Pond Hockey (Journal)


Billy Petersen
Professor Williams
12/4/19
Pond Hockey

              I stepped outside into a winter wonderland. A blanket of sparkling white snow glistened over Chicago. Every step I took I could hear the soft snow crunching beneath my boots. The cold air pierced my skin turning my face into a florescent bright red. Although many people try and avoid Chicago’s frigid winters, the freezing temperatures bring some of my favorite activities.

              My friends and I get excited for the winter weather. The cold air freezes the local ponds creating a perfect environment for pond hockey. I threw on my warmest clothes, picked up my friends, and headed to the local lake.   

              When we got to the lake, the ice was covered in a thick blanket of snow. It looked like a barren arctic desert that had been untouched. I got out of my car and was immediately hit by the cold air. I took off my gloves to tie my skates and my fingers became instantly numb. It can be dangerous walking on to a frozen lake, but from experience, I knew the ice was thick enough to skate on. We took our shovels and removed the snow to create a playing surface. The rubber puck glided across the smooth ice as we began to play. Every stride I took you could hear the blade of my skates carving into the ice.

As the day went on, we told stories and created memories that last a lifetime. I opened a thermos of hot chocolate and steam erupted into the air. I took a sip and could feel the hot liquid run through my cold body. Growing up in Chicago, pond hockey has become a tradition for my friends and I. It’s a great way to connect with nature and test the yourself in the frigid temperatures. Being outside in below freezing temperatures makes you respect the natural elements of mother nature.

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