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In the Game
Ice Sports
by Kelley Sullivan
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As the weather becomes cooler, you may find yourself with the urge to partake in some fall sports. While football is still a favorite for many, some individuals are ready to try something a little different, perhaps something not so typical for this part of the country.
Adults’ and Children’s Ice Hockey
Chaparral Ice Center offers a variety of ways for people of all ages to glide into the ice hockey scene. First, you’ll need the proper gear. From your stick to your helmet, you can get suited up for around $300. Or, if you’re still trying to figure out whether or not you’ll want to join a team, you may want to consider borrowing all the necessary equipment for that first time out on the ice. Once you have your gear, you are ready to head to a class. Free classes — one per customer for ages 6 and older — are offered at Chaparral Ice. These free sessions are offered Tuesday nights at 6:30 as well as Saturdays from 12:15 p.m. to 1 p.m. Both free sessions include a free skate rental.
Youth classes are offered for $60 a month for beginners ages 3 to 5. There is also Basic Skating, Power Skating and Stick and Puck. Little ones can also join youth leagues with names such as Mites, Squirts and Peewees.
Adult beginners are invited to attempt a novice game held each Sunday night at 9:45. Expect to meet other folks new to the game and get instruction from the experts during this casual match. The cost is $15 to play and usually 20 people show up. Also for $15, women can attend Powder Puck games held the second Thursday of every month at 9:20 p.m.
Broomball
Not feeling so adventurous? Broomball may be just the sport for you. This exciting alternative to ice hockey allows players to enjoy the ice, minus the skates. As you probably guessed, a broom is used in place of the stick. The rink is filled with the two teams of 10 to 15 players each. Competition is fierce as each team tries hard to score, and even harder not to fall. The cost is $250 per hour to rent the entire center. For more information, call Chaparral Ice at (512) 252-8500 or visit www.chaparralice.com.
Spectator Opportunities
Would you rather watch other people hit the ice? The Austin Ice Bats play 32 home games this season on Friday and Saturday nights and Sunday afternoons through February. All home games are played at “The Bat Cave,” located at the Travis County Expo Center. For more information, call 927-PUCK or visit www.icebats.com.
The U.T. Hockey Club plays each of their home games at the Chaparral Ice Center. The next games are set for Oct. 17 and 18, each beginning at 7:45 p.m. For more information and a season schedule, visit www.texas.icehockey.com.
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