130 teams on frozen pond

In a few weeks, Plaster Rock, New Brunswick will host players and fans from around the globe for the 8th annual World Pond Hockey Championships.

There will be 130 teams, representing 12 countries and four continents. It is quite an amazing feat for a small milltown struggling with the downturn in the forestry sector.

• There are 76 teams from Canada, including 37 from New Brunswick.
• There are 43 teams from the USA, including teams from as far away as Arizona, Oregon and Puerto Rico.
• There are 6 teams from Europe and three from the Caribbean (including Puerto Rico).
• Egypt's team represents Africa and Brazil represents South America.

Be there, or be square. February 19-22, 2009, featuring the Stanley Cup on the 19th.

For more information:
WPHC website
A great 2004 profile from the New York Times