Second Annual ‘Big Apple Pond Hockey Classic’ Returns To Bryant Park

Feb. 13, 2012 - PRLog -- The Big Apple Pond Hockey Classic returns for its second season to Citi Pond at Bryant Park on Feb. 25, 2012. The first tournament of its kind in New York City, the Big Apple Pond Hockey Classic features eight teams of amateur players from the tri-state area—and a few from Canada.

Dozens of players descend on Bryant Park to prove their mettle in the now annual tournament, as well as to support organizations that promote the development of ice hockey skills nationwide. A portion of the proceeds will be donated to Hockey in Newark, a not-for-profit organization that promotes academic achievement through hockey in Newark, NJ.

The Big Apple Pond Hockey Classic at Citi Pond features three-on-three games on two small rinks—each one half the size of a regulation ice hockey rink. Games are played with classic pond-style rules, without goalies and with minimal equipment—substitutions are made on the fly—producing a high-paced and exciting game.

The winning team in this year’s tournament receives entry to the 2013 International Pond Hockey Championship in Québec, Canada.

“Our tournament brings players back to the pure and simple hockey of their youth. We had a tremendous response and positive feedback to our first tournament, so we are happy to be partnering with Bryant Park again to bring the Big Apple Pond Hockey Classic back for a second year,” says Grant Hewit, the tournament’s organizer. “We love having the opportunity to give back to the community and promote youth hockey in the area.”

The Big Apple Pond Hockey Classic is sponsored by Streaker Sports, a local, vintage-inspired sports apparel company. As with this tournament, many of its products support sports charities across the United States. Additional sponsors include Vineyard Vines®, Westside Skate & Stick™, Smathers & Branson, and Motive Pure™.

The tournament will take place from 7:00 to 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, Feb. 25, and is free to watch. Food, beverage and apparel vendors will be on-site for players and spectators. For more information about the Big Apple Pond Hockey Classic, please visit BigApplePondHockey.com. Hockey in Newark can be found at HockeyInNewark.com.