07/20/2026
There are some decisions that break your heart, even when you know they're the right ones.
Today is one of those days.
With the Boundary Waters wildfires continuing to burn, evacuation zones expanding, hazardous air quality shifts, and rapidly changing fire conditions, we have made the incredibly difficult decision to cancel this year's Boundary Waters Sled Hockey Combine.
Nothing about this decision was easy.
Next week was supposed to be filled with paddles through quiet water, campfires, laughter, new friendships, and unforgettable moments that change lives. Instead, our thoughts are with the people who call this sacred place home and the firefighters working around the clock to protect it.
Our friends where we lodge during the combine— Veterans On The Lake Resort, have transformed the resort into a place of service—opening their lodging to firefighters, preparing meals from their kitchen, and collecting critical supplies for those on the front lines.
Our incredible Boundary Waters guides at Cast Outdoors, who have become family to us over the past nine years, have seen their summer season come to a halt with no reopening in sight. With every entry point into the Boundary Waters closed, they've lost the work they count on this time of year while also preparing to relocate their entire sled dog kennel to safety—a monumental undertaking during an already unimaginable time.
Across the region, thousands of firefighters and support personnel continue battling these unprecedented fires under incredibly difficult conditions. Their courage is nothing short of extraordinary.
The Boundary Waters land and community has given so much to the athletes over the years.
Right now, it's our turn to give back.
If you're able, please consider supporting those who are carrying this community through this crisis. Support Veterans on the Lake Resort as they continue supporting the firefighters. Support Cast Outdoors whose livelihoods have been put on hold. Support the surrounding community through donations, wishlists, local businesses, or any other way you can. We'll share a links with ways to help below.
Most importantly, please keep everyone in your thoughts and prayers—the families who have been displaced, the businesses facing an uncertain future, the communities that are hurting, and every firefighter, pilot, first responder, volunteer, and neighbor doing whatever they can to help.
To our Boundary Waters family: we're with you.
We'll miss this year's Combine more than words can express. But this isn't goodbye.
We'll be back next year, and when we return, we'll celebrate this remarkable place and the resilient people who make it so special.
Until then, our hearts are in the Boundary Waters.🌲🤎
🛶Support Cast Outdoors Here: https://elydaytrips.com/non-profit-org
🏠Support Veterans on the Lake Here: https://www.veteransonthelakeresort.org/donors.html
🎥Boundary Waters Sled Hockey Combine Video:
https://youtu.be/GH0ZTubv_sU
🙏 Other ways to support the Ely community: https://elycommunityresponse.substack.com/p/want-to-help-the-ely-community-heres?utm_source=notes-share-action&r=2fjvmy&utm_id=97758_v0_s00_e0_tv1_a1den1nc12eyu2
