In 2010, Anchorage's Bryce Christianson decided it'd be fun to get some buddies together for an informal pond hockey tournament. About 20 players showed up, sharing laughs, drinking beer and knocking pucks around the ice at a three-on-three tournament designed to celebrate the game in its purest form -- outdoors in the middle of the winter.
Five years later, about the only thing that has changed is the amount of beer Christianson needs.
About 130 players turned out Saturday at the newly-christened Bonnie Cusack Memorial Outdoor Rink Center near Ben Boeke Arena for the Anchorage Christmas Classic, a 32-team, double-elimination three-on-three tournament that featured some of Anchorage's best hockey talent.
"That was always the dream, was to get it bigger and better each year," said Christianson, a former UAA goaltender.
Rather than just an excuse for guys like Christianson to play hockey and see old friends, the tournament has grown into a fundraiser for the Toys for Tots program, and this year's event netted roughly 300 presents for the charity. Christianson said the idea is to show Anchorage how appreciative its hockey players are for the support they're given.
"What this whole thing is about is coming together not only for a sport we love but for a great cause," Christianson said.
The event attracted both elite and recreational players ranging from Division I studs to former high school skaters. Teams of three squared off against each other, with one goalie playing against whichever team was on offense on the half-rink playing surface. Defensive teams had to take the puck beyond the blue line before going on offense.
The championship game between "The Dolphins" and "Four Studs One Dud" featured teams made up mostly of former or current Division I players. Colorado College senior winger Scott Wamsganz scored a pair of goals for winners Four Studs One Dud, who also got strikes from Michigan State senior wing Tanner Sorenson and the team's "dud," Brandon Venhuizen.
Venhuizen, who played high school hockey at Dimond and now works on an oil rig in the Gulf of Mexico, was the team's organizer.
"I just called the best kids I knew," Venhuizen said.
Despite being on the wrong end of the 4-2 final, UAA sophomore defenseman Chase Van Allen said he wasn't taking the loss too hard.
"It's all for the kids, and everyone's here to just have fun," he said.
Goalie Vashon Hilliard said the format was a bit strange, since goalies don't play a lot of pick-up hockey.
"It's definitely a little weird," he said. "You've just got to be aware and mindful of what's going on around you."
Hilliard said he was happy to volunteer to tend goal during the tournament, despite the thankless nature of the job.
"It's a great time," he said. "When you throw in Toys for Tots, it's really worth it."
Christianson said the tournament was about more than competition for local bragging rights.
"We've got great-caliber guys, but it's a friendly competition," he said.
Many players wore goofy Christmas sweaters, bright knit stocking caps or matching old-time hockey jerseys. Some played under absurd team names such as "The Healthy Scratches," "Glory Holes," and "The HandiCapitals."
Wearing a Washington Capitals jersey modified/defaced with a wheelchair logo, HandiCapitals player Arie Henry said guys wanted to compete and play hard but also wanted to enjoy playing a low-key version of the game.
"It's been a really good vibe," said Henry, who called the tournament "super-huge fun."
"That's why we're the HandiCapitals," joked teammate Jake Dargis upon hearing Henry's unique turn of phrase.
Team member Alex Turk said the local hockey community is tight, but players often drift apart once they leave high school. The tournament gives everyone a chance to reconnect.
"We don't get a chance to play together too much anymore," he said.
Dargis said the seven-minute games were "quick and intense," but that players were respectful and kept the intensity at appropriate levels.
"Everyone's got their job to go to in the morning," he said.
Christianson said he wants the tournament to continue to grow, possibly into a two-day event. The bigger the Classic gets, he said, the more toys the group will be able to donate.
"It's our opportunity to give back to the community that's given us so many opportunities," he said.