Following the U.P. Pond Hockey Tournament that took place this past weekend, a smaller, but growing, field of hockey players will take to the ice in the U.P. Youth Pond Hockey Tournament Saturday, February 27, and Sunday, February 28.

Six teams played in the first youth pond hockey tournament last winter, and took advantage of rinks already prepared for the adult pond hockey tournament the previous weekend. That small group of teams has grown to about 20 for 2010, a trend Recreation Department Director Scott Marshall said he believes will continue until the youth tournament even bigger than the adult tournament.

"There is no doubt in my mind that next year it will double and eventually be bigger than adult pond hockey," Mr. Marshall said. "The recreation department is going to build a quality tournament that will generate a positive reputation for future tournaments. Next year is going to be huge."

Mr. Marshall said he would accept up to 64 teams for this year's tournament and any four- to sixperson team can register through Friday, February 26, by calling Little Bear East Arena at 643-8676.

A game schedule has not yet been finalized, but Mr. Marshall said Saturday's games would likely run from about 10 a.m. to about 4 p.m. on the ice of Moran Bay, and Sunday's championship game would be around 1 p.m.

The four-on-four games will be played, like adult pond hockey, with no goalies, and will consist of two 20-minute halves, with the opportunity for sudden death overtime if the score is tied at the end of the second half. Nets are 6 inches by 6 feet. House and travel teams have a chance to compete in five divisions: Mite (8 years old and younger), Squirt (10 and younger), Pee Wee (12 and younger), Bantam (14 and younger), and Midget (18 and younger).

The team registration fee is $100 for Mites, $200 for Squirts, and $300 for Pee Wee, Bantam, and Midget levels. First and second place teams will receive trophies and players on each team will receive individual medals.

Last year, the tournament was organized by the St. Ignace Visitors Bureau, Willie LaLonde, and John Bentgen, with the help of about 20 volunteer workers. The recreation department agreed to take on organizing the tournament this year,but will still count on volunteers to set up the rinks, officiate games, and record statistics.

Mr. Marshall said in addition to bringing in revenue and drawing attention to the city's recreation department, this year's youth tournament will also help the community by bringing into town about 800 players, their families, and spectators, which he said would generate revenue at area hotels, restaurants, and other businesses.

John Styes, whose son, Jack, will be playing again this year on a team, said the kids really enjoy the opportunity to play hockey outdoors.

"The kids had a really good time last year," Mr. Styes said. "They had a lot of fun just being out there. My son has had his team set up for two months now, they have really been looking forward to it."

The difference in rules and game set-up for pond hockey makes it much more of a team sport, he said, teaching the young players that the game is more about working together than individual achievement.

"Team play is much more important, and the conditions are so much different," Mr. Styes said.

Last year, the Ore Dogs of Negaunee took first place in the tournament, defeating the Rad Poles of Harbor Springs 22-15 in the championship game. Also playing were the Junk Yard Dawgs of St. Ignace, the Chiefs of Muskegon, The Vapor of Cheboygan, and Werner Lightning of Cheboygan.