If you dont like ice or inline skating or don't feel confident enough, you still have the chance to play another form of fast hockey on a smooth surface called Deck Hockey.
This form of hockey is played on an indoor court usual at one of the local Leisure Centres. You use the same sticks as Ice Hockey and play with a special ball or puck, normal only minimal protective gear is required which brings down the cost of playing the game.
More of a report on the local scene will be published very shortly, however if you want to promote your team or setup please free to seen me an article.
To start your kit off you may find a bit of suitable kit below.
Ice Hockey for Adults does not always have to be that expensive, when you compare it to Golf for instance. It will get you alot fitter, you don't have to go around fighting your components all the time too.
At our local rink you can play on the main arena for just £7.00 per session, which isn't bad as you will find it hard to play on any professional football club's pitch for that amount, or even get the chance to play on it at all.
Recreational Ice Hockey
For a new entry level full protection kit you can be looking at around £350.00. Sticks start at about £15.00, socks £10.00, Tops from £30.00 and ice skates start around £50.00. So compare this to a new set of Golf clubs and clothing and shoes its not that bad and is a good comparsion to put to your partner if yu have to negotiate the outlay.
Your may be able to pick up some bargins below, however always ask specific questions about there condition before buying.
If you've never been to a Ski Resort in the Mountains in Europe and North America you may be under the impression ice rinks go hand in hand and every resort has a rink. Most have small open air rinks however to have a indoor rink or arena you require a local user base to keep it a float doing the long out of season duration. You mainly find the indoor rinks in the larger villages and towns in the mountains where the residential population can support a facility of this size.
La Clusaz Outdoor Ice Rink (Not Full size), In the French Alpes
Whilst on our Skiing/Snowboarding holidays around the various Resorts we have tried to watch a local game of Ice Hockey or have a quick go on the ice skates at the rink .
Switzerland
Davos
Vaillant Arena, Davos
We struck lucky with the timing when we went to Davos in Switzerland on year we managed to get tickets for the Swiss top league home leg semi final in the cup. The stadium was very impressive with its laminated timber volted roof, it had standing at either end which gave it an electric atmosphere. It was just like being on the terraces at one our football matches before the Uk made all League Clubs have seating only stadiums.
This is where they hold the infamous Spengler Cup every year which has been going since 1923 and is thought to be oldest inventational ice hockey tournament in the world. It is normally held every year between Christmas and New Year, so if you want to book a skiing holiday and like a ice hockey game or two then Davos would be an ideal location. The ski area is as excellent as the ice rink facilities.
This complex has one of the largest outdoor ice rinks in Europe, Curling lanes were available for hire too.
Luftbild Eisstadion, Davos
Vailant Arena, Davos - Indoor and outdoor ice rinks.
Davos Ice Hockey Club
France
Italy
Austria
Andorra
Canada
USA
Due to this amazing cold weather (for some), The Royal Caledonian Curling Club may have the rare and great opportunity to hold the Bonspiel or Grand Match of Curling on the Lake of Menteith. It is set to be the venue and the Curling Club meet next week to make a decision on the event.
This Lake is ideal for this event as it is fairly shallow and needs approximately over 7" to be safe.
Looking at the weather forecast the cold spell is set in for the near future.
We would love to have a local perspective on this event and the history behind it, its just a shame we can not make it up there if it goes ahead.
Please send in any photos you have of this Lake.
Good luck with the weather!, however it may be on our side this year.
Please check for updates and future events at The Royal Caledonian Curling Club website
Now the Winter Olympics is over and with all the positive media coverage Curling has had again, it may boast the sports popularity in area's where fresh blood is needed. It was sad to find out when I was stopping in Pitlochery this Winter that their rink had to close a couple of years ago, partly due to lack of income.
Hopefully things will pick up once again.
£5.67
