron. Four or five people (with no actual golf course design experience, mind you) design both courses. They are charged with going out and clearing snow for the fairways and greens. Snowmobiles are used to clear paths so the galleries can follow their favorite team. “Two main rules are crucial,” Sposito says. “One: Bring a camera, as the scenery is amazing; and two, dress in layers!” Sleds are used to haul your golf clubs, as well as any beverages or food you may want to bring with you. Players actually decorate their sleds for the occasion, and there’s
photos by dave kunze