IRON CREEK LAKE, S.D. — The fifth annual Iron Creek Classic 3-on-3 Pond Hockey Tournament brought players, volunteers and spectators together Jan. 24 at Iron Creek Lake, continuing a growing winter tradition in the Northern Black Hills.
Hosted by the Northern Hills Chinook, the adult pond hockey tournament featured teams competing across three divisions, with proceeds benefiting the Northern Hills Amateur Hockey Association, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit focused on expanding youth hockey opportunities and supporting long-term plans for a rink in the Northern Black Hills.
“When we first dreamed up the Iron Creek Classic, the goal was simple: bring people together, celebrate the game, and support youth hockey in the Northern Hills,” said Dennis Servaty, president of the association. “Seeing how this tournament has grown year after year has been incredible. Year five is a milestone, but it’s really just the beginning.”
Following preliminary games, teams were seeded based on standings points, earning two points for a win and one point for a tie. The top two teams in each division advanced to championship play.
In the A Division championship, the Rapid City Free Agents defeated the Mike Eruzione’s to claim the title. The Iron Creek Freaks captured the B Division championship with a win over Pirate’s, while The Muchachos topped Bloody Mary’s to earn the C Division crown.
“The success of this year’s Iron Creek Classic was truly a team effort from start to finish,” said Brandy Hartman, Tournament Coordinator and board member of the Northern Hills Amateur Hockey Association. “Our volunteers, sponsors, ice crew, and players all came together to make sure the event ran smoothly and safely. From registration to the final games on the pond, the level of support and organization was incredible. We’re extremely grateful to everyone who helped make this tournament such a positive experience while supporting youth hockey in the Northern Hills.”
A Division Standings
- Mike Eruzione’s — 9 points, 56 goals scored, 42 goals allowed
- Free Agents — 9 points, 58 goals scored, 53 goals allowed
- Rinky Dinks — 8 points, 55 goals scored, 47 goals allowed
- Dakota Jacks — 8 points, 51 goals scored, 36 goals allowed
- Seamen 1 — 6 points, 52 goals scored, 46 goals allowed
- CS Perky — 2 points, 32 goals scored, 63 goals allowed
- Seamen 2 — 0 points, 32 goals scored, 60 goals allowed
B Division Standings
- Pirate’s — 10 points, 40 goals scored, 16 goals allowed
- Iron Creek Freaks — 8 points, 55 goals scored, 27 goals allowed
- Almost Athletic — 8 points, 51 goals scored, 37 goals allowed
- Exit 8 — 7 points, 46 goals scored, 34 goals allowed
- No Regretzkys — 6 points, 32 goals scored, 40 goals allowed
- Dangle Heads — 6 points, 37 goals scored, 21 goals allowed
- Skiddybop — 4 points, 30 goals scored, 30 goals allowed
- Ice Agents — 3 points, 43 goals scored, 44 goals allowed
- Kangaroos — 2 points, 31 goals scored, 36 goals allowed
- Buffalo ODR — 2 points, 23 goals scored, 36 goals allowed
- Freezer Geezers — 2 points, 36 goals scored, 64 goals allowed
- Back Lettuce — 0 points, 24 goals scored, 53 goals allowed
C Division Standings
- The Muchachos — 8 points, 38 goals scored, 20 goals allowed
- Bloody Mary’s — 8 points, 39 goals scored, 24 goals allowed
- IceAgents C — 8 points, 35 goals scored, 23 goals allowed
- Pond Scum — 7 points, 33 goals scored, 20 goals allowed
- No Regretzkys C — 7 points, 31 goals scored, 26 goals allowed
- ShatTricks — 4 points, 37 goals scored, 30 goals allowed
- 20-Yeti — 2 points, 24 goals scored, 38 goals allowed
- Average Joes — 2 points, 27 goals scored, 38 goals allowed
- Raiders — 0 points, 25 goals scored, 31 goals allowed
- Mean Joes — 0 points, 21 goals scored, 30 goals allowed
- Chinook Bantams — 0 points, 14 goals scored, 44 goals allowed
Organizers said the Iron Creek Classic has continued to grow as a winter highlight for Rapid City, Spearfish and the greater Black Hills region, with planning already underway for next year’s event in South Dakota.
Photos by Dennis Servaty and Brandy Hartman
