Sparx Hockey Forges Major Partnership with Pond Hockey Classic

ACTON, Mass. – January 16, 2026 – Sparx Hockey, a leader in automated skate sharpening technology, today announced a significant expansion of its partnership with the Pond Hockey Classic (PHC), becoming the Official Skate Sharpener for its entire series of premier outdoor tournaments. The agreement now includes the prestigious U.S. Pond Hockey Championships (USPHC), which was acquired by the PHC late last year, uniting North America's most iconic pond hockey events under a single banner and a single standard for skate care.

This strategic alliance places Sparx technology at the center of a newly formed pond hockey powerhouse. The deal ensures that every participant across the three major events—the New England Pond Hockey Classic, the Lake Champlain Pond Hockey Classic, and the U.S. Pond Hockey Championships—will have access to professional-grade skate sharpening on-site. For the more than 5,000 players who travel from across the continent to participate, this partnership promises a level of consistency and performance previously reserved for indoor arenas.

A Strategic Power Play in Outdoor Hockey

The timing of the expanded partnership is pivotal. On October 1, 2025, the Pond Hockey Classic, founded in 2009 by Scott Crowder, acquired the U.S. Pond Hockey Championships, an event founded in 2006 and widely considered a "bucket list" tournament for amateur players. This acquisition consolidated the two largest outdoor hockey event series in North America, creating a single platform projected to attract over 5,600 players and 40,000 spectators in 2026 alone.

By securing the exclusive sharpening rights for this newly dominant entity, Sparx Hockey has executed a shrewd strategic move. The partnership solidifies its brand leadership in a passionate and influential niche market, directly countering competitors and reinforcing its market position. While brands like Bauer ProSharp and Wissota compete in the sharpening space, Sparx's focus on portability, ease of use, and now, its deep integration into the very fabric of the grassroots hockey experience, sets it apart.

"We are excited to extend our relationship with the Pond Hockey Classic and to serve as the Official Skate Sharpener for all three events, including the U.S. Pond Hockey Championships," said Steve Jones, Vice President of Marketing at Sparx Hockey. "These tournaments represent everything that makes hockey special - community, competition, and a true love for the game."

This move is about more than just brand visibility; it's about embedding Sparx technology into the core of the player experience. As thousands of dedicated players converge on frozen lakes, the Sparx brand will be synonymous with the precision and reliability they need to compete.

The Technological Edge on Ice

Pond hockey is a game of variables—shifting ice conditions, unpredictable weather, and the raw, unstructured nature of outdoor play. Sparx Hockey's technology aims to eliminate one of those variables: skate edge quality. The company's automated systems are designed to deliver consistent, pro-level results without the need for specialized training, a key advantage for a traveling tournament.

The centerpiece of this offering is the Sparx Sharpener 3. Praised in independent reviews for its intuitive design and repeatable accuracy, the portable machine allows players to achieve a perfect edge anywhere. Its technology stands in contrast to heavier, more complex commercial systems, making it ideal for the on-the-go environment of a pond hockey tournament. The company offers 22 different grinding ring options, including flat bottom hollows, allowing for a level of customization that serious players demand.

Further elevating the experience is the integration with the Sparx BEAM™ (Blade Edge Accuracy Measurement) device. This laser-based tool measures skate blade edge evenness to an astonishing 1/10,000th of an inch, making it the most precise measurement device on the consumer market. When connected to the Sparx Hockey Mobile App, players can track their sharpening history, monitor blade performance, and even receive recommendations for the optimal edge based on their playing style.

"We're proud to continue supporting players of all levels by delivering consistent, professional-grade sharpening wherever the game is played," Jones added, highlighting the company's mission to bring elite-level equipment care to the masses.

Sharpening Skates, Supporting Communities

Beyond the strategic and technological implications, the partnership is deeply rooted in the community spirit that defines pond hockey. In a significant gesture of goodwill, Sparx Hockey has committed to donating all proceeds from the on-site sharpening services at all three events to local charities. This initiative transforms a necessary service into a powerful act of giving back, reinforcing the company's commitment to the grassroots of the sport.

This charitable component resonates strongly with the ethos of the Pond Hockey Classic. These events are celebrations of hockey in its purest form, focused on camaraderie and passion over commercialism. By providing a crucial service while simultaneously supporting local communities, Sparx aligns itself perfectly with the values of the players and organizers.

Scott Crowder, Commissioner of the Pond Hockey Classic, lauded the expanded relationship. "Sparx Hockey has been an incredible partner of the Pond Hockey Classic for several years, and we're thrilled to expand that partnership to include the U.S. Pond Hockey Championships," he stated. "With Sparx sharpening technology on site, players can focus on battling the elements, competing with friends, and enjoying the game the way it was meant to be played."

As the 2026 season kicks off with the U.S. Pond Hockey Championships from January 23–25, this partnership ensures that the foundation of every player's game—their skate edges—will be as reliable and sharp as their passion for the sport.