.png){kind=logo}
The latest New York Times Strands puzzle has arrived, and today’s theme is particularly exciting for ice hockey fans. Whether players are keen followers of the sport or simply enjoy the challenge of word puzzles, today’s edition presents a thrilling test of vocabulary and knowledge.
For those unfamiliar, Strands is a daily word game published by the New York Times, challenging players to identify words hidden within a grid that connects to a central theme. To progress, players must find words of at least four letters, which in turn reveal hints leading to the main themed words. Completing the puzzle requires uncovering all the hidden words, including the spangram a special theme-related word that spans across the board.
Today's theme is: Ice Packs
If that clue does not provide enough guidance, an additional hint is: Five for fighting. This reference is well known among hockey enthusiasts, alluding to the five-minute penalty given for fighting in the sport.
Players struggling to find the key theme words can uncover them by identifying three words with at least four letters. Here are some example words that contribute towards unlocking hints:
STED, LIGHT, LIGHTING, JEST, REAL, STEAL, MILD, WHILE, DING, TALE, TALES, STALE, METE, MEAD, STAND, WIGHT, TING, MALE.
Any four-letter or longer word will suffice, so players are encouraged to explore different combinations to progress.
For those needing further assistance, here are today’s answers relating to the Ice Packs theme:
JETS, WILD, DEVILS, SHARKS, AVALANCHE, LIGHTNING
These words reference well-known National Hockey League (NHL) teams, making this a delightful puzzle for fans of the sport.
The spangram—the crucial word that connects the entire puzzle—is HOCKEYTEAM. Players can locate it by starting with the H positioned five rows from the right, at the very bottom of the grid. From there, the word winds across and upwards to complete the puzzle.
This edition of Strands provides a unique challenge with a clear nod to the sport of ice hockey. Whether players solved it independently or needed a few hints along the way, today’s puzzle is sure to have been an enjoyable experience.
