RETRO FIND: Underwater hockey players relied on strategy amid chaos
Players were just as quick underwater as those on ice.
White sticks ready, black sticks ready, go. Take *** mask, snorkel, fin. And you have the underwater part. Add *** stick, *** puck, and you've got underwater hockey. So, so why? Honestly, it's no laughing matter. There are world championships. Sit down, stay down, score, score, score. And for 16 years there has been *** United States women's team. For me it looks like chaos for them. I'm sure it looks like some well planned strategy, to be honest with you, I have covered many hockey events. And every one of them except for this one, the water was frozen. I'm gonna jump in so you may want to step back so you don't get wet. On the surface, all you see are fins and, well, you know, certain body parts. You gotta see what it looks like underwater. Underwater, it is *** very quick passing game. Are you the Cam Neely of underwater hockey? I don't know if we have *** Cam Neely in underwater hockey. Uh, no, I'm not the Cam Neely. I'm more of *** bruiser. Well, that's good. Because the puck is fought for along the boards. You have to win those one on one battles in the corner. It's just like ice hockey, except for rule number 2 right there. What they do is break the seal and it just floods your mask. Age and treachery will always overcome youth and skill. It is so true. One of those great lessons in life, age and treachery will overcome youth and skill. In Dartmouth, I'm Ed Harding. SportsCenter.
RETRO FIND: Underwater hockey players relied on strategy amid chaos
Players were just as quick underwater as those on ice.
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Updated: 9:41 AM CDT Jun 16, 2025
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In 1996, sports anchor Ed Harding explored a unique twist on hockey, a version played off the ice and in the water. This version challenged players to keep their snorkels clear while navigating the game.Actual underwater footage of the game showed how strategic people need to be. Just like in regular hockey, players duked it out in corners and fought for control over the puck. Poetically, one player stated, “Age and treachery will always overcome youth and skill.”Watch the video above to see what underwater hockey looks like. If you liked this archival find, check out more in the playlist below.
In 1996, sports anchor Ed Harding explored a unique twist on hockey, a version played off the ice and in the water. This version challenged players to keep their snorkels clear while navigating the game.
Actual underwater footage of the game showed how strategic people need to be. Just like in regular hockey, players duked it out in corners and fought for control over the puck. Poetically, one player stated, “Age and treachery will always overcome youth and skill.”
Watch the video above to see what underwater hockey looks like.
If you liked this archival find, check out more in the playlist below.
