Hockey

>> Does anybody have any recommendations for unicycle hockey sticks as we’re
>> considering investing in a some at our local club? We’ll probably be
>> looking to buy a bulk load of them as its probably pretty tedious as a solo
>> activity. Is it better to use old hockey/ice hockey sticks or to make your
>> own? What do other people use?

> When I was at MIT, we used croquet mallets. These are a bit on the short side,
> but I think they’re a better length (i.e., less likely to cause accidents)
> than hockey sticks.

We at Purdue use street hockey sticks. Though some may argue that they are too
long, I like them that way. You can reach in for a steal without needing to
crouch. I have never personally had a problem with the stick causing an
accident. (Normally when I fall off the uni, it is only because of a loss of
ballance.) The length of the sticks can also help you stay on the uni since you
can use the stick to lean on. This is also helpful when making fast turns. I do
like the idea of using croquet mallets, but this would be more like “Unicycle
Polo.” Where did you get enough mallets to play a full game? Did you use a
regular street hockey ball for that? Did you use the side of the mallet? If so,
did the mallets tend to crack when you struck the ball hard? One last
question… Did you get to keep the kneecaps you took off?

Jay

Hi. Just want to know if there are any unicycle hockey teams in the area- (my
area is London, or the environs of). I am especially after an informal
gathering where I can go along and be crap, not having tried before. While
we’re on the subject, how good do you have to be to play (I only got the 'cycle
two weeks ago), and what sort of kit is advised? Ta for any help, John

newbie alert******

Re: Hockey

John,

> Hi. Just want to know if there are any unicycle hockey teams in the area- (my
> area is London, or the environs of). I am especially after an informal
> gathering where I can go along and be crap, not having tried before. While
> we’re on the subject, how good do you have to be to play (I only got the
> 'cycle two weeks ago), and what sort of kit is advised?

I’m hoping to get a uni hockey team off the ground in Bedford this year. For the
London area, talk to Skate Attack, 95 Highgate Road. London, as they sponsor the
league, or Oddballs, 323 Upper St Islington, since they have a noticeboard of
this sort of thing. As to how good you have to be, I somehow don’t think that’ll
be a problem. I know of Lunis, there are probably others. The improbably named
Lee Jellyhead is the guy to talk to (no, really).

The British Juggling and Unicycle Conventions will almost certainly have scratch
hockey events, as well as “official” championships for established teams, also
Albert and Friends Circus Unicycle Grand Prix in Ravenscourt Park has a
competition.

I got a low-price Czech ice-hockey stick from Skate Attack for GBP12, but
plastic replacement stick blades cost about GBP3 each, if you can get a supply
of broken stick handles. I asked the MK ice rink shop to keep by any broken
sticks they get so that hopefully, we’ll have a cheap stock of sticks for a team
before long.

Most people I’ve seen playing uni hockey don’t seem to wear protective gear, as
it’s quite a gentlemanly sport, unlike e.g. roller hockey, but if you’re
starting, a bike helmet and or/roller skate knee, and elbow pads would be
reasonable.

Peter Lister Email: p.lister@cranfield.ac.uk Computer Centre, Cranfield
University Voice: +44 1234 754200 ext 2828 Cranfield, Bedfordshire MK43 0AL UK
Fax: +44 1234 751814 – In a minute, I’ll be talking to the Albanian ambassador
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