Forget Team USA Taking Canada On The Olympic Ice: Try Pond Hockey For Some Real Action

Posted by Jonathan in EQUIPMENT on 02-21-10    No Comments


For this blogger, the U.S. ice hockey win over Canada just points out how pointless the NHL has become. How startling:  Sydney Crosby, Chris Drury and Marty Brodeur busting their butts for a full three periods. Instead of coasting for 40 minutes a game, like most pro hockey players do.

And just think. How cool would it have been if the USA/Canada game had been played outside on a real live frozen lake?

Welcome to the fast-growing world of Pond Hockey. Pond Hockey is a simplified version of normal hockey with fewer players, no goalie, no boards, fewer refs — and no fighting, checking or slapshots. Think beach volleyball to gym volleyball. That’s Pond Hockey to normal hockey.

And hockey purists be warned. You make a mistake dissing this sport.

Robbed of its thuggishness and professional wrestling vibe, Pond Hockey turns normal hockey into a high-scoring, finesse game that’s fun to watch. And even more fun to play. Pond Hockey has spawned several tournaments, including a North American Championship. It even has its own line of equipment: lower goals, mini boundary boards and smaller, easier-to- skate-with sticks.

Sounds like a great event for the 2014 Olympics in Sochi, Russia.



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