This is a reproduction of an old-style table-top hockey game reportedly produced in Canada from the 1930s through the 50s. A hardware kit consisting of the metalwork and the "players" was purchased from Lee Valley Tools (where a disturbing percentage of my income has gone over the years). The construction was fairly straightforward, with much of the 20 or so hours of effort being spent in assembly and finishing. As can be seen from the bottom view, the large, spring-loaded loop is attached to all the players except the goalie. Pulling it causes all the players to swing their "sticks" in synchronization towards the opponents goal. Instead of a puck, the game is played with a ball bearing. The playing surface is sloped so there are no dead spots - the ball will always roll to be within reach of some player's stick. With a bit of practice, you can pass and shoot. This is actually easier to do than on a modern table-top game since coordination of two hands is not required - handy for coordination-challenged people like myself. I've also managed to lose to kids with who used no strategy at all except to keep pulling the loop as fast as possible so all the players kept swinging. But I'm sure I could have won if I'd really tried...
| Material: | Baltic birch plywood & MDF |
| Side finish: | 2 coats Varathane Colors in Plastic |
| Playing surface finish: | 2 coats Varathane Professional clear 1000 semi-gloss |
| Size: | 14.375" w x 35" d x 5" h |
| Time: | 20 Hours |
| Done: | November 12, 2000 |
