Hockey

You don’t have to be a Flyer to soar.

Like Philadelphia’s place in America’s history, our devotion to ice hockey has also been revolutionary. No surprise that our beloved Flyers is managed by Ron Hextall, the first NHL goaltender to score a goal by shooting the puck into the the opponent’s empty net. But we don’t all have to be able to fly like a Flyer to enjoy the game. There’s an ice hockey league for you, no matter your budget or skill level.

You know the drill. Keep your stick on the ice, but your head up. Skate to where the puck is going to be, not where it is. Stay focused on the game. Don’t drop the gloves. No room for cross checks. Juke your way forward to get in position for the open shot.

If you can’t get to one of Philadelphia’s public rinks, like the Rizzo Ice Rink in South Philly or the newly reconstructed Simons Ice Rink in West Oak Lane, it doesn’t take much to set up a good old-fashioned two-on-two or three-on-three street hockey game at your local schoolyard. All you need are sticks, an electric-tape puck, and the guts to face off.

Either way, after just one period, you’re gonna feel the full-body impact of this physical game. But like any team sport, it also doesn’t hurt to get your verbal muscles going for some trash talk. And we all know the best way to shut anyone up is by scoring—again, again and again. Hat trick, anyone?