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The New Ice Age: Hockey for Everyone

By Colin McDougall

A very brief history of hockey

The world has been enjoying the fast and exciting game of ice hockey since approximately 1800. After some historical confusion, scholars now feel confident hockey was invented in Canada in Windsor, Nova Scotia where the boys from King’s College School played the first game on a frozen pond. The game may have originated in Canada, but today children and adults, both male and female, all over the world enjoy this great game.

Hockey - a game for everyone

You don’t have to be a star athlete to play hockey. Of course it won’t hurt if you are, but you can still have a great time if your abs are a few bottles short of a six-pack. No, all you really need to have a great time is the desire to have some fun and some basic equipment.

Here are some reasons to get out and play:

Hockey is great exercise. You can get a great workout playing hockey. Whether you play on a local pond, on a rink in your back yard, or at the local arena you are bound to get plenty of healthy exercise.

Learn teamwork. In pro hockey a few stars may get the press, but they will be the first to tell you they are part of team and it is the team that wins games. There is an undeniable thrill at whirling down the ice passing the puck back and forth, getting a goal sometimes, but having fun always.

Demonstrate sportsmanship to young people. Hockey represents an excellent way to spend quality time with your children, either informally or by assisting in a league setting. The example you help set for your children regarding fair play and non-violent behaviour will set them in good stead for later life.

Get Outfitted

The key to enjoying hockey at any level is having the right equipment. Quality hockey equipment will not make you Wayne Gretzky, but it will help you play better. Proper-fitting equipment will protect you from injury and make you more comfortable, letting you concentrate on the game.

Hockey equipment comes in different price ranges with factors such as materials, construction, and usage determining the cost. For example, goalie skates differ from regular skates, as they feature a wider blade and have a lower boot to protect the ankles and feet. Here is the basic equipment you’ll need:

• Skates— Select skates with hard plastic boots, as they offer better protection against pucks and provide more support for your ankles. The greater the portion of the blade that contacts the ice (the radius) the easier it will be for you to move forward with stability. In general, if you are new to hockey, select a skate with about 5 inches of radius.

• Helmet— Purchase a quality helmet with a clear facemask to protect your face, teeth, and eyes from injury. Quality helmets have designations from appropriate safety testing organizations. For example, in Canada, hockey helmets must meet the testing standards of the Canadian Safety Association (CSA).

• Body protection— Shin, knee, elbow, and shoulder pads all will save you when you take a tumble. If you are afraid you’ll look like the Michelin Man in your hockey gear just remember there’s nothing cool about being injured. And guys remember to wear an athletic support and a cup to protect, ah . . . your privates.

• Hockey stick— This is a whole topic in itself. The three key characteristics in selecting a hockey stick are the shaft material, the blade curve, and the angle between the blade and shaft when the blade lies on the ice as you hold the stick in a forehand shot. Ask the experts what they suggest for your level of skill and playing style. A high-tech composite stick will be lighter than a wooden stick, but also more expensive.

If you are thinking hockey equipment sounds specialized, you’re right. If you think you will have to spend a small fortune to get outfitted—think again. Reputable Internet retailers have everything you need at prices that will fit your budget. They can give you expert advice, help you get your gear, and save you money in the bargain. Not bad!

Finding team mates and places to play

No matter what your playing ability you can start having fun! If you live in more rural area, chances are hockey buffs use a local pond or lake in the winter. Drop by and talk to the folks playing.

If you live in the city, most cities have indoor arenas where you can play hockey throughout the year. Contact your local arena or recreation center and ask about practice times and the various leagues available. You will find a whole range of groups playing at various levels from children to old timers.

You can also organize a team yourself, with friends, family, or co-workers, and then call your local arena to book ice time. Leave out the rougher parts of the game (no checking, no slapshots), and you’ll all have a great time while you get some exercise.

So lace up your skates and we’ll see you on the ice.

About the Author

Colin McDougall is a successful freelance writer providing valuable advice for people seeking weight loss programs, vitamins and other health and exercise related sites such as hockey equipment and paintball. His numerous articles offer several healthy living tips.