MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — It’s not even fall yet, but it’s time to start thinking about the 2012 U.S. Pond Hockey Championships in Minneapolis.

Registration for next year’s event opens at 10 a.m. Sept. 14 at http://www.uspondhockey.com on a first-come, first-served basis.

The top teams from 2011 and out-of-state teams from the 2011 tournament will receive a reserved entry spot for their teams. Those teams can expect an email with reserved entry code, information and instructions. Reserved entry spots can be redeemed any time between Sept. 14 and Oct. 14.

The seventh annual U.S. Pond Hockey Championships will take place Jan. 20-22 on Lake Nokomis in south Minneapolis. Player check-in will take place the evening of Jan. 19.

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