Pickleball Stars Shine at Pickle n Pucks: Aspen Meadows became the epicenter of pickleball excitement on Thursday, as it hosted the inaugural Pickle ‘n Pucks tournament. This unique event showed top pickleball talent alongside notable hockey figures, blending two competitive worlds for a thrilling showdown. The tournament, broadcast on ESPN2, was organized by Tom Dundon, owner of the Professional Pickleball League and the NHL’s Carolina Hurricanes, who leveraged his Aspen connections to pull off the event.
A Fusion of Sports
The court featured double-decker stands, a grandstand, and video boards showcasing sponsor logos. The event was lively, with fans engaging in playful banter, and giveaways adding to the festive atmosphere. Among the pickleball stars were AJ Koller, the Johns brothers (Ben and Collin), Anna Leigh Waters, Meghan Dizon, Genie Bouchard, and John Isner. The hockey side boasted Stanley Cup champions Justin Williams and Kris Draper, Hurricanes GM Jarmo Kekalainen, and current Duck Troy Terry.
“The crossover is the most beautiful part of pickleball.”
“It’s not just a graveyard for tennis players or ex-tennis players. It really does let baseball guys, football guys, hockey guys find a new competitive spirit after they’re done playing pro. … So to get it on ESPN in a place like this, it’s a perfect marriage for showcasing.” – Koller
Exciting Matches and Surprising Outcomes
Seven matches were played, mixing hockey players with pickleball and tennis players. The standout moment was a dramatic comeback by Draper and Williams against Dizon and Bouchard, winning 7-6 after trailing early. A final rematch between Ben Johns-Bouchard and Waters-Isner was scheduled but postponed due to rain. The high level of play kept the audience captivated, with impressive shots and competitive rallies.
Event Highlights and Future Prospects
The tournament concluded a three-day event featuring pros teaching lessons and participating in activities with Lance Armstrong. Alex Rebeiz of Cascades Tennis, which helped staff the event, expressed hope for its return, citing the positive impact on local players and the intimate setting’s enhancement of the pickleball experience.
“To bring it with such a small, intimate environment gives everybody the ability to see how fast it is, hear the interaction between the pros, The experience is fantastic, 75% of these people are clients who live here and play this sport, so I think it’s going to have a positive impact on them moving forward.” – Rebeiz
News in Brief: Pickleball Stars Shine at Pickle n Pucks
Aspen Meadows hosted the first Pickle ‘n Pucks tournament on August 7, 2024, blending elite pickleball and hockey talent. Organized by Tom Dundon, the event featured top players like AJ Koller, the Johns brothers, and Anna Leigh Waters alongside hockey stars including Justin Williams and Kris Draper. The tournament, broadcast on ESPN2, saw exciting matches, including a dramatic comeback win by Draper and Williams. The event, part of a three-day series with lessons and activities, highlighted pickleball’s growth and ended with hopes for future returns, praised for its engaging atmosphere and local impact.
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