The Syracuse Pond Hockey Classic is set to look a little different this year in its new location on the Clinton Square Ice Rink in downtown Syracuse. The annual tournament is happening January 27, 2024 from 10:00 am - 8: 00 pm. The Hockey Classic combines a Central New Yorkers love for the sport of hockey and deep pride for Syracuse winters since this event is outdoors during some of the coldest points of the winter. Families and friends of all ages look forward to bundling up, getting outside, and cheering on their favorite team of 3 to 6 players battling for the number 1 spot. 

Check out why the Syracuse Pond Hockey Classic should be on your winter bucket list this year!

New Location

As mentioned before, the new location of Clinton Square was decided to be the right call to combat the ever changing temperatures of Syracuse winters. In previous years the Classic was held on Hiawatha Lake in the Strathmore Neighborhood. While that is still a staple location, fans, players, and community members are excited to see what comes out of using Clinton Square Ice Rink this year. 
 

Tournament Play

A 16 team round-robin tournament hosts a number of passionate pond hockey players enjoying the love of the sport in the gritty cold. Tournament director Tim O’Donnell explained, “Each team is guaranteed 3 games with the winners and runner ups playing 5 [games].  Players are required to be 18+. This is a pretty competitive event with some former Division I college players so there is a lot of talent out on the ice, which is what we want.”

The entire event is 100 percent volunteer based. This year the tournament is in need of volunteers assisting with the following tasks: Ice maintenance (you’ll be trained), scorekeeping, beer pouring. If you’re interested in helping out this year email mattwarshal@gmail.com for more information or to sign up!

 

Food & Fun

An annual tradition of the Syracuse Pond Hockey Classic is celebrating a day of fun with beer, food, and other fun winter drinks. And while beer will still be included in this all day event, the SPHC is excited to offer some new food trucks all day long as well. While not announced yet, these food trucks will offer a variety of options that will allow spectators and players to stay put and stay warm. An additional perk of the 2024 venue change to Downtown is that event goers will have the option of venturing to local bars and restaurants throughout Armory, Hanover and Clinton Square when the classic concludes. Places to check out near Clinton Square Ice Rink are Saltine Warrior Sports Pub, Maxwell's, Prime Steakhouse, Guadalajara Mexican Restaurant, and much more.

 

The Championship Game

The only thing better than a full day of pond hockey is watching the championship game under the lights. This year’s championship game will be at 7:00 pm under the lights of Clinton Square Ice Rink. Tell your friends and tell your families because in the words of the SPHC it’s going to be….Classic!

Snow in Syracuse