A short history of hockey in Lake Placid

The game called "hockey" arrived in the United States in the 19th century. The first hockey team in Lake Placid was organized for boys in 1901. However, it was more popular in Canada until the teams started traveling to the northern states to compete in the Collegiate Tournaments.

The games were played with two teams of six members each, one goalie, two defense men and three wingers. Although the equipment then was skates and gloves and little protection, rules and regulations now insist now they don skates, wool stockings (held up by garter belts), knee pads, hip pads, cup, elbow pads, shoulder pads, neck braces, gloves, and helmet (including mouth guard). All under shorts, held up by suspenders and a heavy jersey blazoned with the team's logo. The object of the games is to hit a three inch black "puck" down the ice with a curved stick, past the goalie and into the net for a "score". Skating skills are a necessity as well as agility. The game is kept in control with a Referee and a Linesman who call all the penalties such as elbowing, off sides, etc. There is no age limit, kids start as young as four and continue into at least the fifties.

During the years hockey has been a prominent draw in Lake Placid. The early years brought many teams to the area for weekend competitions. Before the construction of the Olympic Arena, hockey games were held on Mirror Lake. There were hockey boxes erected in the middle of the lake, with the other skaters staying on the outside in the oval. The Lake Placid Club constructed several hockey boxes on the area known as their tennis courts. The snow was plowed off with horses and a wooden plow and then watered down to make the smooth surfaces for the skaters. College Weeks were known to bring in hundreds of students and their families for rigorous competitions. An area in front of the high school was also flooded for local team exhibitions.

In the late 1940's a group of locals started an organization called: "The Lake Placid Pee Wee Association" which was established for the youth of the community. Thereafter, every winter weekend was full of hockey games, speed skating meets, etc. The climax of the year was completed with what was named, "The International Tournament". Teams across the U.S. and Canada met from Thursday to Sunday in hockey games for all ages. One year there were 72 teams competing. This tournament is still active and in 2011 there were fifty-nine teams from New York, New Jersey and Massachusetts with five teams from Lake Placid competing.

The Roamers a semi-pro hockey team was organized in 1946. At that time the team was mostly Canadians, however, during the next ten or more years, local young men joined the team and the Lake Placid community had the opportunity to enjoy hockey every weekend at the Olympic Arena.

The highlight of hockey in Lake Placid, of course, is the Miracle on Ice during the 1980 Olympics. The Olympic team was made up of various college men pulled together by a dedicated coach to form a tight, fast skating, correct passing and medal hungry team. When faced with the older, more talented, more experienced Russian team as the underdogs, they were ready to prove everyone wrong and come out of the fray with a win. To the cheers of USA, USA and the announcer hollering, "Do you believe in miracles?" they did just that with one of the most exciting hockey games of the century. However, the medal wasn't in their hands yet. They had to beat the Finn's on the next Sunday morning to achieve the coveted Gold Medal. Again they proved what an awesome team they were and battled their way to a 4-2 win. It is an Olympic experience that will be talked about in the hockey families for years to come.

The CanAm hockey tournament

There are lots of opportunities for hockey around town. One venue is the relatively new Hockey Box, located on the Southeast corner of the Olympic Speedskating Oval property. Entry is free and rules are posted. This rink is refrigerated and was donated by Ironman USA to the people of Lake Placid. The North Elba Park District plows a couple of skating areas on Mirror Lake, one of them being at the Lake Placid Public Beach. There are hockey nets there for the using and that, too, is free. Sometimes when there is little or no snow on top of the ice, one can skate from one end of the lake to the other and pick-up hockey games can be seen all over the place. There are also several ponds along the hiking trails where one can see locals playing a game of hockey on occasion.

ECAC hockey

Pond Hockey is becoming a popular organized sport around North America lately. In fact, Lake Placid and Can/Am Hockey sponsor an annual Pond Hockey Tournament in mid-January every year. Ten hockey rinks are cleared on Mirror Lake and a round robin tournament elapses over the course of the weekend.

On the inside rinks, hockey games are plentiful in the winter season. The Pee Wee program sponsors games regularly, as do the local high schools. Both Can/Am Hockey and Canadian Hockey Enterprises hold tournaments on most weekends in the fall through spring seasons. 

---Bev Reid, North Elba Town Historian

The CanAm hockey tournament
ECAC hockey

Results for "Hockey in Lake Placid"

Refine
Where
Mirror Lake - Winter
Lake Placid
(518) 523-2584

Lake Placid is a village in the mountains, and few things make that more evident than Mirror Lake. Sparkling in the winter snow, it beckon from behind the downtown buildings, as visitors and locals explore the frozen lake while taking in great views.

  
Can/Am Hockey Camps
Lake Placid
(262) 249-1210
  
Canadian Hockey Enterprises Tournaments & Hockey Camps
PO Box 1932, Lake Placid
(888) 966-1980
  

Packages and Promotions

Clear All Filters

Browse by:

Category

Date

Valid Jan. 11

- Jan. 11

Valid Jan. 11

- Jan. 11

4th Night Free!

Lake Placid Lodge

Enjoy a night on us! 4th night free when you stay 3.

Valid Apr. 5

- Apr. 10

Valid Feb. 23

- Apr. 10

Total Eclipse of the Park IPA

Lake Placid Pub & Brewery

Get your hands on some Out-of-this-World beer before its gone!

Valid Jan. 11

- Jan. 11

Valid Jan. 11

- Jan. 11

Romance Package

Placid Bay Hotel

Surprise your significant other with a romantic Getaway!  Includes roses, wine glasses, and chocolates upon arrival.

Valid Jan. 11

- May. 1

Valid Jan. 11

- Jan. 11

Nordic Ski With Olympic Medalist Andrea Henkel Burke

Mirror Lake Inn Resort and Spa

Stay and Nordic Ski with an Olympic Gold Medal Recipient!

Valid Jan. 8

- Jan. 8

Valid Jan. 8

- Jan. 8

Adirondack a la Carte

High Peaks Resort

Complete your Adirondack Vacation with a $150 dining credit to Dancing Bears!

Valid May. 1

- Jun. 16

Valid Feb. 20

- Jun. 15

Pre-Season Golf Package

Cambria Lake Placid - Lakeside Resort

Pre-Season Golf from May 1- June 16. Stay two nights at the Cambria Hotel Lake Placid and play two rounds of unlimited golf and a cart at the Van Kleek-designed Award-winning championship course at Whiteface Club & Resort.

Valid Jan. 11

- Mar. 31

Valid Jan. 11

- Mar. 31

Celebrate 2024 with 24% OFF!

Grand Adirondack Hotel

Winter adventure and snow-kissed peaks beckon! Celebrate 2024 with a 24% discount on stays Sunday-Thursday through March. Rate is 24 percent off our Retail rates. Rate is fully prepaid and non-refundable. Available select weekdays through March 2024...

Valid Mar. 26

- Apr. 8

Valid Mar. 26

- Apr. 8

Solar Eclipse Lunch To Go

Green Goddess Natural Market & Catering

Get your eclipse provisions to go from Green Goddess Market & Cafe for just $14.99!

Valid Feb. 8

- Feb. 7

Valid Feb. 8

- Feb. 7

Rustic Romance Getaway Package

Whiteface Lodge Resort & Spa

Valid Apr. 6

- Apr. 6

Valid Feb. 21

- Apr. 6

Solar Eclipse Storytime

The Bookstore Plus

Come learn about a solar eclipse and make cereal box viewers with us!

Valid Feb. 8

- Feb. 7

Valid Feb. 8

- Feb. 7

Stay More, Play More

Whiteface Lodge Resort & Spa

Valid Apr. 12

- May. 1

Valid Mar. 5

- May. 1

Winter Clearance - 40% OFF!

Whiteface Mountain Ski Resort

40% Off Winter Merchandise

Valid Jan. 11

- Jan. 11

Valid Jan. 11

- Jan. 11

Romance Package

Town House Lodge by the Lake

Package Details Surprise your significant other with a romantic evening waiting for you on the day of your arrival!

Valid Apr. 5

- Apr. 11

Valid Mar. 5

- Apr. 11

Winter Clearance - Helmets, Goggles and Poles!

Whiteface Mountain Ski Resort

40% off Helmets, Goggles and Poles!

Valid Jan. 11

- Mar. 23

Valid Jan. 11

- Mar. 23

Savor & Stay

Lake Placid Lodge

Enjoy breakfast and dinner at one of our five star restaurants. Packaged with your stay!

Valid Jan. 11

- Jan. 11

Valid Jan. 11

- Jan. 11

Spa Experience

Town House Lodge by the Lake

What better way to connect and relax with your partner after a long day on the mountain than to enjoy an in-room spa experience for two?

Valid Mar. 22

- Mar. 24

Valid Jan. 8

- Mar. 24

Girls Getaway Weekend

Mirror Lake Inn Resort and Spa

$75 Resort Credit per room per NIGHT to pamper the Girls!

Valid Feb. 6

- Feb. 29

Valid Feb. 6

- Feb. 29

Ampersand Bay Resort Sweetheart Package

Ampersand Bay Resort

Dinner for 2 at the Sunset Bistro ($150 value) Chocolate Covered Strawberries and a Bottle of Champagne in the room on arrival. 1pm late check out.

Valid Feb. 8

- Feb. 7

Valid Feb. 8

- Feb. 7

Spa Escape

Whiteface Lodge Resort & Spa

Our Spa Escape package is ideal for couples or friends traveling together.

Valid Jan. 11

- Jan. 11

Valid Jan. 11

- Jan. 11

The Adirondack Elopement

Mirror Lake Inn Resort and Spa

The ultimate, intimate "I do" experience.

Valid May. 1

- Apr. 30

Valid Jan. 1

- Apr. 30

Stay & Save

The Devlin

Book a 3-night stay with The Devlin and get 10% off your visit.

Valid Jan. 11

- Jan. 11

Valid Jan. 11

- Jan. 11

Spa Experience

Placid Bay Hotel

Enjoy an in-room spa experience for two with your stay. What better way to connect and relax with your partner after a long day on the mountain!

Valid May. 3

- May. 5

Valid Feb. 20

- May. 1

Immersion into Tantra Yoga

Cambria Lake Placid - Lakeside Resort

Nourish your body and mind by indulging in a weekend of growth with Todd Norian, founder of Ashaya Yoga.

Valid Feb. 16

- May. 30

Valid Feb. 16

- May. 30

Stay and Sip

Eastwind Lake Placid

Unwind in comfort with a luxurious hotel stay while enjoying the added delight of two complimentary cocktails.

Valid Jan. 11

- Jan. 11

Valid Jan. 11

- Jan. 11

Woof and Wander

Bluebird Lake Placid

Your pooch will be as comfortable as their owners with our pet friendly package!

Valid Jan. 11

- Jan. 11

Valid Jan. 11

- Jan. 11

Adirondack Guides

Mirror Lake Inn Resort and Spa

Get the most out of your stay - Guide Services Available!

Valid Jan. 11

- Jun. 15

Valid Jan. 11

- Jun. 15

Stay 2 Midweek Nights and Receive a 3rd Round of Golf with Cart FREE!

Crowne Plaza Lake Placid

Stay 2 Midweek Nights and Receive a 3rd Round of Golf with Cart FREE! *Rates are per person, per night based on double occupancy in a standard room. Available Sunday-Thursday, Opening Day-mid June. Tax not included. Subject to availability. US $

Valid Jan. 5

- Jan. 5

Valid Jan. 5

- Jan. 5

Stay More, Play More

High Peaks Resort

Stay for FREE!

Valid Jan. 9

- Dec. 31

Valid Jan. 9

- Dec. 31

Babymoon

Mirror Lake Inn Resort and Spa

Celebrate your growing family with $75 nightly resort credit!

Valid Feb. 11

- Jun. 30

Valid Feb. 11

- Jun. 30

Stay 3 nights save 20%

Cambria Lake Placid - Lakeside Resort

Book a 3-night stay and save 20%

Valid Jan. 11

- Jan. 11

Valid Jan. 11

- Jan. 11

Golf & Stay Package

Crowne Plaza Lake Placid

Starting at: $119.00 * Weekend & Summer packages available at higher rates

Valid Jan. 12

- Jan. 12

Valid Jan. 12

- Jan. 12

Supper & Stay

Stagecoach Inn

Enhance your stay at The Lake Placid Stagecoach Inn with an exceptional 3-course meal.

Valid Jan. 11

- Jan. 11

Valid Jan. 11

- Jan. 11

Play and Stay Package

Crowne Plaza Lake Placid

Includes stay at Crowne Plaza Hotel with Golf at our Lake Placid Club Courses

Valid Jan. 8

- Jun. 27

Valid Jan. 8

- Jun. 27

100th Anniversary Package

Mirror Lake Inn Resort and Spa

100 years at the Inn gets you $100 Resort Credit PER DAY!

Valid Mar. 29

- Apr. 4

Valid Mar. 5

- Apr. 4

Winter Clearance at Whiteface!

Whiteface Mountain Ski Resort

40% off Select Items!

Valid Apr. 8

- Apr. 8

Valid Feb. 29

- Apr. 8

Solar Eclipse Viewing Party!

Moose Lodge Boathouse Restaurant

Specialty cocktails featuring Angel's Envy whiskey, delicious buffet offerings, live music and a prime viewing spot to experience totality.

Valid Apr. 6

- Apr. 9

Valid Jan. 8

- Apr. 9

2024 Eclipse at the Mirror Lake Inn

Mirror Lake Inn Resort and Spa

Join us for a once in a lifetime opportunity to view solar eclipse with luxurious accommodations, breakfast at 'The View' Restaurant, Eclipse Viewing Glasses & $50 resort credit per room per night.

Valid Jan. 11

- Jan. 11

Valid Jan. 11

- Jan. 11

MILITARY AND FIRST RESPONDER OFFER

Bluebird Lake Placid

10% off our Best Available Rate for all active as well as retired military personnel, and first responders on leisure stays.

Valid Jan. 9

- Dec. 31

Valid Jan. 9

- Dec. 31

Couples Getaway

Mirror Lake Inn Resort and Spa

Escape with your loved one to a truly romantic experience - sparkling wine and chocolate-covered strawberries overlooking spectacular views of Mirror Lake and the Adirondack High Peaks is just the beginning...

Valid Jan. 11

- Apr. 30

Valid Jan. 11

- Jan. 11

Ski with Olympic Medalist Andrew Weibrecht

Mirror Lake Inn Resort and Spa

Ever dreamed of spending time on the slopes with an Olympic athlete? Well, now you can!

Load More