Hey guys! Long time, no write. I thought I’d get away with avoiding the blog this year but my mom informed me that I’m doing it anyways.

Today, I’m going to talk about playing shinny at the outdoor rink (ODR). My friends and I go to one of the local rinks and have a game of drop-in hockey with all the people there.

I love hockey. I love the sound when my blades hit the ice. I love the stick handling. I love winding up for a shot. Even the sound of the puck hitting the post. Sometimes it’s cold. Really cold. But that just means that once in a while I practically get the ice to myself.

The best part about the outdoor rink is the people. I play with kids as young as 4 and grownups as old as 60. There’s no age limit to play. Some people play hockey in a league and some can barely skate, but it doesn’t matter because everybody’s there just to have fun.

We’re very different but we all love hockey.

We may have been strangers at first but now we know each other better. We have some laughs, encourage each other and have some good (play) fights.

It’s a Canadian thing.

Together we shovel the rink. We bring extra pucks and water bottles to share with anyone who needs some. I’ve brought extra sticks in case someone doesn’t have one. The more, the merrier.

And the thing is it’s free! You need skates and stick. That’s it. Oh, and you need to love hockey and want to have fun.

I look forward to seeing the familiar faces each time I go, even when its -20⁰c. So pack up your skates and stick – if you don’t have one I’ll bring an extra – and join me in a hockey game. I can promise you a rockin’ time and awesome people. See you there!

Stay Sweet!

Conner

It’s pretty cool seeing my son walk to the rink, skates in hand and a stick over his shoulder. The outdoor rinks are such a great place in any community. People of all ages and back grounds sharing in something healthy and fun. Don’t forget to check out your own local ice. Your community is waiting for you.

Xo

D