Evansville’s new aquatic center is home to an unusual sport: underwater hockey. WNIN’s John Gibson has more:
The Evansville Penguins Underwater Hockey Club began playing at the Deaconess Aquatic Center last year.
The club has ten active members at the moment, with a goal of at least 15 regular players.
Club President Dominic Poggi says the game involves two teams competing to move a three pound puck across the bottom of a pool into the opposing team's goal:
"You basically dive down to the bottom of the pool while holding your breath. You push the puck around and kind of do what you can at the bottom. And you're holding your breath for no more than 10-15 seconds at a time, maybe. And then you come back up (and) regroup."
Poggi says participants wear snorkeling and other gear specifically designed for the game.
He says it‘s a good workout:
"It's great cardio, it's super easy on your joints. We have someone who's had double knee surgery — knee replacements — and she's able to play and has seen significant improvement since she started."
Anyone interested in the sport can learn more during an “open house” Wednesday evening from 6:00 to 7:15 at the Deaconess Aquatic Center in Garvin Park.