The final post of the day comes courtesy of Bryant Pfeiffer, who contacted us a year ago about this very event. We have a soft spot in our heart for things like this -- well-run sports tournaments put together for no other reason than a love of the game -- so we wanted to throw it out there. Here are some facts about the Iceman Invitational from Pfeiffer, the former Senior Director of Ticket Sales for the Wolves/Lynx for 14 years before he joined the league office of Major League Soccer. The event starts at 6 tonight and is slated to run until about 9:30. Bryant?
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I cap the tournament at 16 teams each year for clean brackets. Teams are are all comprised of guys I've gone to high school, college, played pick up ball or perhaps were TWolves season ticket holders over the years. A great mix of former high school, DIII, DII players and current gym rats who are all hoops junkies. Two main rules are no former D1 or higher male players and no [redacteds] allowed. The actual trophy that the winner gets their name engraved on is Stanley Cup size.
A couple of other funny tidbits you might enjoy that are tourney related:
•Only one player in the 17 year tournament history has been banned for violating the no [redacted] policy. He was the brother of one of my good friends and hasn't been back since.
•First year of the tournament was held in my driveway at my parents home in Woodbury, MN. Dad grilled hot dogs and we had 10 guys actually carry a full set of bleachers from the local park and back to add some seating for friends/family to watch from. Outside of the year in my driveway when it was founded, each year has been played at Target Center except for one year when we were bumped for concert. Luckily was able to move it to Williams Arena that year and not have a drop off in quality.
•I've played in it a handful of years. In 1999, I put a team together and forewarned everyone that I had assembled a squad with a former Big Ten Player of the Year and a current pro. You can imagine the build up and then the surprise when I showed up with Carol Ann Shudlick and first Lynx player ever Kristin Folkl.
•5-6 years ago the night of the tourney proceeded the Wolves / Mavs game at Target Center. Since I knew Mark Cuban was a big pick up player and often traveled with the team I wrote him a note suggesting he bring a squad. Unfortunately, as he told me that he wasn't scheduled for that road trip but loved the concept. Most impressive, got his email response in less than 10 minutes.
•One guy, Dave Schomaker, neighborhood pal growing up has had a team in it all 17 years.
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Sounds like a great tradition. Well done, sir. Anyone else have a long-standing tournament they'd like to share in the comments.
