Shovel it and they will come.
That time of year is once again upon us when we break out the thermal socks, old skates and winter hats. We're heading to Hood Pond, aka Skip's house for a day of fun and exercise on the Pond. While pond hockey can be a safe and rewarding activity, there is one major danger. Thin Ice! By following the these guidelines you make the activity much more enjoyable.

• There are more skaters than Pucks.
  While there are usually a dozen or more skaters in a game at a time there are usually less than 3 pucks available. This means you must get all pucks at any cost. If a puck goes to an area of known thin ice, you still need to get it. If you fall in be assured that there are plenty of people to to take your place in the game.
• Alcohol is lighter than water.
  If you make yourself more buoyant before stepping on the ice you will be much better off should you fall in. So make sure to drink plenty of beer before and during play. It is also advisable to drink after incase you stumble into the pond because you are drunk.
• Studies have shown People can live for hours in freezing cold water
  This is due to the bodies functions slowing down from hypothermia. So if you do fall in you will probably live for hours, especially if you follow the advice above. So you see there is no need to panic if no one rescues you until the game is over. Keep in mind every one is there to skate not play lifeguard. Can you think of a pond rat you'd want mouth to mouth from?
  

By following these 3 guidelines Pond Hockey will be much more enjoyable.

Mass on Hood pond
The Beer Prayer:

Our lager,
Which art in barrels,
Hallowed be thy drink,
Thy will be drunk,
I will be drunk,
At home as I am in the tavern
Give us this day our foamy head,
And forgive us for our spillages,
As we forgive those who spill against us,
And lead us not to incarceration,
But deliver us from hangovers,
For thine is the beer,
The bitter and the lager,
Forever and ever,
Barmen