FNHC CHAMP OF THE WEEK

3/1/2010

The FNHC's own Phat Ivan led the U.S. Pond Hockey team to a championship victory in the Goose Island 2010 pond hockey tournament. Although it required that Ivan take a sabbatical from the FNHC in order to participate in the tournament, it was time well spent.

"To play outside, in the fresh air on a pond was a great experience in itself, but to come home with the championship trophy that was just icing on the cake," the long-time FNHC skater said during the trophy presentation. "It's not like I'm abandoning the FNHC altogether, I just wanted to expand my lung capacity and hone my skills for the 2010 FNHC Slava Cup Playoffs. This was a great opportunity to do just that and we learned what it takes to win out there on the frozen pond.

Ice hockey was born on Long Pond in Windsor, Nova Scotia around 1800. Since then, the game has grown in popularity and moved from frozen ponds and lakes into indoor, climate controlled arenas throughout the world. Outdoor pond-hockey tournaments, like the Goose Island 2010 contest, are gaining in participation during the winter months in the northern U.S. and Canada. "It's great to see guys from the FNHC participating in pond hockey tournaments," commented FNHC commissioner La Package, "it's real important that we stay connected to the roots of this great game, The Sport of Kings."

"I felt a real sense of nostalgia holding that cup out there on the pond with my teammates," added Ivan, "It really helps to get back to what hockey is all about: a hotly contested contest inside the boards, but also hockey camaraderie, sportsmanship and sharing a beer and a cigar with the boys when the game is over."