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Practicalities Are
the Eskimos for me?
Are the Eskimos for me? If you have played hockey for some time and are an undergraduate or a graduate member of Cambridge University, then the Blues would probably be a better option. However if you haven’t played much hockey (if at all) and/or are a member of the University of Cambridge (or an associate), then you are more than welcome to come and train with us! The invitation to join the team is also open to members of any further education institution in the area which does not have its own indigenous ice hockey team.
What if I haven’t skated before? At the beginning of each season there is a practice skating session. Also a substantial part of practices are taken up by pure skating drills, which provides a fast-track way to become a competent skater. Having said that, team members are encouraged to take extra skating practice, as knowing how to skate competently will put you in an advantageous position when playing ice hockey.
Kit The purpose of hockey kit is to protect the player against impacts from the ice, puck or other players (as the Eskimos play contact hockey). Team kit is available to borrow if you are a new starter, but eventually you will have to get your own kit. Hockey skates (which are different from figure skates) can be hired from the ice rink at no extra costs, however it is greatly preferable (thus encouraged) to use your own skates.
it might be cheaper to ship kit over from USA or Canada, and the committee will organise a bulk buy for new recruits if they so wish.
Uniform Cambridge University team jerseys and socks will be sold around the Christmas holiday period. You will be notified when the opportunity arises.
Practices This season Cambridge Eskimos practice at Peterborough Planet Ice Arena for one hour sessions on Sunday nights. A coach (which is shared with the Women’s blues team) leaves Queens’ Road at 6.30PM and Fitzwilliam College at 6.45PM as shown on the map below. It gets back to Cambridge at approximately midnight. The cost of practices is £80 to £90 per term, which includes transport and ice hire. However this does not include matches which are usually charged £10 each.
Registration Cambridge Eskimos is registered (under CUIHC) with the English Ice Hockey Association (EIHA), which also covers insurance. You must be registered to play ice hockey matches. To register, you need a £30 cheque with two passport photos and complete the player registration form which can be found here
What can I do to offset costs? Your college may subsidise some costs of joining the club, because ice hockey is a varsity sport, and not one which the college provides the opportunity to join. It is worth asking college tutors and bursars to see what opportunities for funding are available.As for kit it might be cheaper and easier to organise a bulk buy (and ship from USA or Canada) with other new starters. The committee will provide help and support in this matter.
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Helmet
(with cage)
Neckguard
(optional)
Body/
shoulder guards
Elbow
Pads
Jock
strap
Gloves
Wrist
guards (optional)
Garter
belt
Shorts
Shin
and knee Guards