UTAH SUMMER LEAGUE HOCKEY SIGNUPS

Utah isn't recognized as a hockey state, but just in the Wasatch Front area around Salt Lake alone, there are seven ice rinks and a lot of adult hockey leagues. Every summer, an adult league plays weekly games at two of the rinks; Steiner, which is at the Sports Complex near the University of Utah, and the County Ice Sheet, which is in Murray.

You can register as a team or as an individual. Individuals will be placed on a team. It's more expensive than the regular six dollar drop in; the series of 14 games, not counting the playoffs (if your team makes it), costs $240 per person. That's about $17 a game, but you get the whole team spirit thing, even if it's no-check hockey. Players must also pay the dues to join USA Hockey.

The deadline to sign up is May 21, after that there is a $25 dollar late fee. The game series goes from May 28 to August 30. Though hockey player numbers drop off in the summer, the secret is that the coolness of the ice rink beats the heat outside, even dressed in full gear. Full gear is, of course, required for the games.

Organizer for the series is, as usual, Matt Brickley, who says "It’s easy to register online at www.ushl.org." For more information, call Matt at 943-2249.