WWII ice hockey

[Brett]

I am a hockey fan, so am looking for any pictures of WWII armed forces
playing hockey on their breaks. The Canadians were in Holland in winter
’44/’45, so I assume there were many games on the canals there.

In looking around the web, I have just come across the picture below.
If any of you all come across anything else, I’d appreciate seeing it.

Note to moderator:

I got this picture from:

Prints

I am not sure about copy right laws, so please remove the picture if
it violates any. I would think they would love to have the advertising
(there is other artwork for sale here), but then I’m not a lawyer …


This website had the following about the picture:

The original painting of "Hockey in the Duff or They Just Have to be Canadians" was exhibited at the American Society of Aviation Artists juried show at The United States Air Force Museum from January 30 to June 26, 2004. …

During the Second World War all branches of the Canadian Military played hockey when time, location, weather and the enemy allowed. Play varied from organised leagues to pickup games and even took place in POW camps.

RCAF members stood out as being particularly zealous in finding ways to have games. In England, on one base, an outdoor rink was constructed complete with boards and fan seating. When the need for a roof was identified, they managed to scrounge up the materials required. Due to engineering concerns a support column was added that came to be placed near center ice. Needless to say this had to be avoided at all costs during a game.

When the 2nd Tactical Air Force moved to the continent after D-Day several Canadian Fighter, Fighter Bomber and Recognisance Wings went with it. During the winter of 44-45 the YMCA organised games in Holland and other locales. This lead to a playoff between the different Wings to see who would go back to England to compete against the Bomber 'Pros' from No.6 Group. 126 Wing (Spitfire) won over the other Spitfire Wings and then the Typhoon Wings' champion. They were beaten quite soundly by the 'Bomber Boys' in the final, though the trip to England probably mitigated any disappointment.

Depicted here pilots from a RCAF Typhoon Squadron take advantage of some 'Duff' weather and a patch of ice to get in a quick game. The two 'Urks' on the wing are taking a break from their duties to watch the action.

(I assume 'Duff' is Canadian slang for bad weather, & 'Urks' is mechanics? I have never seen these words before)