In 2000, a noted political scientist named Robert Putnam completed years of research into the decline of “social capital” in the United States. Social capital is an appraisal of the social connectedness of Americans, as calculated by civic, political, social and philanthropic participation.

Putnam’s work revealed that our social capital, on the doorstep of the 21st century, had entered a deep trough, and our social bonds were brittle. He used the analogy of “bowling alone” to describe this scenario, inspired by plummeting membership of American bowling leagues.

“In small ways like this – and in larger ways, too – we Americans need to reconnect with one another,” Putnam, a Harvard professor, wrote to summarize his argument.

Putnam should agree there’s few better remedies to “bowling alone” than some old-fashioned pond hockey.

The few dozen pond hockey players who suited up in Rangeley this past weekend, however, didn’t know they were reversing a mournful societal trend. Most were just a bunch of adults looking to play a young man’s game, and recapture the vigorousness of youth and the spirit of competition.

We’re glad they did.

The first New England Pond Hockey tournament, held at Haley Pond in Rangeley, was a rousing example of how communities in Maine can invigorate a quiet winter’s weekend with an event for all ages, and unite people around a simple concept – love of a childhood sport – for the benefit of locals, and visitors, alike.

Other Maine towns have embraced this concept. In Camden, for example, the town has become synonymous with competitive toboggan racing. Two and three-person teams cruise down a 400-foot mountainside chute – the fastest in about 17 seconds – before careening across the frozen pond below.

The event, which is held annually at the seaside town’s public recreational area, is billed as the U.S. Toboggan Nationals, and draws thousands for weekend festivities. Restaurants are full, hotels and motels are booked, and the event has drawn the attention of ESPN and Sports Illustrated in recent years.

Though the chute is open to all, the toboggan races are really for the locals. “Bowling alone” is replaced with sledding together, at least for one weekend. Officials in Rangeley believe there is the same local support for pond hockey, as well as the opportunity to boost the area economy.

And pond hockey, as a cool sport, is getting hot. The U.S. Pond Hockey Championships in Minnesota were launched with fanfare in 2005, and earned sponsorship this year from the Minnesota Wild of the National Hockey League. The competition has experienced an explosion of interest, and expanded from 116 to 222 teams in its two years of existence.

The pond hockey tournament in Rangeley has the same potential. We urge its founders to capitalize on this capital idea and make it an annual happening.