While we are well into this year’s Rexburg winter, as hard as it is to believe, there are still some students and faculty praying for colder weather.

These are the people who are involved in the BYU-Idaho ice hockey league, which is beginning its fourth season.

The reason for their prayers? The ice has not completely frozen yet, which is a trial for the members of the BYU-I ice hockey community.

“[The meted ice] impacts the tryouts, game times and game dates,” said Paul Davies, a sophomore from Singapore, and the BYU-I ice hockey student director.

Tryout dates have been set; however, they are dependent upon the weather and if the ice will be frozen.

Last season, because of the ice, practices and games were held as early as 5:30 a.m., and some games happened as late as 10 p.m.

This year the league has planned for each of the six teams to play six games before the start of the tournament, but that is still up in the air.

“Two practices a week, plus the games, plus the school using it for public use — there might not be enough time if the ice doesn’t cooperate,” Davies said.

Another challenge may be the lack of lighting. Last year the games were played in the Viking Stadium, where Davies said they couldn’t have had better lighting.

However, due its damaging affects to the stadium field, the ice rink has been moved to the Hart practice field on Viking Drive, where there is no lighting.

Arrangements are being made to fix that problem. Floodlights will be put up on each side of the rink to ensure proper lighting.

Students interested should check the ice hockey Web site at activities.byui.edu/athletics/hockey for updates with the ice.