Northwoods Adventure: Brainerd Pond Hockey League

Minnesotans are proud to be known as the state of hockey. But professional hockey players aren’t just born over night. It starts in local rinks in the neighborhoods where they grew up playing with their friends, that they learn the skills and how to improve when it comes to playing the game.

Improving their skating skills, understanding the game of hockey, and having fun is what the Brainerd Parks and Recreation Department is teaching in their pond hockey league.

The two teams are divided by their age with the Polar Bears ranging from 11 to 15 years old and the Penguins from 7 years old to 10. With their age difference the coaches understand that their level of skill also varies.

With hockey leagues all across the state, players and coaches enjoy the laid back atmosphere where scores and standings are not recorded.

And with fun being the main goal in the Parks and Rec league, Baulmann, knows the kind of opportunity this is for kids in the community.