EAU CLAIRE, Wis. (WEAU) -- A new winter tradition for the Chippewa Valley was born on Saturday.

Near the Silver Mine Ski Invitational was the first annual Silver Mine Cup Pond Hockey Classic.

WEAU 13 News caught up with those who part of the inaugural event.

Troy Berg of Eau Claire Youth Hockey said holding the Pond Hockey Classic at the Silver Mine site made for a perfect fit.

“They both compliment each other. The spectators are enjoying seeing the hockey and the ski jumpers,” Berg said.

A stone’s throw from the ski jumping, six rinks were built and flooded for the competition.

25 youth and 10 adult hockey teams face off for the 2012 Silver Mine Cup.

With youth hockey teams taking place mostly in the safety of areas, the event organizer said the Hockey Classic takes kids back to the roots of the sport.

“It’s definitely a throw back to the old days and skating on outdoor ice, rivers, lakes and ponds. So much of youth hockey these days are in doors and very much under supervision, this gives them a chance to be out and no one's really out here to tell them what do to, just having fun,” Berg said.

Hockey players who spoke to WEAU said the biggest difference was being out in the elements.

“The ice chips easier and it’s a lot colder,” hockey player Josh Berg said.

The players also said they’re excited to be part of bringing back an old tradition.

“The really cool thing is that my dad used to always skate on outdoor rinks, now I get a chance to,” said hockey player Johann Akeneik.

Berg said he’s happy to see the cold weather come through at the last minute after weeks of ice-threatening temperatures.

“It's been a good turn out and people have been enthusiastic and very positive,” Berg said.