Back to Wisconsin, Baby!!!

(The 2012 Ice Holes Pond Hockey Team design.  Available soon from the HolesGear store.)

Wow - has almost a year gone by since the last Ice Holes' blog update? That's pretty sad, but I guess I have no one but myself to blame.  Well, I could blame Buddha as well, since he's able to post on this blog, but, similarly, has failed to do so since last March.

But enough off-topic babbling and on to the important stuff, you say.  The big news:

The Holes are headed back to the frozen north to once again do battle in all the glory of the great outdoors!

After missing our chance at returning to Eagle River, WI last year (and heading to Florida instead - see below for all the gory details), we jumped on registration as soon as it opened up and got two teams on board for the 2012 installment of the USA Hockey Pond Hockey Championship.  Now, granted, it was a little difficult to imagine last year as we lay on the sunny beaches of Pompano why any of us would want to go freeze our assists off on an icy lake in Wisconsin, but there's just something about the trip that sticks with you.  The only way I can describe it is that it's just so..."hockey". Yes, Coral Springs had it's delicious food, warm, gentle breezes, and all its.....distractions.....on those white beaches, but for those that are truly fanatics about playing the game, this is pure, unadulterated hockey nirvana.  Yes, yes, I know - it's a sickness - one of which I am grievously afflicted, yet willing to bear.

We've got a little different look to the crew this year.  For one thing, most of us have easily crossed the 40 year mark, and, as such, decided that the "Over 40" division sounded pretty good.  Over 40: Tier 2, to be exact.  Tier 2 are the guys that did not play hockey professionally, in college, in juniors, on a competitive travel team, and otherwise do not possess any admirable on-ice skill set. These are guys whose idea of a toe-drag is scuffing up their loafers on the way to the car after a late night game because they don't have enough energy to pick up their feet.  That's us, and proud of it.

So, first, let's mention the veterans of the trip:  there's Kent (Special K), Phil (Bankshot), Chris (Buddha), Mac (Mac), Erik (Leg Man), Jim (Z), and myself (mmm...beer).  I am also happy to say that we've got a veteran from the Holes' first trip to WI in the form of "other" Kent (OK).  In addition to the vets, we've got a smattering of new blood:  Rob (Colt 45), Brett (Guy LaDouche), Scott (Gellin'), Patrick, and Rich.  We haven't come up with nicknames for the last two, yet, but I'm sure the opportunity will present itself early on.

So, only nine days until we head out.  And as we anxiously watch the weather reports from Eagle River, hoping for those lows at night that help make glorious frozen water, we're left with our anticipation of what promises to be another grand Ice Holes' adventure.  So many questions:  Will the weather be cooperative?  Will Kent once again skate the Mullet Cup?  Will someone be able to carry on Joe's "YMCA" legacy?  Will Jim order "off menu"?  Will anyone experience chest pain?  Will Mac find true love?  And the burning question on everyone's mind - will either of the teams win a game?

February 9th is the departure date, so look for a blizzard of updates after that. In addition to the blog, I'll be attempting to not be such an old fart and do some "Tweeting", as the kids call it, along the way.  You're invited to follow our adventures, both here and on Twitter, for all you "social media" savvy people.

Stay thirsty, my friends. More to come...