Skates, sticks, and a legacy on ice
Lake Placid is a hockey lover’s dream, offering everything from high-stakes tournaments to the simple joy of pickup games on a frozen lake. As you stroll through town, don’t be surprised to see players with hockey bags slung over their shoulders, heading to one of the nearby rinks.
Hockey has deep roots in Lake Placid, and its legacy is proudly displayed at the Olympic Center, which boasts three world-class rinks. Beyond that, you’ll find opportunities to skate at the free-to-use rink in front of Lake Placid High School, pond hockey rinks on Mirror Lake, and the nearby Saranac Lake Civic Center. Wherever you choose to lace up, hockey’s energy is palpable here.
Read on to learn more about playing or watching hockey in Lake Placid, or stop by the Visitor Center for more information.
Hockey tournaments: Create memories on historic ice
Lake Placid is a host to a variety of hockey tournaments that draw players and fans from around the country.
CAN/AM Challenge Cup Tournaments
CAN/AM Hockey Tournaments are a highlight of Lake Placid’s hockey calendar. These events cater to players of all ages and skill levels, offering competitive experiences in an iconic setting. Whether you’re a youth player, an adult in a recreational league, or part of a high-performance team, CAN/AM has a tournament for you.
ECAC Hockey Championships
The ECAC Hockey tournament brings elite collegiate teams to Lake Placid. This thrilling competition showcases future NHL stars and embodies the passion of college hockey.
Empire State Winter Games (ESWG)
This multi-sport event features hockey as one of its marquee competitions. With teams coming from all over New York, the ESWG hockey tournament is a celebration of the state’s talent.
Beer League Players Association Draft Experience
For adult hockey enthusiasts looking for a lighthearted yet competitive experience, the Beer League Draft Experience offers a unique tournament with a laid-back atmosphere.
CAN/AM Lake Placid Adult Pond Hockey Tournament
Lake Placid embraces the timeless joy of pond hockey. The tournaments, often held on Mirror Lake, feature teams competing in a more relaxed but equally spirited environment.
CHE Hockey Tournaments
Canadian Hockey Enterprises (CHE) hosts a series of exciting tournaments in Lake Placid, welcoming teams from across North America. Known for their exceptional organization and spirited competition, CHE tournaments offer an unforgettable experience for players and fans alike.
Pond hockey: Pure passion on open ice
Pond hockey is where hockey’s roots meet its soul. Picture the crisp clack of sticks battling for the puck and the unmistakable sound of skates carving into the frozen surface of Mirror Lake. In the heart of winter, the lake becomes a natural rink, a haven where players trade glass and boards for open air and pure love of the game.
The town and several lakeside hotels clear designated areas for play, ensuring that everyone has a chance to enjoy the magic of outdoor hockey. Whether you’re participating in a tournament or just soaking in the scenery, the atmosphere around the lake is undeniably enchanting.
Pickup hockey: Grab your stick and join the action
Not every hockey moment is about competition—sometimes it’s about pure, unstructured fun. Lake Placid offers a variety of opportunities for pickup games. From the areas cleared for play on Mirror Lake to The Olympic Center’s Stick and Puck sessions, there are many opportunities to make your own impromptu hockey memories without bringing a whole team. The Hockey Box is an outdoor rink donated by IRONMAN USA to accommodate pickup games and various practices. This rink is free to use and generally open from 10 a.m. until 8 p.m. In addition, the Saranac Lake Civic Center hosts weekly co-ed pickup games every Sunday.
No matter where you choose to play, the camaraderie of hockey is alive and well in Lake Placid.
Home teams: Hockey lives here
Lake Placid is more than a destination; it’s a home for hockey. The U.S. Women’s National Team uses the Olympic Center’s rinks to practice and hold scrimmages against other teams. Local Northwood School uses this ice to practice and play on, and is also the venue their annual Northwood Invitational hockey tournament is held. In neighboring Saranac Lake, Paul Smith’s College teams can be found competing at the Saranac Lake Civic Center, which is also the home of the Lake Placid and Saranac Lake high school teams.
Hockey camps in Lake Placid: Train where legends are made
Lake Placid offers an unparalleled opportunity for hockey players to experience the game in a truly iconic setting. The Miracle on Ice Fantasy Camp is a dream come true for adult hockey enthusiasts. Designed for those who want to relive the magic of the greatest sports moment of the 20th century, this camp allows participants to skate alongside members of the 1980 U.S. Olympic Hockey Team in the legendary Herb Brooks Arena. With its relaxed yet exhilarating atmosphere, the camp focuses on camaraderie, storytelling, and a once-in-a-lifetime chance to play hockey where history was made.
For younger players, the CAN/AM Hockey Camps provide a dynamic and immersive environment to build skills and confidence. Hosted at Northwood School, these camps cater to youth players, adults, and even entire families with programs designed to meet the needs of each group. CAN/AM’s focus on expert coaching, Olympic-quality facilities, and team-building activities ensures players leave camp with new skills and lasting memories. Whether you’re a young athlete honing your craft or an adult rekindling your love for the game, Lake Placid’s camps offer something for everyone.
