A rink without ice
In Augusta, Georgia, a modest tennis court has been transformed into a makeshift ball‑hockey arena, its lines painted in bright white and its corners bounded by borrowed fencing.
The brain behind this improvisation is Ty Mercer, who launched the Ball Hockey Group in 2018 to keep the sport alive where traditional ice rinks are scarce.
What began as a small gathering of enthusiasts quickly gathered momentum through word‑of‑mouth, aided by connections with personnel at nearby Fort Gordon, and now draws players from as far away as Columbia, South Carolina, and Statesboro.
The court’s modest dimensions force participants to adapt, but the community embraces the challenge, using portable nets and repurposed equipment to mimic the feel of a real rink.
From pickup games to organized leagues
Over the years the group has expanded into a structured league, launching its inaugural full‑season Augusta Ball Hockey League last year.
A travel squad dubbed the Swamp Monsters now competes in regional tournaments, showcasing the talent that has emerged from this grassroots effort.
Organizers rely on digital tools such as the BenchApp and social‑media groups to schedule games, track rosters and keep the community connected.
The recent arrival of the Augusta Lynx, a professional franchise, has heightened expectations that increased visibility will translate into more youth programs and broader participation.
Behind the scenes, the National Ball Hockey League provides a framework and rulebook that help standardize play across the region, offering a formal structure for a sport that often lives in the shadows.
For many involved, the court is more than a place to play; it is a hub of camaraderie, fitness and local pride, proving that dedication can turn any surface into a home for hockey.