Fort Collins Pond Hockey

Pond hockey is a form of ice hockey very similar in its object and appearance to traditional ice hockey, but far simpler and designed to be played on part of a natural frozen body of water.

–Wikipedia

When it comes to natural resources Fort Collins must be at the top of the list. The steppe upon which we live is rife with ponds, some larger and deeper than others; all freeze over when winter arrives. If global warming exists, it isn’t apparent here, at least not this winter. We have gotten more snow and we hockey players have enjoyed more nights of single digit temperatures than in previous years. This winter has been the best in five years for pond hockey.

Included in the loose umbrella of natural resources are the warm bodies willing to take up a shovel and carve out an outdoor rink. Add to that donated shovels, some two by two wood strips and a couple box goals; we are in business. Four on four is the norm. One or two subs on the makeshift bench is ideal.

One can expect a lot of time with the puck. Skating and passing, passing and skating. Interestingly, It reminds me of roller hockey. I haven’t encountered any puck hogs on the ponds here in my five years. Also note worthy, I haven’t encountered any ice whores either; think of those hosers who won’t sub out leaving others stranded as observers on the sideline. Those issues tend to be more a part of hockey’s roller counter part.

Equipment is at a minimum. I’ve never seen a helmet. I’m one of the few who wears shin guards. Most players bring only skates, jersey, gloves and a stick. Generally we’ll wear a white jersey over a dark t-shirt or sweat shirt, or vice-versa, weather depending. Sticks are thrown in, teams formed then game on! Games play anywhere from five to fifteen points scored. This seems to correspond to how much time the group generally has before they have to return to their regularly scheduled lives.

New Years is just around the corner. New Years day is quite popular with pond hockey enthusiasts. Plan on coming to your pond of choice early.

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