With the days getting shorter and the days (hopefully) getting cooler. The thought of the brisk air across my cheek as I glide along the ice, chasing a small black chunk of rubber quickens my pulse.  The sound of the puck's signature "thunk" as it hits the back of the wooden goal makes me salivate with anticipation.  No referees, no crowd, no coaches, just the sheer thrill of open ice and the ability to skate as I choose to.  The feel of cold fingertips and toes, the burning muscles, the bumps and bruises from landing hard on the ice when skates shoot out from under you... this is POND HOCKEY!