For the past seven winters, Brian Blumenfeld has transformed a frozen lake into hockey rinks for the annual Grand Lake Pond Hockey Classic. The tournament, a true pond hockey experience in the Rockies, returns Feb. 1, 2025.

“It’s already become a full winter tradition in Grand Lake, in Grand County and for all of Colorado,” said Blumenfeld, who founded the Pond Hockey Classic and is a participant.  

The way hockey was meant to be played

Instead of an indoor arena groomed by a Zamboni, Blumenfeld and other volunteers craft Colorado’s largest natural lake into hockey rinks by hand. Mother Nature can bring snow or slush, but that’s part of the outdoor experience.

---

---

The event is more about camaraderie than true competition. Natural lake ice adds an element of adventure as participants take in the views of the Continental Divide and the picturesque town.

First, the group clears snow off the ice. Next, they drill a hole to pump water onto the ice at least five to seven times. Then, it’s scraped to make the rink smooth.

---

---

“It’s a lot of work to put this on, but it’s so rewarding,” he said. “It’s the coolest thing ever to be out there playing hockey on the lake surrounded by the mountains.” 

For the seventh annual tournament in 2024, more than 60 teams participated on five rinks.

“We have participants that come from all over the state and even out of state. It’s just turned into one of the biggest parties of the winter up here, and it’s been growing every year,” he said, adding that a group traveled all the way from Alaska.

Other visitors include Texans, Wyomingites and Californians, plus plenty of locals.

When registration opened for the 2024 tournament, it sold out in about 90 minutes. The event is so popular some teams had to be put on a waitlist.  

So if you want to get out on the ice, make sure to register as soon as slots open Dec. 1, 2024.

Want to participate, but have never played hockey before in your life? No worries. The event is open to everyone, even novices. Teams are divided into beginner, intermediate and expert. In past years, participants have ranged from former NHL players to students.

“First and foremost, this is a big party,” Blumenfeld said. “You can just go out there and skate around, have a good time.”  

He decided to start the tournament because of his own love of the sport. He gets on the ice with a group of “local boys” from Grand Lake.

“It’s more about celebrating the greatest sport on earth — the sport of hockey — and celebrating the greatest town on earth — the town of Grand Lake — than it is a sporting event,” he said.

A match made on the ice

The Grand Lake Pond Hockey Classic changed the trajectory of Blumenfeld’s life in more ways than one. At the inaugural tournament in 2018, he skated right into his future wife. Mutual friends had been trying to set up the pair, but Blumenfeld’s decision to organize the tournament brought the two together.

“We finally met there, right on the frozen lake,” he said.

His now-wife, Mackenzie, had moved to Grand Lake that year and said she loves being part of the annual tournament because it’s also their anniversary. 

Grand Lake’s winter spectator sport

The Pond Hockey Classic is made possible by volunteers, and all proceeds go to the Grand Lake Chamber of Commerce.

One of the event’s main goals is to benefit the community. In addition to raising money for the chamber, the event brings in tourism during what has traditionally been Grand Lake’s slow season. Some businesses close their doors during winter, but Blumenfeld is working to change that with the hockey tournament.

“It’s the biggest weekend for businesses up here in the winter,” he said. “It rivals the Winter Carnival. It’s great for our hospitality, restaurants, bars and shops.”

To register or learn more, visit GoGrandLake.com/Pond-Hockey-Classic. Be sure to register by Dec. 1 to make sure your team gets a spot.