Baby, It’s Cold Outside

Although there is no definitive answer on where in the world the game of hockey was created, we do know one thing, it started in the great outdoors. Now that it is December, some parts of the country are starting to see their local large bodies of water become a gathering area again. Here in the beautiful state of Michigan, kids across the state are getting excited to be able to tie up their skates in warming houses, on benches, and even on snowbanks to enjoy playing the game in its purest form, on the pond.

Now in an immense country like the United States that spans every type of climate found in the world, pond hockey isn’t always available. With current day technology, more and more places are finding ways to put up standard rinks outdoors to allow kids to experience the joys of hockey under the sun. More and more “shelter” rinks are also being built as well. A shelter rink is similar to the original Blythe Arena in Squaw Valley, California, home to the 1960 Olympics. This is a rink with a roof, but no walls, so players get the amazing experience of playing outdoors, but can be sheltered from any rain or snow to keep the ice consistent to those indoors. The St. Louis Blues community ice rink has one built right onto their building. Youth, College, and adult games all take place on this ice sheet, as well as open skates.

We all know the NHL loves their outdoor games. From the original “in the elements” game in Buffalo, where it could not have been more scenic and authentic to what many of the players remember growing up, to the beautiful backdrop in last seasons game in Lake Tahoe, Nevada. The craziest of them all was held at Dodgers Stadium back in 2014. How the NHL was able to create and maintain a pad of ice in the dreamy SoCal climate, was amazing. It was still 70 degrees at puck drop! Palm trees and shorts at an outdoor game, who knew?

We are always open to new ideas. If you believe Elite Amateur Sports should host and outdoor youth hockey tournaments in Michigan, let us know by leaving us a comment below on our Facebook page. We would love to help make dreams come true.