January isn’t the most popular month with Canadians but it brings forth a few perks. Sure, weather conditions in some parts of the country can reach the -50s and while that encourages most people to stay inside, it only makes the ice on the outdoor rink better.

Millions of Canadians will be hitting the ODR this month and for some, it will be their first time. If you’re new to the concept then we commend you for giving it a try and want to prepare you with a few rules that you should know before giving it a go. For all of you regulars, you should know these but here’s a reminder to help reinforce them.

1) SAUCER PASSES ABOVE THE KNEES

Is there anything worse than playing with that one beauty who just chucks head-high saucer passes during a little scrimmage? Most people don’t wear cages (though we don’t encourage that) and shouldn’t feel like they’re at risk of losing a jib every time they hit the ice. Getting your shins banged up is bad enough but we can all agree that anywhere above the knee caps would be a nightmare. So remember people… DON’T GET CARRIED AWAY WITH YOUR SAUCER PASSES

2) CLAPPERS DURING SCRIMMAGE

If you happen to come across a pond with no one on it and want to improve your slap-shot then good on you. But raising your stick above your waste while playing against your buddies (or strangers for that matter) is an absolute no-no. Taking a saucer pass to the body can result in tremendous pain but can you imagine getting smoked with a clapper? Similar to your passes, be smart with how you shoot a puck. A wrister or snap-shot will do, don’t be a hero and try to impress your buddies.

3) LEAVE THE RINK WITHOUT SHOVELING

The only bad part about playing outdoors is dealing with the amount of snow that piles up during gameplay. Most ODRs have a shovel on the bench to scrape the snow away so make sure to use it and clear that playing space, because you might get a dirty look from the players who are about to hit the ice.

 

4) LEAVE A PUCK OVER THE BOARDS THAT ISN’T YOURS

Everyone’s guilty of this one and it’s one of the ODR’s greatest problems. Pucks go over the boards/cage, it happens. But some players are actually so lazy that they won’t bother to retrieve their rubber disc after SENDING IT out of play. If it’s your own puck then fine, your loss, but get your friend’s for crying out loud. This writer can’t express how many times he’s witnessed a player borrow one of his friend’s pucks, yardy it, and just leave it in the snow for someone else to find. Pucks are valuable during ODR season and you really need all the ones you can get!

5) SLASH YOUR OPPONENTS’ SHINS

Don’t be a coward. Plain and simple.

Okay, so we’ve offered our take on what you CAN’T do at the outdoor rink, but we’re not done there. If you’re looking for its unwritten rules, check out this article written by BarDown’s very own Corwin McCallum (guy is an absolute beauty). Hope you keep these in mind next time you hit the ice!