LONDON, UK – As lockdown continues across the UK, Pro Hockey News takes a look at how the hockey family are coping with a life without ice.
Nicky Watt of 4000 and Counting delivers supplies to the local hospital
It’s almost eight weeks since UK hockey shut down and news circulated in the media that British ice rinks had been earmarked as mortuaries rather than the setting for the business end of the 2019/20 season.
So what have we learned in the time that has passed? We take a lighthearted look.
We don’t look back in anger
Oasis nailed it in 1995 and the sentiment still remains. From fans reminiscing about their favourite players, to archived clips of happier times going viral again. The perspective of a global pandemic has helped us all forget the trivialities of the past while making us appreciate the good times.
No more complaints about the annoying parking machine at Chelmsford, or the verbal jousting from the DJs at Basingstoke and Romford. No angst about those cursed drums causing online spats in Sheffield or the “hostile” crowds at Fife or Whitley Bay.
Remember when your team had a jersey that looked like it had been designed by someone who’d been on a seven day bender in Amsterdam and retailed it at £60? Glory days in hindsight. Even the £4 Rollover hot dogs at the local rink would taste so sweet right now.
One of the best things to come out of our period of reflection however is the appreciation of the great players who’ve entertained us over the years and positive moments of the past. Let’s hope there are plenty more to come in the future too.
Community spirit still burns bright
We all know that when the hockey family comes together good things happen, whether it be charity appeals for sick fans or benefit games for retiring players.
The EIHA may come in for some stick in normal times, but their media manager Craig Simpson has battled on throughout the crisis providing content for all the women’s, junior’s and men’s teams online.
The stick tap videos for the NHS featuring players from across the spectrum must have taken hours to put together and edit, but the finished product was as heart-warming as the ending of Return of the Jedi – with the ewoks dancing.
Roller blading is IN
In April Bauer announced that over a quarter of a million people had searched for rollerblades on their website. ESPN carried a story that Wayne Gretzky had advised Ovechkin that skating outside on wheels stickhandling and shooting would have been his preferred lockdown option if it had happened during his time in the NHL.
A cursory glance at the social media profiles of UK hockey players shows that the great one is not alone in his thinking.
Whether it be skating around the countryside avoiding cow pats and pot holes or simply cruising around Asda car park weaving between parked cars, the Brits are rolling and not hating. Even those not on wheels are firing balls, pucks and possibly even rounded stones around their neighbourhood, honing skills and annoying their neighbours on a daily basis. If you are looking to buy shares, Autoglass maybe a wise choice.
Innovative content continues off ice
Even people who avoided social media like the plague have been drawn in to its web due to the tedium of lockdown. Thankfully UK hockey hasn’t taken too much of a break all things considered with most clubs and some players posting regular content.
Dr Fox says thanks… not Neil
The guys at 4000 and Counting podcast have been consistently pumping out more improved pods with Sheffield Steelers’ Ben O’Connor and former Nottingham Panther Danny Meyers the latest interviewees. Invicta Dynamos have been hosting a popular quiz night on YouTube for fans. Bracknell Bees have launched a podcast and there is ample new material to be found via Banners on the Wall, the Cats Whiskers, Hampson Hockey and more.
NIHL side Cardiff Fire even put up a personal video message from one of their players Chris Fox, who also just happens to be a doctor in the ITU department at the local hospital.
In summary, there may not be any hockey action taking place, but that hasn’t stopped new content being created as interaction online increases. Anyone who thought Zoom was just a low grade ice lolly before March knows differently now whether they like it or not. Interaction online has changed for most of the population, including the players – many of whom have been dancing on Tik Tok for fans or setting up Twitch accounts. E-sports has also played a big part with NHL 2020 a major player.
The future is still in the planning
Despite the stages of lockdown easing being rather unclear, many teams are still announcing players and squad news for the 2020/21 season.
Optimistic? Maybe. But it sure beats writing everything off for the foreseeable future. Will we all have to watch the game in masks? Will arenas have to change seating plans and catering facilities? Can we just throw caution to the wind and bring air horns back?
All will be answered in good time. But when it’s safe to return let’s hope we do so with enthusiasm and perspective.
UK ice rinks have yet to be used as mortuaries
Rinks in the US have already started to open and it’s likely that some in the UK could open in July.
Obligatory dog (Mabel) on hockey net image
A worst case scenario appears to have been avoided for now. In March it was announced that Milton Keynes ice rink would be turned into an emergency mortuary within days, but as far as we are aware, it was never utilised.
Small positives in what has been a devastating time for many of us.
What changes have you noticed since lockdown in the hockey community? Are you excited or wary about the restart of the sport? Will UK hockey ever be the same? Get involved on the socials and let us know.
Contact the author davidcarr_2@hotmail.com
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