The Soo Tridents underwater hockey club is inviting the public to try the sport at a series of free drop-in nights to be held every Thursday in November at the John Rhodes Community Centre Pool.
The Soo Tridents underwater hockey club was established in the 1970s and the team plays the sport twice a week.
The Tridents have competed at the provincial and national levels.
The team mostly plays scrimmage, but still plays in tournaments.
Underwater hockey was invented in England in the 1950s and was called "Octopush."
An underwater hockey team attempts to move a puck across the bottom of a swimming pool into the opposing team's goal - a long metal trough at the bottom of the pool - by pushing the puck with hockey sticks.
The size of the playing area is typically 75 feet (22 metres) in length, 45 feet (13 metres) in width and played in water seven to 10 feet (two to three metres) in depth.
There are six players to a side - with no goalies - with four substitutes at poolside. The puck has a lead middle and is covered with a teflon outer ring, weighing about four pounds (1.8 kilograms). The sticks - at one time made of wood - are now made of composite material and are 10 inches (27 centimetres) in length.
A game consists of two 15-minute halves with a three minute halftime.
The game is played with snorkels, masks and fins. Though officially a limited-contact sport, players are required to wear headgear, gloves and a mouthguard.
Participants at the free drop-in sessions are encouraged to bring their own mask, snorkel, and fins, though some extra gear will be available on-site.
The full text of a Soo Tridents release, regarding November’s free drop-in sessions, follows.
The Soo Tridents underwater hockey team invites the community to take the plunge and experience one of the world’s most unique and exciting sports - underwater hockey.
Throughout the month of November, the Tridents will host free drop-in nights every Thursday (Nov. 6, 13, 20, and 27) from 9 p.m. to 10 p.m. at the John Rhodes Pool.
The team welcomes newcomers of all ages to come out and give the sport a try. The Soo Tridents currently have more than 25 active members, ranging in age from nine to 66 years old. There’s no commitment required - players are welcome to come as often or as little as they like.
Participants are encouraged to bring their own mask, snorkel, and fins, though some extra gear will be available on-site.
Please note that children ages seven to 13 must pass the John Rhodes swim test to participate.
Anyone interested can contact Brittany Wieczor by email or meet the team in the John Rhodes front lobby at 8:50 p.m. on any of the listed dates.
In addition to the November drop-ins, the Soo Tridents scrimmage Thursdays year-round at the John Rhodes Pool, and also at the YMCA on Monday evenings from 7:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. (free for YMCA members, daily drop-in rate for non-members).
The Tridents travel to tournaments three to four times per year, offering players the chance to compete, build skills, and connect with the underwater hockey world community.