Unseasonably warm weather is once again forcing organizers to move the upcoming Pond Hockey Classic from Foys Lake to Woodland Park in downtown Kalispell.
Diane Medler, director of the Kalispell Convention and Visitor Bureau, said the recent string of warm weather and the forecast for next week led to concerns about ice conditions at Foys Lake.
The decision was made recently to move the three-day event to Woodland Park, similar to last year.
This week’s temperatures have hovered in the high 40s and are expected to remain unseasonably warm through next week.
“There were strong concerns about what the warm weather would do to the ice at Foys Lake,” Medler said.
This year’s third-annual event starts with a welcome party at Moose’s Saloon on Thursday, Feb. 18, from 5-9 p.m. The action runs Friday, Feb. 19, through Feb. 21. This year’s event is sold out with 70 teams, nine more than last year.
“We’re excited to have an alternative location in the heart of Kalispell, to host our event,” said Scott Crowder, Pond Hockey Classic commissioner. “Last year proved Woodland Park to be a great venue for the Pond Hockey Classic tournament and this year we are happy to announce the addition of the Tamarack Brewing Company Beer Garden on-site as part of our event.”
Hockey enthusiasts are encouraged to attend the event to watch the 4-on-4 tournament action with teams from across North America. Event parking is located at the Conrad Complex on Woodland Park Drive. Free shuttles will be available from the parking area to the park on Saturday. The event is free and will feature a designated beer garden hosted by Tamarack Brewing Company. The Kalispell City Council approved the permit to allow beer and wine at the event this year. Other food vendors will be at the site as well.
“People can come down and get some lunch and watch some good hockey,” Medler said.
For more information, visit http://www.pondhockeyclassic.com.