While the National Hockey League makes a big deal out of its outdoor games, many local players also enjoy taking their game into the elements. On Saturday a group cleared a portion of Lake Arthur along the South Shore for pickup contests.

MUDDY CREEK TWP — Saturday's snow kept many people indoors.

However, some brave weekend athletes brought their ice skates and hockey sticks to take advantage of the cold at Moraine State Park.

At Pleasant Valley Beach on the South Shore, more than 20 people played hockey on Lake Arthur.

They estimated that the ice was nearly a foot thick, and said it took about an hour to clear the playing area of snow.

Doug Bowser of Butler, who organized the game, said playing outside creates a great atmosphere.

“You don't get that feeling in an ice rink,” Bowser said.

His brother, Dave Bowser of Valencia, said the normally 30 minute drive to the park took more than an hour.

“It was pretty bad,” he said.

But he said this winter has been the best in several years to play on the lake because of the cold.

The Bowsers grew up on Pleasant Valley Road, close to the lake, and would often come to play hockey when they were young. Dave Bowser said when they received hockey gear as Christmas presents, they would go right out to the lake to play.

Jordan English of Butler said the group tries to play as often as it can.

“When it's cold enough, every weekend,” English said.

He said that playing on a lake is a remarkable experience that is different from playing indoors or on a man-made rink.

“There's some kind of majestic feeling being out on the lake,” English said.

Nate Bresnahan of Butler agreed.

“It's just nice playing in a natural environment, where hockey came from,” Bresnahan said.

But it wasn't just the hockey players having fun.

Frank Sturm and Wanda Holton of Johnstown spent their morning ice fishing at McDanel's Launch on the North Shore.They said the ice was about 9 inches thick there.To stay warm, they brought a pop-up hut. Despite their efforts, all they caught were two bluegill.“Not too good. They weren't biting,” Sturm said.Sturm and Holton drove 90 miles to the park in more than two hours. It normally takes about an hour and 45 minutes.“Snowed the whole way,” Sturm said.However, they did not have to worry about a drive back in the snow that day since they had rented a cabin in the park.

Nate Bresnahan of Butler heads up ice Saturday during a game on frozen Lake Arthur.