Results day is upon us and we understand some prospective players/students may have questions about joining the club. Here is a Q&A with the Viking’s A Captain, Robert to help give some insight:
Q: Why Ice Hockey instead of any other sport?
A: Because it’s an enormous amount of fun. Ice hockey is a fast-paced and action-packed team sport; you get fit, develop as a team-player, make loads of new friends and all in a historic club for the sport, check it out on (https://oxforduniversityicehockey.com/oldest-hockey-rivalry/)
Q: Are you better than Cambridge?
A: Of course we are! We did have a challenging 2020 Varsity but looking to settle the score in 2021! (It’s actually pretty even which makes for great hockey!)
Q: How often and where do you train?
A: We train at the Oxford Ice Rink. Each squad usually train twice a week on ice for 1-1.5 hour.
Q: How hard is it to balance sport and work?
A: Most find that sport complements work really well. Sport can help you concentrate when during work and the social aspect both on and off the ice also helps balance out working hard. The club also provides a great supportive environment. One point of caution though, training times can be late so you have to make sure you still get your sleep, morning lectures on too little sleep is not ideal…
Q: How often do you compete (with regards to local/national leagues)?
A: Usually 8 league games per season, 1 weekend away for Nationals (if you want), 1 Varsity, and a couple of friendlies.
Q: Do you have coaches or are you student lead?
A: Usually we are student lead, but we have had coaches too, it depends on who’s available. The student coaches are brilliant though and we have all learned so much!
Q: Does the club have active social life?
A: 100% heroic! Loads of Club-Team-Squad-Line[-and-everything-inbetween]-wide/cross events all year!
Q: Do you have an alumni network / opportunities for alumni to get involved?
A: Yes we do, we have an alumni committee staying in touch and making sure you can stay involved. We even have the Alumni Varsity game as part of the varsity weekend! Check out our alumni network and notable alumni website sections too.
Q: Which team should I join? A: Have a look at the Teams & Prospective Players section (https://oxforduniversityicehockey.com/teams/), this will give you a good indication.