It was colder inside than it was outside....Paradice, they called it... it was about to become Hell for eight adventure-hungry Designworkers from the Auckland office, plus a Dutch ring-in, recently lost to DDB.

We spent the first 30 minutes standing on the sidelines (1 metre back – the sign warned us of danger), watching an under-19’s side playing an under-16’s Auckland rep side. These guys were amazing and it became apparent that changing direction at speed and remaining on one’s feet was going to be the challenge for the night. Two players got sent off for ‘bashing’ each other, although there was no blood spilt... yet.

As the final minutes of this curtain-raiser counted down, we headed to the Skate Hire window to get suited and booted ready for the big game. Skates? Check. Helmet? Check. Elbow pads? Check. Shin pads? Check. Stick? Check. Adrenaline? Definitely check!

Once the ice-smoothing machine had done its work around the rink, we were up. Damian-the-Demon Alexander, Matt-the-Monster Hammond, Dave-the-Terminator Black, Michael-the-Majestic Barron; Anzac-the-Warrior Tasker, Michiel-the-Flying Dutchman Cox, Eddie-the-Eagle Berla, Devin-the-bloody-show-off Fennel, and the only girl brave (or insane) enough to line up, Sam-the-Dominator Weaver. Frolllicking-Bex-Deere showed up for a bit of sideline moral support, and Tracey-the-Click Alexander was on hand to capture each moment in all its digital glory.

It was a hairy few minutes as we all got the feel of the ice under our blades, but once the pucks appeared it was every man for himself. A few minutes of practice over, and Devin had us lining up for a bit of four-on-four action. The sticks were flying, the puck was not and there was a fair bit of time spent lying down in various awkward poses as each one of us hit the deck.

As we warmed to the feel of the ice, and warmed up the shocked and dumbfounded muscles, the moves started to come together. The Flying Dutchman showed some class with his European flair, and The Terminator became the one to beat as his commitment had him chasing every shot and even landing a couple in the net.

The Demon was everywhere with The Warrior scuppering every move – boom – and another one hits the ice! More goals, more high-fives (very tricky in the gloves while maintaining one’s balance).

As our confidence rose, the falls became ever more spectacular and The Dominator took a tumble – resulting in an overstretched left hamstring only minutes from the final spell. She soldiered on for a bit but had to limp off for fear of further damage.

Majestic and Monster came to blows with sticks flying and at least one face hitting the ice, but all in good sport and one final fling from The Terminator saw the game to its conclusion and Dave's head up against the side wall.

All in all a fantastic experience and one that in the delirium of the moment was promised to be repeated on a regular basis. Thanks to Devin for the ultimate Canadian experience and to all those who took part for their sheer commitment and madness. Great fun.