Super Chexx

Super Chexx is a table top arcade ice hockey game manufactured by Innovative Concepts in Entertainment (ICE) (http://www.icegame.com). ICE began manufacturing these table hockey games in 1982 and continues production to this day in Clarence, New York just outside of Buffalo. It is also known as bubble hockey or [http://www.cyclicamp.ca/boobla/ "Boobla"] because of the very distinguished dome that covers the playfield. The gameplay is fast and realistic, as the players on either side control all five hockey players and the goalie. The game can be found in many entertainment centers, arcades, bars, restaurants, pubs, bowling alleys, ice rinks and pool halls, and is has been sold in over 52 different countries worldwide. Vintage versions of the game feature the USA vs. Russia, Canada vs. Russia, or USA vs. Canada formats.

The early versions of the game were made with Blue bases, and most of the games now are made with Red bases. There was a limited edition of 100 (2005) that were made with Black bases. The first Black bases were made for a Bubble Boys Tournament with Wayne Gretzky and Bud Light (1999). Although most games spend their life in an arcade, there are many happy owners that proudly house their systems in their basements. Many areas of the US even have local fan sites and local tournaments. Owners are known to customize their games with hand painted players sporting their favorite NHL Teams (and players) and even their rivals.

Players control their five skaters with long rods that move in and out to bring skaters up and down the ice and spin 360 degrees. A knob is used to move the goalie from side to side. Each player also has access to a boo button, allowing them to express their displeasure via crowd sound effects (also tying in with the "Boobla" moniker). Although Super Chexx is commonly played 1 on 1 (singles), many players enjoy 2 on 2 (doubles) play just as much.

Annual Super Chexx Bubble Hockey Tournaments

Many Super Chexx tournaments are held locally throughout the United States and Canada each year. The International Bubble Hockey Federation (IBHF) and the St. Louis Blues (hockey) held a large national Super Chexx tournament in March 2006 with over 40 participants. This has been the largest independently run tournament in Bubble Hockey history. This event was repeated on March 9-10, 2007. While there are no plans for a 2008 tournament, the Blues have suggested that they might be back to host an event in 2009. Informations on other tournaments throughout North America can be found by clicking on the Chexxfan link below.

Super Chexx Bubble Hockey Leagues and Organizations

[http://www.ibhf.net International Bubble Hockey Federation (IBHF)]

[http://www.chexxfan.com Chexxfan.com]

[http://www.7thelement.net/SC/SC_Main.html Canada's National Bubble Hockey League]

[http://www.njbubblehockey.org New Jersey Bubble Hockey]

[http://www.sovsbarcade.com/nnybhl.html Northern New York Bubble Hockey League]

[http://houstonbubblehockey.blogspot.com/ Houston Bubble Hockey]