I was quite perplexed as to why The Durango Herald thought the guest column “Read this before taking up hockey,” written by a basketball coach, was funny while it completely ridiculed hockey players and the sport of hockey.
I guess the 500 or so adult hockey players in this town all have missing teeth, smell bad and are brain dead. The author gained this keen insight by merely sticking his nose in some college hockey locker rooms and gained instant deep knowledge of hockey.
Having played hockey for over 40 years (23 in Durango) and reffed professionally for 13 years, it's possible I might have a more accurate perspective than a basketball coach.
Yes, it's an anaerobic sport, which is why there are many substitutes and folks in their 60s and 70s, still able to play. Locker rooms only smell when players don't air out their equipment. Hockey players have all their teeth unless they play professionally, where masks aren't worn. Youth starter equipment costs $400 to $500, not $1,000!
Youth hockey players in Durango get ice time late afternoons, early evenings and weekend days. Not at 5 a.m! Ice time at the cost-friendly Chapman Hill Ice Rink is $200 an hour, which works out to about $10 a player. Fighting is not allowed. All hockey is body contact, but checking only occurs in upper high school, college and the pros.
Free used equipment is available every season, so come out and enjoy the greatest game ever!
Jim Altree
Durango
