When I say “pond hockey scenery”, no doubt you think about wide open skies, naked trees swaying in the breeze, and beer-can-speckled snowbanks around frozen lakes and ponds. And for most major pond hockey events, including the three run by Scott Crowder, you’d be right. Whether they’re run on Meredith Bay, Lake Champlain, or Foys Lake in Montana, each features hockey action on a postcard-quality backdrop of winter bliss. But with this morning’s announcement, you can add a slightly different backdrop to the stable of PHC events: taxi cabs, skyscrapers, and the Liberty Bell.

As of this morning, Crowder’s Pond Hockey Classic events have expanded to five after acquiring the Big Apple Pond Hockey Classic and the Philly Pond Hockey Classic. Built by entrepreneur and New Yorker Grant Hewit, the BAPHC and Philly PHC were an innovative attempt to bring the beauty of pond hockey to two big cities on the east coast. And by all accounts it was a rousing success. A success that Scott Crowder couldn’t overlook.

“We are dedicated to outdoor hockey here at the PHC.” said Crowder, PHC Commissioner. “We have seen these two urban tourneys generate a great following and offering a unique opportunity for players to get outside and play some hockey. Nothing is better than lacing up the skates under an open sky and now we get to offer this opportunity deep in the heart of a big city setting.”

The eventual goal is to launch a larger City Series, with urban pond-style tournaments taking place in other locations. Says BAPHC founder Grant Hewit:

“We’re thrilled to bring our two events into the Pond Hockey Classic tournament group. Playing traditional pond hockey in a city setting is a one of a kind experience that only a City Series tournament can provide. This combined with the resources that Scott and his team bring to the table, we’re confident the player experience in both Philly and New York City will be better than ever.”

The dates of the Philadelphia event are January 9-11, with the New York City event taking place February 27-March 1. Because the events are played on outdoor rinks, they’ll be 3-on-3, with teams limited to 6 players. Divisions will be limited to Open and Shinny variations.

A pre-registration will take place for prior BAPHC and Philly captains on November 12th, with the full registration going live on November 17th, both at noon EST. For more details, visit the Pond Hockey Classic website.