If you’re one of the thousands who spent time on the frozen bliss of Lake Nokomis this weekend, then you’ve heard it. Amidst the crowds and vendors and skates carving hard outdoor ice and huffs and puffs of USPHC participants, you’ve heard it. And if you’ve ever played pond hockey with a wooden goal, you can probably close your eyes right now and hear it clear as a Minnesota day.
It is, simply, “the plunk”.
It is the sound of 6 ounces of black vulcanized rubber striking dimensional lumber, often the result of silky dangles, a laser-guided pass, or a long-range wrister. But however it happened, “the plunk” is one of the sweetest sounds in all of outdoor hockey.
Today crowned another batch of Golden Shovel recipients, and another successful year for TST Media Sport Ngin and their US Pond Hockey Championships. But that doesn’t mean we’re a year away from hearing “the plunk” again. With a half hour of your time and some inexpensive parts, you can have your very own wooden pond hockey goal to use on your backyard rink or pond.
May the plunk be with you.
The Parts
The Build
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Step 1. Build the Goal Frame
Nothing too crazy here– we’re talking basic 2×6 construction. Start with a 72″ 2×6 board. Attach a 24″ 2×6 board to each end as shown. Reinforce both corners with 4″ 2×6 board piece. Attach the “crossbar” (1/2″ – 72″ x 12″ sheet of plywood) across the top of the open end of the goal frame. |
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Step 2. Build the “Goalie”
This is the guy that tries to come between your breakaway and sweet pond hockey glory! He may not be quick (or very mobile, for that matter), but he will stop all but the most perfect snipes, and is as unforgiving as your mother-in-law. Start with two 46″ 2×6 boards. Insert three 8.5″ 2×6 boards in-between to create a reinforced box. Admire the “goalie” you just created. |
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Step 3. Attach the “Goalie” to the Crossbar
Here’s where it all comes together. Center your “goalie” on the crossbar and screw that guy in place. The openings on each side of the “goalie” should be about 12″ across. |
And that’s it! If you’ve done it right, you should now have a simple, inexpensive pond hockey goal to use whenever you hit your outdoor slab. And feel free to get creative. We sprayed our site name across the top then added some scrap rubber to the rear panel. Same satisfying plunk, 50% less wood chips on your slab.
Want to get involved in one of the best pond hockey events in the country? Visit www.uspondhockey.com and keep your eyes peeled for next year’s event dates. Then get in line to sign up.
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