Off Season?

When I was in Canada this time of year two years ago, many of their ice rinks were already drained of ice and in use for other purposes (eg 'box' lacrosse).  It seems that sports fans change gear if their teams don't make the playoffs, and that players change to another sport (golf, anyone?).  The hockey calendar seems to be based around the annual progression of season and off season.  Much the same as footy over here.

But, as the NHL regular season (and it seems every other northern hemisphere league) ends, ours begins.  The local leagues kicked off a week and a half ago.  The Australian National Ice Hockey League has just started (weekly one hour broadcast on featured game on foxtel).  Of interest, Vikings winter season teams are being announced next week (registration the following week).

Admittedly, most of the above aussie ice hockey league levels stop for half the year (the 'off season'), but inline rolls on, and C grade and the Adrenaline women.  We're the lucky ones where, if fortunate, we also manage to qualify for a summer team and get to play for at least eighteen months straight.

But only if we can qualify.  Hence, treating this period as a personal 'off season' in regards to training etc.while all the hockey goes on around.