2015

The neighborhood ...

2014

      I think we need a beer              Great suggestion

2012

2011

From left, Dennis, Alain, Joe, Larry (in orange) Robin and Mike L



2010

1-29-09

Local hockey players compete in the U. S. Pond Hockey Championships
Lake Nokomis, Minneapolis, MN
By Joe Yarchak
Eight local hockey players from the Boubere Hockey Team traveled to Minneapolis, Minnesota, over this past weekend to complete in the U. S. Pond Hockey Championships on Lake Nokomis. This team originated where many have, on the frozen ponds all over hockey country. This particular team formed over two decades ago as a group of friends that all loved the game of ice hockey. They began with pick-up games on various ponds around the Windham area, and have moved on to play in organized leagues around eastern CT. Some faces have changed over the years, but most are still active players. However, one thing hasn’t changed, as the mercury plummets, the phone calls begin. “Is there ice yet?”, “Are we playing this weekend?” For these guys, nothing beats playing hockey outdoors in the fresh air, with good friends. The talent level varies from the most basic beginners to skilled players, and ages range from late teens to late 50’s. None of these enthusiasts are professional material. They understand that, but that isn’t why they turn out each weekend to shovel the ice clear and lace on the skates. It is the friendship and love of the game that continues to draw them back to where the game belongs, the pond. Even the NHL recognizes this concept, as demonstrated by the annual “Winter Classic” now being played each year, by professional teams in outdoor venues. The U. S. Pond Hockey Championships began in 2006 and have continued to grow each year. This fourth annual tournament consisted of 253 teams competing for honors in 5 different divisions; The Open Division is considered the most competitive, The 40+ Open Division is for men and women age 40 and older, The 50+ Open Division is for men and women age 50 and older (these divisions are made up of some extremely talented, long time players), The Women's Division is for women 18 and older who want to show what women's hockey is all about and The Rink Rat Division is for men and women age 18 and older who have the heart of a true pond fanatic, but may not have the skills to take on former NHL players. The tournament runs over three days on a frozen lake where countless volunteers erect 25 temporary 150 x 75 foot rinks, for games running from 8:30 AM until 4:30 PM. Remember, this is January in Minnesota. Saturday morning arrived with temperatures hovering around -12 degrees Fahrenheit. But it would warm throughout the day to a high of 2 degrees. Sunday’s weather was much improved, with the first game starting amid a -5 degree heat wave. The mercury eventually peaked at 5 degrees by the afternoon. You may ask why anyone would put themselves through this type of weather to play a game. Just ask a true pond hockey fanatic and they will tell you, “This is how hockey was intended to be played, in the sparkling winter air.” And what are the rewards? The chance to be immortalized with your name inscribed on a snow shovel blade. Yes, you read correctly, the NHL has the Stanley Cup; the pond hockey player has the Golden Shovel. After watching tournament play this weekend you would be hard pressed to decide which trophy was more important. To see the determination and hard work put forth by all the teams involved was incredible. From the former professional players that participated for charitable causes, to our local players who did it for the fun, each and every one experienced the thrill of being involved in something special. Players participated from over 20 states ranging from Connecticut to Alaska, as well as several Canadian provinces and the United Kingdom. The players representing our local area this year were Alain Bourassa, Rob Gildersleeve, Mike Lettieri, Larry Mooney, Dennis Mullaney, John Walker, Robin Weeks and Joe Yarchak. They may not have had their names inscribed in the shovel this year, but they are already looking forward to a return for the 2010 Championships.

2009 U.S. Pond Hockey Championships
in Lake Nokomis , MN 

Bouberes attending:

Larry Mooney
Dennis Mullaney
Mike Lettieri
Joe Yarchak
Al Bourassa
John Walker
Rob Gildersleeve
Robin Weeks

2008 U.S. Pond Hockey Championships
in Lake Nokomis , MN 

Bouberes attending:

Larry Mooney
Dennis Mullaney
Steve Sweeney
Norm Miller
Rob Gildersleeve
Steve LaFlamme
Al Bourassa
John Walker
"Flat" Kevin"