How to Determine if a Frozen Pond is Safe for Hockey

Now that cold weather and hockey season has arrived, local ponds will begin to freeze and the neighborhood kids will be tempted to skate and play pond hockey. While it can be an exhilarating activity, and arguably the way the sport was meant to be played, there are some inherent dangers involved in using a frozen pond as an ice rink, many of which are highlighted on various sports league websites.

As a parent, coach or league organizer, you always want to err on the side of caution here. Under no circumstances should anyone be allowed on a pond that might be unsafe for weight-bearing, and there are other ways to get the hockey in without risking life and limb.

• Look: A frozen pond must be inspected by a local official for thickness and safety, according to SportingLife360.com. Once approved, there should be a sign visible indicating that the ice is fit for activity. If you see the sign, you can use the ice. Don’t be fooled by animals that wander out there - they are smaller, not to mention lighter afoot, than people, let alone groups of kids playing hockey.
• Listen: Walk along the outside of the pond, slowly, cautiously and quietly, and see if you can hear any cracks or creaks. Any sound indicating movement or shifts in the ice means the water is not completely frozen and may still be vulnerable to giving way, according to the source.
• Check: Ice should be at least 5 inches thick for it to be safe for skating, says SportingLife360.com. Drill a few holes and run a ruler to determine the thickness of the ice. Be aware that ponds will freeze unevenly, and some areas may be perfectly thick while others could be paper thin. Additionally, know that frozen pond surfaces are lumpy and do not provide the same consistent surface that clean, zamboni-polished rinks have. Bumps can be a risk for kids skating on the ice and any particularly rough or lumpy areas should be avoided.

If the pond is simply not adequate, and you hate to see the kids unable to play pond hockey, you can consider building your own. A cul-de-sac or large, flat backyard could be an excellent spot for a makeshift rink. Put up a few boards to form boundaries, lay some plastic tarps inside to create a water-tight surface, and fill up the area with water. After a few days of sitting in the cold, you should have a perfectly adequate rink for hockey. Post the news on your team sport website and you will be ready to go!