First day of the sport in motion commemorative stamps "Ice stock sport, ice hockey, and figure skating"
Ice hockey
Speed on ice
The series "Sport in motion" is dedicated this time to the movement patterns involved in various ice sports. One of these activities is ice hockey.
Ice hockey is a very fast-paced, physically intense team sport. Games in which a ball is moved with sticks on ice are depicted in Dutch paintings from the 17th century, but modern ice hockey originated in Canada, where it remains the national sport to this day. During colonisation, European soldiers brought ball-and-stick games to Canada, from which modern ice hockey evolved over the course of the 19th century. The first documented indoor ice hockey match took place in Montreal in 1875. In 1877, the ball was replaced by the flat puck. The game quickly spread in Europe as well, especially after the construction of the first artificial ice rinks. The first official ice hockey match in Europe was held in Vienna in 1900, and the Austrian Ice Hockey Federation was founded in 1912. Ice hockey has been an Olympic discipline since 1920, with the first Ice Hockey World Championships taking place in the same year. Women's competitions have only existed since the 1990s.
An ice hockey team consists of five outfield players and a goalkeeper, all equipped with specialised protective gear. A game lasts three periods of 20 minutes each (net time), though frequent stoppages make the actual duration significantly longer. The fast-paced gameplay, physical confrontations, and numerous goals make ice hockey a spectacular sport.
Figure skating
Art on ice
The series "Sport in motion" is dedicated this time to the movement patterns involved in various ice sports. One of these activities is figure skating.
As far back as the Neolithic period, people used skates made from animal bones to move across the ice, using a stick to push themselves along. In modern times, this evolved into a popular social pastime, from which the disciplines of speed skating and figure skating developed. In 1863, American Jackson Haines designed a special skating boot with screwed-on steel blades, allowing skaters to perform figures, spins, and jumps. Major competitions began to judge both artistic expression and technical execution, while artificial ice rinks were constructed, and international regulations were established. The first World Championships for men were held in 1896, with women’s and pairs’ events introduced a few years later. In 1908, figure skating became the first winter sport to be included in the Olympic Games.
Today, figure skating boots have toe picks, which are especially important for executing jumps. Competitions feature singles events for women and men, pair skating, and ice dance. Each includes a short programme and a free skate. Unlike figure skating, ice dance does not allow jumps. Beyond competitive sports and recreational skating, elaborately staged ice shows with colourful costumes, dance, acrobatics, and music have captivated audiences since the 1940s, when they became popular as "ice revues."
Ice stock sport
Precision on ice
The series "Sport in motion" is dedicated this time to the movement patterns involved in various ice sports. One of these activities is ice stock sport.
This precision sport focuses on hitting the target as accurately as possible. In team competitions, the target is the Daube, a small disc placed on the centre cross within the target area. The ice stock is launched from the designated area onto the ice and should glide as close to the Daube as possible. Opponents’ ice stocks can be knocked away, and the Daube itself can also be displaced. However, if it lands outside the target area, it is repositioned on the centre cross. Points are awarded to the team whose ice stocks are closest to the Daube. In addition to team matches, target and distance competitions are also held.
Ice stock sport is not only played competitively by clubs but is also a popular leisure activity. Its origins are likely in Scandinavia, but it is especially widespread in the Alpine region. In rural areas, it is often played on frozen lakes. In these traditional versions, the rules are generally less strict, and homemade ice stocks are frequently used. The first European Championships took place in 1951, followed by the inaugural Ice Stock World Championships in 1983. Despite its popularity, ice stock sport is not yet an Olympic discipline. Besides the traditional version played on ice, the sport is also practised on asphalt or synthetic surfaces.
When?
22 January 2025, 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., presentation at 10:00 a.m.
Where?
Federation of Austrian Philately Associations, Getreidemarkt 1, 1060 Vienna
Group picture:
Picture of presentation: © VÖPh
Group picture, left to right:
Susanna Hiegesberger (stamp archive curator, Austrian Post), Helmut Kogler (President, Federation of Austrian Philately Associations), Anita Kern (stamp artist)
