6: The Pond Hockey League

In the midst of winter, as most people dread bone chilling cold fronts, one group favors a forecast of 15 degrees: The Pond Hockey League (PHL). 

The PHL is a West Chester, PA tradition dating back to the 60s.  On the coldest days of the year, players of all ages and abilities battle it out on a backyard pond for bragging rights and beverages.  Over the decades, the rosters may have evolved, but the culture and experience still remains the same. 

As I come off the ice bruised and exhausted from another day of hockey, I reflect on the principles of culture and leadership that I’ve learned on the pond.  You see, I’m lucky that this pond just happens to be in my backyard, so there’s no way to escape the impact that it’s had on me: 

• Preparation is critical: There are no Zambonis.  In order to play hockey, we must clear the debris and snow ourselves.  The cracks that form on the ice must be filled in and leveled out.  The coolers must be stocked with beer and whiskey.  None of the fun is possible without the dirty work before, during, and after all of the playing.  The PHL taught me that it takes constant preparation to sustain an environment that people want to be a part of.     

• Prioritize what matters: Due to climate change, we often don’t know when and even if the pond will freeze again.  So when the pond is frozen and the puck is dropped on a Saturday or Sunday, you’re expected to show up. The PHL taught me the importance of prioritizing what matters in a life full of competing interests and limited time.   

• Compete hard, but don’t take yourself too seriously: In pond hockey, success is measured in “heart.”  It’s a competitive group, and playing hard is expected, but so is talking trash.  I sometimes don’t know if my abs are sore from the hockey or all the laughter.  The PHL taught me the importance of always competing hard, but keeping things fun. 

• Give more than you take: At the end of every PHL game, there is always a surplus of beers, sticks, pucks, jerseys, and gloves.  There’s always more than enough stuff for everybody to have a great time.  The PHL taught me that if you surround yourself with people that give more than they take, everyone benefits.

• Develop the next generation: The Pond Hockey League has now spanned three generations. We’ve had skaters older than 75 and younger than 10 on the ice at the same time. The only price of admission is your commitment to the four principles above.  I hope to one day have kids that play as well, and embody the same values that I learned from the league.  The PHL taught me that if you want any tradition to stand the test of time, make sure to develop the next generation. 

I could go on and on about the lessons and stories from the pond, but the first car just pulled in the driveway. I see they have skates and a case of Yuengling.  It’s time to keep learning.