Comments on: Column: Pondering Pond Hockey

By: Jim Peyton

Jim Peyton — Sat, 30 Jan 2010 18:45:52 +0000

One of my fondst memories of my time in Ann Arbor/Ypsilant was learning to play hockey at Whitmore Lake. I had met a girl with an 8 year old son and was trying to impress her. When she told me her son was an “excellent hockey player,” I was in a quandary. I could skate (barely), but was afraid my lack of ice skills would be an embarrassment.

Enter co-worker Steve, his friend Willie and Willie’s enormous brothers (the goons). They schooled me in some fundementals (KEEP YOUR HEAD UP!), soem ettiquette about pond hockey (slap shots and high wrist shots were rewarded with a quick trip to the ice — usually on a painful part of the body), and the importance of knowing where the rink ended when skating backwards (obvious).

When I thought I was ready I went to Lisa’s house to surprise her son. I had my new (used) Bauer Super Pros and stick in hand. Billy looked at me and asked what are those for? I said you Mom says you’re an excellent hockey player. Pack up and let’s go!

He looked dumbfounded and I asked what was wrong — didn’t he play hockey? Sure he replied shaking the controller in my face — Nintendo.

By: Heidi Koester

Heidi Koester — Sun, 24 Jan 2010 20:13:04 +0000

Enjoyed the article, but I disagree that “when you drive by those very same ponds today, you won’t see any kids.” From my home office window, I have a decent view of Thurston Pond. There’s an adult group that plays hockey there almost every day at noon time, and in the afternoons, after school is out, there are always skaters on the ice, most frequently playing hockey. It’s great to see, and it’s made possible by everyone who helps remove snow and otherwise maintain the ice.

I do agree that in general kids today seem more pressed for time than I remember as a kid in the 70′s. I did have a lot of scheduled activities (swim practice every day, tennis several times a week, etc.), but one difference is I had nowhere near the amount of homework that our 9th grader has. I think that’s another factor that, for better or worse, works against spontaneous play opportunities for kids.

By: Mike Garrison

Mike Garrison — Sat, 23 Jan 2010 03:49:42 +0000

The movie John quotes from is a great movie. I bought it shortly after it came out on DVD and really enjoyed it. You can pick it up at [link]

By: Matt Naud

Matt Naud — Fri, 22 Jan 2010 20:49:14 +0000

They are ice fishing on first sister lake – but near the edge – plenty of room for hockey

By: Liz Nowland-Margolis

Liz Nowland-Margolis — Fri, 22 Jan 2010 19:44:03 +0000

Fond memories John! I remember the long days on Thurston pond and even got my hands on a hockey stick a few times (“real” hockey for me came only a few years ago!). Watching for the green flag across the pond that alerted us that it was “safe” to go skate! Missed Pete’s event this year so glad to hear it went so well and the weather basically cooperated!

By: jcp2

jcp2 — Fri, 22 Jan 2010 16:47:48 +0000

This winter has been good for pond (and backyard) skating. Consistently cold, not too much snow to clear.

By: Dave Askins

Dave Askins — Fri, 22 Jan 2010 16:08:53 +0000

I've been apprised of a Facebook group that's been formed called "Bring Back the Burns Park Ice Rink"

By: David

David — Fri, 22 Jan 2010 15:36:33 +0000

This a great article. One could write a similar article on the changes in the way kids play and learn baseball, football, basketball and soccer. I am usually for progress and new technologies, but in this case I beleive the old ways were much better for kids.