In Concord, a city with a long hockey history, it’s more than a sport — it’s often a family tradition. For the Arndt family, that notion came full circle when three generations hit the ice together at the Black Ice Pond Hockey tournament over the weekend.

Steve Arndt, Dan Arndt and Rowan Arndt all grew up playing the sport. It was passed down by Steve to Dan, and then to Rowan, who recently graduated from Concord High School and scored the state championship game-winner for the Crimson Tide last season.

Rowan and his grandfather, Steve, started skating together in an early morning men’s league a few years back. But this year’s pond hockey tournament was their first time together at White Park.

“I’ve never played in the black ice tournament. I’ve always grown up watching and to be able to play my first year with my grandfather, it was definitely special,” Rowan Arndt said.

The two played in the 18+ Rec A division for team Turkey Pond Flyers with a bunch of Rowan’s fellow Concord teammates. Dan, on the other hand, played in the 35+ A with the Beauregard Equipment / Turkey Pond Flyers team.

It was special for 75-year-old Steve Arndt to be invited to play with the young guys and his grandson, and an experience he won’t forget.

“It was so nice of him to ask if I would come and play with him but that’s the kind of kid he is. He’s just an unselfish person and a very excellent athlete,” Steve Arndt explained.

Grandson Rowan Arndt #18 stretches for the puck during their Friday morning game against the Wild Storks at the Black Ice tournament. Credit: GEOFF FORESTER / MonitorGrandfather Steve Arndt skates against the Wild Storks in Black Ice action on Friday morning, January 23, 2026. Credit: GEOFF FORESTER / MonitorGrandfather Steve Arndt skates against the Wild Storks in Black Ice action on Friday morning, January 23, 2026. Credit: GEOFF FORESTER / Monitor

It brought him back to his own youth in Minnesota, playing on the lakes and ponds that froze over with his neighborhood friends. After watching the Crimson Tide’s run to the championship last year and he felt proud to play alongside them.

On Friday, after the first day of action, Steve just hoped for a few more wins in hopes of reaching Sunday.

“It’s a magic sport. And if you hang around with it and keep on playing, it keeps you young,” he said.