Hockey?

Amanda N · January 11, 2010, 11:34:00 AM

Is there hockey on Pern?

Eimi · January 11, 2010, 08:32:51 PM

It would be very doubtful that they would have ice hockey. The first settlers came to a tropical location where there was no ice, and I'm sure that making sticks, skates, nets and pucks were not high on their list of priorities when they moved North, so I'd say ice hockey as we know it probably did not make the crossing. That doesn't mean they haven't developed some other kind of winter game, or that all winter sports did not survive (I'm sure sledding and skiing would have). But it's important to remember that resources were scarce and life was hard when they first came to settle the planet. They wouldn't have had time to devote to making sports equipment out of precious resources when they were living hand to mouth. Any games they have would either have evolved from some kind of useful tool or exercise, or would be simplistic in the equipment required (like soccer and water polo). Sports that required balls that bounce (tennis, basketball) probably wouldn't have survived in the form we know them.

If you want to come up with a new winter sport, though, feel free to run your idea by the Council!

Amanda N · January 12, 2010, 08:24:48 PM

What about skating? That's been around for a long time, seems like it would be useful to travel across frozen bodies of water during winter.

Paula · January 12, 2010, 10:22:57 PM

Stone-age Finns skated. They used bones. It was useful way to travel in a country full of lakes.

Jane · January 14, 2010, 11:28:47 AM

Quote from: "Paula"Stone-age Finns skated. They used bones. It was useful way to travel in a country full of lakes.

Well, in winter. :geek:

Eimi · January 18, 2010, 01:48:29 PM

I'm sure they would have some form of skate, though they'd be more expensive than skates now (think of the metal that would go into the making of them) and much cruder.

Jane · January 18, 2010, 02:05:40 PM

Quote from: "Eimi"... they'd be ... much cruder.

Why cruder? They're great metalworkers.

Eimi · January 18, 2010, 09:32:54 PM

I'm not disputing that they could make good blades. I'm saying the technology of skates themselves would be cruder. You're not going to have racing clap skates, or hockey style skates, or skates with toe-picks. You need to be thinking more 1800s - blades that are attached to your normal boots by bindings. Perfectly serviceable for getting from one side of a frozen lake to another, but not the skates of 2010.

Amanda N · January 18, 2010, 09:43:18 PM

So something like this...but newer?

http://www.worthpoint.com/worthopedia/1800s-antique-wood-ice-skates-leather-straps#

Eimi · January 18, 2010, 10:53:17 PM

I think those would be a good example of a high end pair, yes :thumbup:
Just remember that a pair like that might be considered a bit of a luxury item since it would require the skills of both blacksmiths and leather crafters. I think a more common pair (certainly one that was more affordable for the average joe just wanting to go out and play as versus an avid skater) would probably just strap onto their regular shoes.