Lake Fenton Winter Classic to be held this weekend - ABC 12 – WJRT – Flint, MI

(01/18/13) - Plenty of pucks will be flying over the weekend on Barnum Lake - all part of the second annual Lake Fenton Winter Classic.

"This is a huge deal. This is actually on the national stage. We are an elite tournament sponsored by Labatt Blue," said Sean Lapham, Lake Fenton Winter Classic director.

The pond hockey tournament features 40 teams - that's 280 hockey players from across the Midwest, not to mention hundreds of spectators. Area business owners are excited to have some extra traffic come through town.

"Oh, it's awesome. It's bringing money in for the Fireplace and Lakeside Market and everybody else in the community. We're looking forward to it," said Lee Nunn, Fireplace Lounge Owner.

Games run on five rinks behind the Fireplace Lounge on Saturday and Sunday, but there's much more than just hockey - we're talking food, DJs, and yes, warming stations.

"If the kids get cold, they can go inside and play some video games. We have a warming tent with vendors, and an auction to benefit the local hockey team. This is the reason we do this, to help out the community," Lapham said.

While several other Mid-Michigan festivals scheduled for this weekend have been forced to cancel due to a lack of snow or ice, Lapham says it's full steam ahead for the Winter Classic.

"It's going to be below freezing temperatures all weekend. Right now, we're at five inches of ice. It is solid, and it is going to be a blast," he said.

Up for grabs - the Des Crowley Memorial Trophy, which you might say looks like a beer keg.

"It may or may not be empty. It's a Labatt Beer Keg, a coffee can and a mixing bowl all put together. It's something that many men will spend all weekend trying to earn the right to lift that thing," Lapham said.

For a schedule of events at the Lake Fenton Winter Classic, click HERE.