Decks have caught on in the hockey world, especially since the sport returned in the early 2000s. A deck is a playing surface laid out for hockey on an outdoor rink. The most common type of deck is the frozen puddle, otherwise known as “The Pond”. Puddles are easier to prepare than solid ice and can be used for all skill levels.
The benefits of playing on a pond are numerous. Aside from being a great way to spend a Saturday or Sunday afternoon, ponds allow players to work on their skating and puck handling skills. Another major advantage of playing on a pond is the ability to adapt the game to any weather conditions. If the temperature drops below freezing, you can be sure that the ice is thick and stable enough for play.
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Types Of Puddles
The type of pond that you play on will determine how good of a hockey player you can become. The thicker the ice, the better. The deeper the hole, the faster the puck will go. The ideal thickness for the puck to travel at its optimum pace is between 1.8 and 2.3 inches. Anything thicker and it starts to slow down.
The type of ice will also affect the gameplay. If you live in a warmer climate, you can play on a gel-type ice that is similar to the ice you might find in a fridge. Thicker and more stable than standard ice, gel-ice allows for better hand-eye coordination.
On the other hand, if you reside in a colder climate, you are better off playing on frozen natural ice. The consistency of natural ice is more like that of a windshield as opposed to a gel-ice surface. The puck will travel slower at first but then quicker as you gain experience handling it on the surface. Natural ice also requires more maintenance and time to prepare for play.
Getting Started With Deck Hockey
Whether you are a seasoned hockey player looking for a new challenge or a beginner just looking for a place to play, preparing a pond for hockey is not as difficult as you might think. You will need the following to get started:
- A hockey puck
- A hockey stick
- Some roller skates
- A helmet
- Bicycle helmets are also available in a range of sizes so that kids can grow into them comfortably
- Sunglasses
- A whistle
- Hockey bag
- Towel
- Fishing gear
- A camera
- A whistle
- A hockey stick
- Some roller skates
- A helmet
- Bicycle helmets are also available in a range of sizes so that kids can grow into them comfortably
- Sunglasses
- A towel
- Fishing gear
- A camera
- A set of skates
- A helmet
- Bicycle helmets are also available in a range of sizes so that kids can grow into them comfortably
- Sunglasses
- A set of skates
- A helmet
- Bicycle helmets are also available in a range of sizes so that kids can grow into them comfortably
- Sunglasses
- A towel
- Fishing gear
- A camera
To maintain a safe and fun environment for kids and beginners, adult supervision is also required when on the ice. For women who are pregnant or nursing, it is best to avoid contact with ice as it may cause complications for the baby. In most jurisdictions, the presence of a parent or guardian is not legally required for kids aged 14 and under to play on a pond.
Where Can I Play?
Having a pond for hockey is not as restricted as you might think. You can play wherever you like as long as you have sufficient space for the rink. Puddles tend to be more prevalent in urban areas since there are more hockey-related activities that take place there. If you live in a larger city, chances are there is at least one pond within easy reach of your home.
You might also play on a temporary surface. During the winter, you can use an outdoor hockey rink or an indoor rink for practice. Indoor rinks are usually found in gyms or malls and can be very useful. They provide a safe environment for kids to play in without the risk of injury from falling ice or sharp objects.
To determine the location of your temporary outdoor rink, you will need to consult the guidelines for your specific area for the best time and temperature for outdoor use. In most places, outdoor rinks can be used from mid-November to mid-April, with most leagues suspending operations during the winter months.
What Other Accessories Do I Need?
Aside from the basics listed above, you will need a few additional items to get started. It is best to purchase these items in advance so that they are available when you need them. These items include:
- A stick bag
- A pair of gloves
- A mouth guard
- A yoga mat
- A hat
- A visor
- A scarf
- A whistle
- A timer
- Rings
- A gym bag
- A cell phone
- A towel
- Fishing gear
- A camera
- A volleyball net
- A whistle
- A hockey bag
- A pair of skates
- A helmet
- Bicycle helmets are also available in a range of sizes so that kids can grow into them comfortably
- Sunglasses
- A gym bag
- A tablet
- A cell phone
Once you have gathered all of these items, it’s time to start laying down your pond. First, mark out a space for the rink, remove any landscaping, and then fill it with water. If you are lucky enough to have a pool at home, this is the perfect place to start your hockey rink. Better yet, if you are a carpenter by trade, you can build a rink directly into your backyard.
To keep the ice safe for play, it is advisable to cover it with a plastic tarpaulin. Make sure to remove this tarpaulin when you are done playing so that it does not become dirty before the next use.
How Do I Play?
Once you have prepared your equipment for play, it’s time to have some fun. The process of hockey is not as complicated as it appears and can be easily followed by a beginner. The puck is constantly in motion, with players having to make constant adjustments and read the situation correctly. This is where your helmet comes in handy as it protects you from injury and allows you to keep your eyes open for the game.
As the game progresses, the puck will slow down until it comes to rest. When this happens, the goalie must decide whether or not to pull up and save the puck, or to let it go for a goal to be scored. It is the job of the goalie to stand in front of the net and stop all shots aimed at the goal.
Aside from goalkeeping, other important aspects to follow include the instructions from the referee and making sure that all players are using the correct protective gear. If you are keen to learn more, there is a wealth of info online for beginner and intermediate players alike. The information provided here is a good place to start, but be sure to consult other resources if you are unsure of any terms used.