Underwater ice hockey

Underwater Ice Hockey is a minor extreme sport that is a variant of Ice Hockey. It is played upside-down underneath frozen pools or ponds. Participants wear diving masks, fins and wetsuits and use the underside of the frozen surface as the playing area for a floating puck. Competition teams consist of two teams with six players each.

History

Underwater Ice Hockey was first played in Austria in 2007. The sport was created by Christian Redl, a world record holding free-diver, and Michael Pfaller, a diving instructor. The first Underwater Ice Hockey World Cup was held in Weissensee, Austria in 2007.

Gameplay

In Underwater Ice Hockey, two teams compete to hit a puck into the opponents' goal. The game is played in two halves, each lasting 10 minutes with a 10-minute break in between. The game is played without any breathing apparatus, with players surfacing for air every 30 seconds or so.

Equipment

The equipment used in Underwater Ice Hockey includes a diving mask, fins, a wetsuit, a diving glove and a hockey stick. The hockey stick is shorter than those used in traditional ice hockey, and the puck is made of Styrofoam to allow it to float under the ice.

Safety

Safety is a major concern in Underwater Ice Hockey due to the extreme conditions and the risk of drowning. Players must be competent swimmers and have experience in diving and handling the cold. Safety divers are present during all games to manage any potential risks.

Competitions

Competitions in Underwater Ice Hockey are held annually, with the World Cup being the most prestigious event. Teams from various countries including Austria, Germany, Finland and the Netherlands have competed in the past.

See also

• Ice Hockey
• Underwater sports
• Extreme sports