Wright County outdoor hockey group formed to share cherished tradition with all ages

In December 2021, Derek Russell, of Annandale, started the Wright County Outdoor Hockey Group to bring people of all ages together through outdoor hockey. Russell is an 8U Buffalo Youth Hockey Coach and a former hockey player himself. Since starting the group, he now has the help his wife, Shayann, and Joe Huttner, of Annandale.

He shared that some of his most cherished memories growing up was meeting with friends at an outdoor rink and playing hockey. He wanted to share that joy with his family and his community. Russell was inspired by his two children, Remington and Lily. He wanted to give them more opportunities to experience playing hockey outdoors.

The purpose of the Outdoor Rink (ODR) group is to organize and coordinate outdoor hockey games at rinks within Wright County. Players of all ages and skill levels are welcome to join in on the winter fun. Since kicking off with ODR Russell has really enjoyed seeing the smiles on kids faces when they show up to skate with a big group of people.

The ODR group also helps to maintaining local outdoor rinks. Those who participate in games have also shoveled snow off the rink to keep the ice playable and enjoyable for the community. At their most recent outdoor hockey game, Russell mentioned that six people, including himself grabbed their shovels and cleaned off an outdoor rink in Annandale before starting their game.

Outdoor rinks are open for months during the cold winter. Rinks typically open in December or January and stay open through February. Typically, the weather needs to be around 20 degrees to start freezing the ice for the rinks. The cold winters allow for plenty of opportunities to get out on the ice with friends and family.

Russell shared he would love to bring back the popularity of outdoor hockey in his community. Outdoor hockey is a huge part of Minnesota history and culture. People have been playing hockey on outdoor rinks or lakes for decades in “The State of Hockey.”  It is a highly-enjoyed tradition in Minnesota.

The ODR group has a big focus on getting kids involved in the fun activity and having the opportunity to play more hockey. One of the rules stated on the ODR Facebook page states “Let the kids/beginners play… these rinks are for recreational fun.”

The new group is quickly growing in popularity with 69 members currently part of their Facebook group. Many have already shared their excitement and joy with the Facebook group. With continued growth, the ODR hopes to eventually start raising funds for maintaining local outdoor rinks. For more information visit their Facebook page at: https://www.facebook.com/groups/950413942227897.