Before starting your first pond hockey game of the season you should get familiar with your ice.

Bonnie Wilken, Public Affairs Coordinator with the Canadian Red Cross says the ice needs to be nice and thick.

"Make sure that the ice is of uniform thickness.  15 centimeters for small groups that skate or walk, 20 centimeters for large groups, 25 centimeters for snowmobiles and 40 centimeters for a vehicle.

Wilken adds that if someone falls through the ice, use a hockey stick, rope, or anything that will reach them so you don't fall through the ice as well.