Visit the Frozen Ponds and Snow Banks that Forged NHL Players
There are state-of-the-art ice hockey facilities all over Canada and in several locations across the United States, but as a budding star, many players who would go on to play in the NHL would turn to the outdoors. Pond hockey has long been a foundational block for many NHL stars, making them iconic places to visit and skate.
All-Time and Current Greats Taking to Frozen Lakes
Reviewing all of the best teams to ever take to the ice in the NHL and those that are currently atop the sports betting odds to win the Stanley Cup, you’re bound to find players who were forged by pond hockey. Jonathan Quick, currently at 10/1 with the New York Rangers to take the crown, often took to Johnson’s Pond in Connecticut.
Of course, playing on the frozen ponds has become slightly less necessary for greatness over the years, especially given the prevalence of facilities dotted around Canada. Connor McDavid, who features regularly in Paddy Power News as a tip to score a point after recently breaking the 1,000-mark, famously didn’t partake in pond hockey.
Still, the ponds have forged many top-class skaters of the modern game and throughout its history. Up in Woodstock, Ontario, defenceman Jake Muzzin would play on a man-made pond, with the skills he learnt on that pond naturally underpinning his plays for the Toronto Maple Leafs. Legends like Teemu Selänne, Darryl Sutter, and ‘The Great One’ himself would skate on ponds in Finland, Alberta, and Brantford, Ontario.
Playing on the ponds is a very different experience from playing indoors. Not only do you need to battle through the elements, but the style of play is very different – and much more akin to the ideals of the NHL. It’s all about stick handling, stamina, and quick skating to get the puck into the mini-goals that don’t usually have formal goaltenders in play.
Take to the Ice as NHL Greats Did
Jonathan Quick forged his legacy on the frozen waters of Johnson’s Pond in Connecticut. Found in Hamden, it makes for a unique setting, being surrounded by private residential houses, but certainly offers enough room to enjoy some skating and even a bit of competitive play.
Top of the list for many – especially those who enjoy a whole range of activities in the snow – is Lake Louise in Banff, Alberta. As detailed by Travel Alberta, you can camp, hike, ski, paddleboard, lodge, enjoy hot springs, and even delve into the mountains at Canada’s first national park.
The highlight here, though, is Lake Louise. Thousands of people flock to the lake in the summer, but it’s always the winter crowds who end up having the most fun. Playing with mountains all around, for decades, players have turned up with shovels, cleared a rectangle of ice, put down mini goals, and dropped the puck.
For Wayne Gretzky, playing pond hockey would mean clearing the snow on the frozen waters in and around Brantford in Ontario. There are a great many lakes around, with the Grand River dividing West Brant from Holmedale and Eagle Place. Mohawk Lake and the many others south of the city are all ready for some winter sports.
Feel the thrills of pond hockey as so many NHL greats have by making frozen lakes across North America – and even in Europe – your destinations this winter!