March 2025
Pond Hockey Paradise: Gear Essentials, Wooden Stick Benefits, and the Climate Challenge
Location: Tampere (Save Pond Hockey Event) // Credits: Seidi Syvänen
Imagine lacing up your skates under a wide-open sky, the crisp winter air filling your lungs, and the sound of sticks tapping the puck across a frozen pond. Pond hockey, also known as ODR hockey (outdoor rink hockey), is more than just a sport—it's a timeless tradition that connects players with nature, nostalgia, and pure, unfiltered fun.In this guide, we'll dive into the essentials every pond hockey player needs, explore why wooden hockey sticks like our Featherlight 75 from Good Wood Hockey are the best choice for outdoor play, and discuss how climate change threatens our beloved ODR heavens in the Nordics and the Alps. Plus, we'll highlight the inspiring work of Save Pond Hockey, a movement we proudly support.
Gear Up for Pond Hockey
Unlike the high-tech world of indoor ice hockey, pond hockey thrives on simplicity. Here's what you need to bring your A-game to the ODR:
Hockey Stick: Your stick is your weapon, your tool, your magic wand. For outdoor play, nothing beats the durability and feel of a wooden hockey stick. Our Featherlight 75 is a favorite among pond players because it's the lightest wooden stick on the market, giving you quick handling without compromising strength.
Skates: Comfort and support are key. Outdoor ice can be rough, so a sturdy pair of skates helps you glide, pivot, and stop with confidence.
Protective Gear: While pond hockey is often more laid-back, safety shouldn't be overlooked. A helmet, gloves, and shin guards offer essential protection without restricting movement. Bonus tip: bring your sunglasses ;-)
Warm, Layered Clothing: The outdoor chill is real. Layer up with moisture-wicking base layers, insulating mid-layers, and a waterproof outer shell to stay warm and dry.
Don’t forget pucks, a shovel for clearing snow, and makeshift goals. Creativity counts when you're setting up your ODR heaven!
Location: Tampere (Save Pond Hockey Event) // Credits: Seidi Syvänen
Why Wooden Hockey Sticks Dominate Outdoor Rinks
While carbon fiber sticks are popular indoors, they fall short in outdoor settings. Here's why wood hockey sticks are the go-to choice for pond hockey:
1. Cold? No Problem! Carbon fiber sticks can become brittle and stiff in low temperatures, increasing the risk of breaking. Wood sticks, like our Featherlight 75, maintain their flexibility and durability in the cold, giving you reliable performance every time.
2. Built Tough for Outdoor Play Pond ice isn't as smooth as indoor rinks. The rough surface can wear down a carbon fiber stick quickly. Wooden sticks absorb impact better and are less likely to crack or chip, making them ideal for outdoor battles.
3. Consistent Flex and Feel Temperature changes can alter the flex of carbon fiber sticks, but wood provides a consistent shot feel, no matter how cold it gets.
4. Warm Hands, Warm Heart Ever grabbed a cold metal pole in winter? That’s how a carbon fiber stick can feel in sub-zero temps. Wooden sticks don’t get as cold, making them more comfortable to handle during long ODR sessions.
5. Sustainable and Aesthetic There’s something magical about playing on a frozen pond with a wooden hockey stick. It feels natural, looks timeless, and is more eco-friendly than carbon fiber. Plus, at Good Wood Hockey, we prioritize sustainability by crafting our sticks from renewable materials.
Climate Change and Pond Hockey: A Frozen Tradition at Risk
The very essence of pond hockey depends on long, cold winters and naturally frozen bodies of water. But climate change is threatening this cherished tradition, reducing the number of days we can enjoy outdoor rinks and natural ice surfaces.
Fewer Frozen Days: Studies show that since 1860, lakes have been frozen for an average of 30 fewer days each year (stats from Helsinki). In Finland and Sweden, shorter winters mean fewer opportunities for outdoor hockey, making spontaneous ODR sessions less frequent.
The Alps Under Threat: Once an ODR heaven, the Alps are seeing warmer winters, causing unreliable ice conditions that impact local outdoor hockey traditions. Hence, some destinations had to close their natural ice rinks.
Future Projections: By 2050, many traditional hockey regions, including parts of southern Ontario and Quebec, may no longer have reliable natural ice for outdoor play, putting the future of pond hockey at risk.
At Good Wood Hockey, we are more than just a hockey stick brand—we are committed to protecting the future of outdoor hockey. That’s why we are proud sponsors and supporters of Save Pond Hockey, a movement dedicated to raising awareness and taking action against climate change’s impact on the game. We had the incredible opportunity to attend the 2025 Save Pond Hockey tournament in Tampere, where we witnessed firsthand the passion of the pond hockey community rallying to protect our frozen playgrounds.
Pond hockey is more than a sport—it’s a celebration of winter, nature, and community. Equip yourself with the right gear, like our Featherlight 75 wooden hockey stick, embrace the magic of outdoor play, and join us in protecting the ice we love.Let’s skate, pass, shoot, and save our ODR heavens together. For more on the fight to save pond hockey, check out Save Pond Hockey's mission here.
Don't forget to Stay Warm with Our Premium Hoodie
No pond hockey session is complete without the right apparel. Our Good Wood Hockey premium hoodie is designed to keep players warm during those long outdoor games. Made from high-quality, insulating fabric, it offers comfort, warmth, and style—perfect for pond players who need reliable warmth without sacrificing mobility. Add it to your gear and stay cozy while dominating the ice!
