NHL switches to grass; players asked to skate harder
League praises the softer playing surface. Players request instructions on how to move.
The NHL will replace its ice with grass while retaining skates, a decision officials called a return to the sport’s roots once someone explained that grass has roots.
Players were initially enthusiastic about the softer landing surface. Enthusiasm faded during the first test, when an entire line change became a landscaping project.
“Really push off,” a league spokesperson advised, watching a winger advance several inches and remove a substantial divot. “That’s where the effort comes in.”
Grounds crews will repair blade marks between periods. The Zamboni has been reassigned to mowing, though staff say it is approaching the new responsibility very slowly.
At press time, both teams were still entering the zone.
