Ragan, yeah there are tons of opportunities to play hockey on ice here, without actually having to pay or join a proper league.
My town just built a new sports complex that includes one Olympic sized rink and 3 NHL sized rinks. I know that it only costs about $3 to go and play hockey during their alloted times. [:D]
On the two smaller rinks you can sign up for 3-on-3 pond style hockey. LOTS of fun!
Hockey/Skating is such an everyday thing here in my town, that they don't even rent skates for the public skating times.
LOL, I remember a few years ago when my high school decided to buy some trees instead of having a football team one year. Of course, the hockey team still played like usual.
The ultimate and most fun hockey in my opinion is playing out on a cleared off pond or lake. Nothing beats that! Except for when you shoot the puck and it goes sliding off into the snow somewhere... [:(]