Puck Handler Traditional Cache
-
Difficulty:
-
-
Terrain:
-
Size: 
(small)
Please note Use of geocaching.com services is subject to the terms and conditions
in our disclaimer.
That little round mound of rubber which although is most definitely the least expensive piece of equipment in (ice) hockey, is just as essential as any other. After all, ‘goals’ would not be achieved without them!
A few facts and a bit of trivia about pucks...
🏒 In the mid 1800's, hockey pucks were square! The Victoria Hockey Club in Montreal is given credit for using the first round puck. It must have felt like the evolution of the wheel!
🏒 A puck is also known in slang terms as a biscuit, and therefore the saying was created, "Put a biscuit in the basket" for scoring a goal. I'd never heard of this saying. Have you?
🏒 In the NHL, pucks are frozen to avoid bouncing on the ice. (Fact checked ;) Come to think of it, I recall in the past having pucks in my freezer but had forgotten the reason why.
🏒 Russian hockey player, Dennis Kulyash, currently holds the world record for the fastest slapshot clocked at a remarkable 110.3 mph (177.6 km/h)!!!
🏒 An errant deflected puck caused the ultimate death of a 13 year old girl at a Columbus Blue Jackets vs Calgary Flames game in 2002. The following NHL season, nets became compulsory behind the ends of the rink above the plexiglas providing an increased level of safety to the fans from flying pucks.
🏒 In one of the final parts of the manufacturing process, diamond cross-hatch markings are moulded into the edge of the puck which provides friction between the puck and the hockey stick, allowing more control.
🏒 Surprisingly, the NHL (National Hockey League) did not have "regulation" pucks until the 1990-91 season. Before that time, there was a standard size, so not as exact in specifications.
🏒 Remember "Fox Trax"? This was a system used by Fox Sports back in the 1990s with the "goal" of helping TV viewers follow the puck in play. The system didn't last past 1999 due to a change in broadcasting rights. The puck was substantially more costly since it had integrated electronics inside. I wonder if this provided an incentive or a deterrant to players when shooting the puck!
🏒 Of the two pucks I currently have in my possession, they are both made in Slovakia by the same company. I use one as a coaster. It was found while caching along the St. Lawrence River and bears a River Rats logo. If frozen, it works well to keep a drink cold!
This cache is put out in honour of hankpixie who has handled more pucks than anyone I know!
Additional Hints
(Decrypt)
Anab unatvat bhg jvgu n pnpur thneqvna...
Ersrerapr: Jvxvcrqvn