Amish Hockey

Here at Old Windmill Farm we enjoy real winter. Had freezing temps for a few days below 20 degrees at night which we need to freeze the ponds well. Need at least 3 inches of ice to skate on safely. Here in Amish country it is very discouraging to use public avenues to play hockey and other sports. We are not comfortable with the youth and children getting used to using arenas and such. It removes the contentment of using homemade contraptions to keep the puck from getting lost in the farm pond bank and using a pair of boots to mark the goal, maybe 4 to 5ft. wide.

Part of the mentality in the Amish culture is very competitive and try your best at whatever you do. (Whatsoever ye do, do it heartily as to the Lord and not unto men.) The hockey games can get very aggressive and are enjoyed by all ages. Sometimes a few ruffled feathers but we understand it is a game to be enjoyed with the best talents. Mostly the men and boys get very involved in the hockey games. To pick teams, everyone throws in the hockey sticks and then divide the sticks on different piles. Wherever your stick lands with other players sticks, is then the team.

The girls enjoy skating outside the hockey rink. Often times the farmer’s wife and or daughters will offer hot chocolate, coffee and goodies like sandwiches, cookies for sale or for a donation.Sometimes it goes as a fundraiser for an unfortunate family who has a family member in the hospital with ongoing expenses. Or the farmer will use it for expenses to keep the rink and pond in shape. It takes lots of energy to play hockey.

Heading out to play hockey!