Why you should already be getting ready to play a full season of outdoor hockey

   It's that time of year where the last warm winds are saying goodbye and we've got to brace ourselves for the long urban winter and how we will face it.
   How can we get through the winter without feeling cooped up and stifled?
   Well that's easy, outdoor hockey. Pure shinny baby.
   No gym membership required, no ticket south or scuba license, no certification or registration.
   Just a stick, skates and a puck and get on the rink.
   Doesn't matter if you're a boy or girl, man or lady, old or young, all are equal and respected citizens of the outdoor rink.
   If  you have a dim view of humanity, one trip out will change all that. On any rink at any time you might see an affirmation of humanity of sportsmanship and cooperation.
   Tiny kids who can barely skate are invited to play with adults who will pass them the puck and give them space to try their inept moves.
   It's snowing? Players will drop their sticks and start shoveling without being asked. Others will jump in to help.
   When enough players are present someone will take the initiative to launch a game, which starts after all players toss sticks into the middle of the ice.
   This is some real Canadian shiznit.
   No rules, no hierarchy, no coach, no start time, it's cooperative anarchy and you will love it.
   One trip out will make it hard for you to remain suspicious about other people's motives. It's love on ice.
  So Coolopolis doesn't just want you visiting once or twice this winter. We want you making that trip to the rink a frequent habit.
   These are the Coolopolis outdoor bragging rights:  15 hours – bronze medal. 25 hours – silver
35 hours  - gold  45 + hours – award of excellence,
   The last two winters, unfortunately were largely too cold for outdoor hockey which is unpleasant past say -10 C.
   This winter is expected to be somewhat less harsh there should be no excuse for not lacing up.
    Some rinks are reputedly open well before the usual January 5-or so season start, thanks to artificial refrigeration. The one behind Verdun city hall, the one behind the Doug Harvey arena (think Cavendish and Somerled) are two examples. If you want to confirm that they're open just call the rink or borough and ask).
   Which rink should you visit? Why the one closest to where you live, of course.
   I spent my teenage years playing on the rink near the Gazebo at Murray Park and was encouraged with the kindness of fellow rink rats like Paul Langan and others.
   On the Plateau the Jeanne Mance Park is also set in an impressive backdrop at the foot of the mountain but winds and car traffic detract slightly from the experience.
   NDG Park is a busy spot in a lovely setting but can occasionally get crowded. Oxford Park, hell to the yeah.
   More tips:

•    If nobody is there when you arrive, practice your slapshot. Chicks dig it.
•   Dress warm. If your feet get cold, don't go home, just warm them up in the shack and get back out there. 
•   Hockey gauntlets are not necessary, nor are helmets but wear a tuque or suffer the consequences. 
•   Sharpen your skates. Legend has it that the sand in the ice will make your skates dull after one session but don't believe that nonsense. 
•    And bring an extra puck and don't freak out if someone else takes off with it, it's just a puck.