Fifth Event: Ice Hockey
Torith | Thalassa | Colors of the Wind
Tinsel | Kor | Nico
Entering the ice hockey event for this year’s Winter Games had been somewhat of a last minute decision, and as such the team was a mix of those who had competed in previous years and newcomers to the sport. The group had agreed it would be a good idea to meet over a light snack to go over the basics and make sure everyone was on the same page before heading to a rink to practice.
The weather was crisp but not unpleasant thanks to the bright sunshine, and the snow surrounding the outdoor eating area where they’d grabbed a table glistened in the light.
As the group settled themselves, Tinsel started the conversation by asking, “So what’s a match actually like?”
“A fierce battle on ice,” was Thalassa’s response, at the same time Torith said, “It’s an intense competition to see which team scores more points.”
The large guardian then explained further.
“Players aren’t supposed to swing the sticks like clubs—”
“Pity,” Colors of the Wind commented wistfully.
“—and they’re not supposed to deliberately trip their opponents, either—”
“Softies,” Thalassa muttered.
“—so that’s something you and Kor will have to keep in mind as our defensive players,” Torith finally finished.
“There are defensive roles?” Nico wondered aloud, mostly to himself. Thalassa, who sat beside him and had been on the same team in the past, shrugged in response.
“So Tinsel and I just try to get in their way?” Kor asked.
“Uh, pretty much?” Torith answered, uncertainty clear in his voice. “I mean, I think shoving is allowed, and you can try to get the puck away from them. You also help defend the goal if the other team gets the puck near it.”
Kor nodded in understanding, apparently satisfied with the explanation.
From there the conversation drifted to past experiences in the event and speculation on what was and wasn’t allowed. Despite everyone except Tinsel and Kor having participated in the past, only Torith had ever looked over the rules, and that had been mostly skimming. By the time they finished eating it had been determined that biting and clawing were definitely not allowed and generally agreed that referees seemed to object to certain kinds of shoving, but no one was entirely clear on the exact types that might be frowned upon. Ultimately they decided not to worry about the issue though, because as the veterans pointed out the penalties were only short timeouts.
With that matter satisfactorily settled, the group headed to practice.
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