Flaming puck hockey heats up Unicon 21 events in Bemidji
Downtown Bemidji was ablaze with excitement Tuesday evening as dozens gathered to raise funds for the Firefighter Relief Association and observe Unicon 21's uniquely entertaining flaming puck hockey event.
A unicyclist controls the ball during a flaming puck hockey event on Tuesday, July 23, 2024, outside the Bemidji Fire Department.
BEMIDJI 鈥� Downtown Bemidji was ablaze with excitement Tuesday evening as dozens gathered to raise funds for the Firefighter Relief Association and observe Unicon 21's uniquely entertaining flaming puck hockey event.
Unicon, the
began on July 14 in Bemidji and continues through July 26.
ADVERTISEMENT
Bemidji firefighters kicked things off Tuesday by selling tacos in a bag and drinks as attendees checked out fire trucks and began to congregate around an 88-by-48-foot rink made of lumber donated by Northwoods Lumber Co.
As the event got underway, two teams of four took turns donning fluorescent vests, mounting their unicycles and waiting for a kerosene-soaked ball to be lit up before chasing it around the rink attempting to score in their opponent's respective milk crate goal.
Each team aimed to score as many goals as they could before the fiery ball died out, then the round would end. The winners would exit to a round of cheers from the enthralled onlookers and a new set of teams would enter the arena to start the process all over again.
The last Unicon event that is free to watch is the Criterium at 8 a.m. on Friday, July 26, at the Sanford Center.
Here's a look at the remaining events that require tickets for public admission:
Hockey finals in the main gym at 7 p.m. on Thursday, July 25, at Bemidji High 歪歪漫画.
Street finals at 1 p.m. on Friday, July 26, at the Sanford Center.
Tickets cost $15 each and are available online through Ticketmaster or on-site using cash or credit card. To purchase tickets in advance, visit
To see the full schedule, visit
Attendees watch as unicyclists fight for the ball during a flaming puck hockey event on Tuesday, July 23, 2024, outside the Bemidji Fire Department.
Annalise Braught / Bemidji Pioneer
Unicyclists fight for the ball during a flaming puck hockey event on Tuesday, July 23, 2024, outside the Bemidji Fire Department.
Annalise Braught / Bemidji Pioneer
Unicyclists score a goal during a flaming puck hockey event on Tuesday, July 23, 2024, outside the Bemidji Fire Department.
Annalise Braught / Bemidji Pioneer
Unicyclists fight for the ball during a flaming puck hockey event on Tuesday, July 23, 2024, outside the Bemidji Fire Department.
Annalise Braught / Bemidji Pioneer
Unicyclists score a goal during a flaming puck hockey event on Tuesday, July 23, 2024, outside the Bemidji Fire Department.
Annalise Braught / Bemidji Pioneer
A ball is hit into the arena during a flaming puck hockey event on Tuesday, July 23, 2024, outside the Bemidji Fire Department.
Annalise Braught / Bemidji Pioneer
A unicyclist controls the ball during a flaming puck hockey event on Tuesday, July 23, 2024, outside the Bemidji Fire Department.
Annalise Braught / Bemidji Pioneer
Unicyclist Kirsten Goldstein controls the ball during a flaming puck hockey event on Tuesday, July 23, 2024, outside the Bemidji Fire Department.
Annalise Braught / Bemidji Pioneer
Unicyclists fight for the ball during a flaming puck hockey event on Tuesday, July 23, 2024, outside the Bemidji Fire Department.
Annalise Braught / Bemidji Pioneer
Unicyclists race after the ball during a flaming puck hockey event on Tuesday, July 23, 2024, outside the Bemidji Fire Department.
Annalise Braught / Bemidji Pioneer
A unicyclist controls the ball during a flaming puck hockey event on Tuesday, July 23, 2024, outside the Bemidji Fire Department.
Annalise Braught / Bemidji Pioneer
Unicyclists fight for the ball during a flaming puck hockey event on Tuesday, July 23, 2024, outside the Bemidji Fire Department.
Annalise Braught / Bemidji Pioneer
Unicyclists race after the ball during a flaming puck hockey event on Tuesday, July 23, 2024, outside the Bemidji Fire Department.
Annalise Braught / Bemidji Pioneer
Attendees watch as unicyclists fight for the ball during a flaming puck hockey event on Tuesday, July 23, 2024, outside the Bemidji Fire Department.
Annalise is the editor and a photographer at the Bemidji Pioneer. She is a Mass Communication graduate from Bemidji State University and has a Supervisory Management degree from Northwest Technical College. Her favorite pastime is exploring the great outdoors and capturing its natural beauty on camera. Contact Annalise at (218) 333-9796 or abraught@bemidjipioneer.com.
The Trust Project
