OCEANICE Rapperswil-Jona: Revolutionizing Ice Sports in Switzerland
In the picturesque town of Rapperswil-Jona, nestled alongside Lake Zurich, a quiet revolution in ice sports is taking place. Green Hockey is proud to introduce Switzerland's largest synthetic ice rink - the 650 m² OCEANICE Rapperswil-Jona.
A Sustainable Marvel on the Rooftop
Perched atop the boathouse in the Lido area, our OCEANICE installation is not just an ice rink - it's a testament to innovation and sustainability. Crafted largely from recycled ocean plastic, this synthetic ice surface represents a significant step forward in eco-friendly sports infrastructure. But does it perform? The answer is a resounding yes. Kevin Parada, U-17 coach and skills coach at Rapperswil-Jona Lakers, who extensively tested the Rapperswil installation, says: "You notice the differences because it's not ice. But if you don't have an ice rink, OCEANICE is currently the ultimate alternative." He adds, "The speed you achieve is close to that on ice. You can accelerate, turn and brake, even on one leg, using both the inside and outside edge."
4x4 Game: A True Test in Challenging Conditions
We put the Rapperswil OCEANICE to the ultimate test with a 4-on-4 game, featuring Swiss ice hockey luminaries including national team coaches Patrick Fischer and Marcel Jenni (U-20). What made this demonstration truly remarkable? It took place during pouring rain. Riccardo Signorell, co-founder of Green Hockey, proudly states, "We were able to play for an hour under these conditions." This is a game-changer for outdoor hockey, where rain typically makes play difficult or impossible on traditional ice. While OCEANICE in Rapperswil requires a slight adjustment period and a bit more effort when skating, the similarities to real ice are striking. Patrick Fischer, the Swiss National Team Coach, was impressed: "You have to get used to it, but after three or four minutes, it feels very similar to ice. It's amazing." Signorell draws an interesting parallel: "The difference between clay and hard court tennis is probably greater than between ice and OCEANICE." This comparison underscores our vision for the Rapperswil installation - not to replace traditional ice, but to provide a viable, sustainable alternative that expands the possibilities for ice sports in the region.
Pioneering Regular Ice Hockey Training
In a groundbreaking development, the U-17 team in Rapperswil is now using the OCEANICE field for regular training sessions twice a week. This marks the first time that consistent ice hockey training has been possible on synthetic ice. Our follow-up visits have shown remarkable progress - the players are adapting quickly and improving their skills on this innovative surface. An exciting discovery from these regular training sessions is the additional strength training benefit. Skating on OCEANICE requires slightly more effort, providing a built-in strength workout for the players. This unexpected advantage is contributing to the overall physical development of the young athletes, making their training sessions even more effective. As we look to the future, the regular training sessions in Rapperswil serve as a beacon for what's possible, not just for ice hockey but for all ice sports. They demonstrate that with innovation and commitment, we can adapt to environmental challenges while potentially enhancing the sports we love, by opening new possibilities for year-round training and practice across the spectrum of ice-based disciplines. This is more than the future of ice hockey - it's the present, happening right now in Rapperswil. And as players glide, turn, and shoot on OCEANICE with SHARKBLADES, twice a week and improving with every session, we're not just preserving the sport - we're helping it evolve. This is more than the future of ice hockey - it's the present, happening right now in Rapperswil. And as players glide, turn, and shoot on OCEANICE with SHARKBLADES, twice a week and improving with every session, we're not just preserving the sport - we're helping it evolve. The journey that began in Rapperswil is just the first stride into a new world of possibilities for ice hockey. We're excited to see where this path leads, one training session at a time.
A Community Asset: Public Ice Skating in Rapperswil
The OCEANICE installation in Rapperswil isn't just for elite athletes and hockey players - it's a valuable asset for the entire community. Open to the public for recreational ice skating, this innovative surface offers a unique experience for skaters of all ages and skill levels. Visitors can enjoy the thrill of gliding on ice year-round, regardless of weather conditions. The synthetic surface provides a safe and consistent skating experience, making it ideal for families, beginners, and seasoned skaters alike. By offering public sessions, we're not only promoting ice sports but also creating a sustainable, eco-friendly recreational space for the Rapperswil community. This accessibility aligns perfectly with our mission to make ice sports more inclusive and environmentally responsible. Whether you're taking your first steps on 'ice' or practicing your figure eights, the OCEANICE rink in Rapperswil welcomes everyone to experience the future of ice skating. With OCEANICE and SHARKBLADES, we're not just adapting to change - we're driving it forward. We're creating a future where ice hockey is more sustainable, more accessible, and more inclusive than ever before.
Let’s grow the game together! 💚🏒
