The second edition of the “Sport in Motion” series, launched in 2023, is dedicated to the di- verse sports played on ice.
In ice stock sport, the aim is to hit the target as accurately as possible. Sticks from the op- posing team may be pushed aside. Points are awarded to the team whose ice stocks are closest to the target. Additionally, there are target and distance competitions. Ice stock sport is particularly popular in Alpine regions. It is not only a club sport but also a much- loved leisure activity, often played with a focus on fun rather than strict rules. It is fre- quently enjoyed on frozen lakes or synthetic lanes, and in rural areas, homemade ice stocks are often used.
Ice hockey is a fast-paced, physical team sport. Early depictions of games involving players moving a ball with sticks on ice can be seen in Dutch paintings from the 17th century. How- ever, modern ice hockey evolved in the 19th century during European colonisation efforts in Canada, where it remains the national sport. Since 1877, a flat puck has replaced the ball. A match lasts three 20-minute periods but often takes longer due to frequent interruptions. The dynamic gameplay and high-scoring nature make ice hockey particularly thrilling to watch.
In contrast, figure skating focuses on the grace of movement. While humans used bone skates to move across ice as early as the Neolithic Age, ice skating became a popular social pastime in modern history. Ice skates with attached steel blades, introduced in the late 19th century, enabled the execution of figures, spins, and jumps. Today, competitions in- clude men's and women's singles, pair skating, and ice dancing, where jumps are not al- lowed. Skating and ice dancing are also popular recreational activities, allowing enthusiasts to glide across the ice with varying degrees of elegance.
