On a cold evening in Bonnyville, the rink was alive with the sounds of skates carving ice, sticks tapping, and kids laughing between shifts. This wasn’t a high-pressure minor hockey night — this was pond hockey, and that’s exactly the point.

I caught up with Coach Cameron and a few of the players from the Bonnyville Pond Hockey team to talk about what makes the program different, and why it’s become such a great fit for local families.

Coach Cameron describes pond hockey as an organized but low-key version of the game — kind of like elevated shinny.

“There are practices and games, but families decide how committed they want to be,” he said. “Kids can come when they can, play hard, and just enjoy hockey without the pressure.”

That flexibility is a big part of the appeal.

For players like Thomas, it’s all about being on the ice.

“I just like getting out here and playing,” he said. “It’s fun, and you don’t have to worry about anything else.”

Ryder, who holds down the net as goalie, said pond hockey gives him a chance to keep improving while still enjoying the game.

“I like being goalie, and this lets me play without it being too serious,” he shared. “You still want to win, but it’s fun.”

The team recently played St. Paul in a close game that didn’t go their way, but the mood stayed positive. Coach Cameron said the players took the loss in stride and are already looking ahead to their next matchup.

Tucker, who wrapped up the interviews, summed up the feeling on the team best.

“It’s just hockey,” he said. “You come, you play, and you have a good time.”

That simple approach is what makes pond hockey work. There’s structure, but not stress. Competition, without burnout. A place where kids can build skills, friendships, and confidence — while still keeping the game fun.

For families balancing busy schedules, and for kids who just want to play hockey without a huge commitment, Bonnyville’s pond hockey program offers something special.

On nights like this, with kids hopping on and off the ice and parents watching with smiles from the stands, it’s clear why this kind of hockey belongs here.

It’s not about standings or stats.

It’s about loving the game — and that’s what makes pond hockey shine.