Weather issues cause cancellation of Pond Hockey Championships skating event

The warmer weather caused issues for the kickoff of the U.S. Pond Hockey Championships Thursday night on Lake Nokomis.

Crews spent the day cleaning some of the slush from the rinks but said the youth skating night scheduled for the evening was canceled because of rain and snow.

Event organizers said the weather made the rinks unsuitable for skating.

"This is just a really cool opportunity for them to get out and play some pick-up hockey. So it's a night that those have played in it before look forward to, and unfortunately we are going to have to plan on it for next year," said Jim Dahline, the commissioner of the U.S. Pond Hockey Championship.

The games are still expected to get underway Friday. The event brings thousands of players and fans to the area.