20 Nov
Hockey is a unique game, especially its choice of surface – the ice. Players insist on the quality of the ice for their playing area. Commentators at a hockey game constantly use terms such as ‘fast ice’, ‘slow ice’ and even ‘good ice’ and ‘bad ice’. Well, ‘fast ice’ is harder and colder, and has a smoother surface; while ‘slow ice’ is warm and soft and might even have a slightly rough surface. For hockey players, ‘fast ice’ means the surface is smoother, has less snow, and makes skating easier. The surface has a good deal to do with how each team performs.
Sharks Defensemen Doug Bodger says, “At the end of periods when the ice tends to get ‘snowier’, and the puck tends to bounce a little bit, you might not try to ‘stick-handle’ as much-you might just try to get the puck out the zone.” The ability to move the puck on the ice is everything. ‘Fast ice’ means the players are more in control of the puck, whereas ‘slow ice’ makes the puck bounce. This is because there is more snow on the ice during the hockey game.
Experts also point out that players resort to a safe play tactics when playing on ‘slow ice’ or ‘bad ice’ conditions. The condition of the ice is never constant, with the ice changing from ‘fast ice’ to ‘slow ice’ quickly during a game.