Blog: Hockey Outdoors Possible Solution

It is expensive to play hockey.  The cost of gear scares away a lot of parents, and that is a drop in the bucket compared to the cost of ice time.  Behind The Net blog on SB Nation poses the question Should youth hockey move outside?  The reasons given for considering community run outdoor rinks are as follows:

• they cost far less than indoor rinks,
• use far less energy, and 
• create a space for hockey that is accessible to any eager child with a sunny afternoon, a stick, and a ball.

Where do I sign up?

One example that I can think of in the Chicago area is Southwest Ball Hockey.  Although they play ball hockey year round over there, the Association does a better job of getting the parents involved than most ice hockey associations.  This in turn allows Southwest Ball Hockey to put on organized ball hockey outdoors for a price that is below the cost of most athletic programs offered by your park district.  The facilities are fantastic too - full boards, stands, benches (well dugouts really), and a score board.


I have searched high and low for outdoor rinks set up for roller hockey, and have come up with zilch.  I don't know about you, but I would roll up the sleeves for a local outdoor rink.  More shinny sounds to me like a winning proposal for growing the sport in Chicagoland.