Crossword Genius

Function outside the hockey season in Canada? (6)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

office

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'function' is the definition.
(synonyms)

'outside the hockey season in canada?' is the wordplay.
I cannot quite see how this works, but
'hockey' could be 'ice' (synonyms) and 'ice' is found within the answer.
The remaining letters 'off' is a valid word which might be clued in a way I don't see.
This may be the basis of the clue (or it may be nonsense).

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for office that I've seen before include "Professional or clerical duties are performed here" , "Post - place of work" , "Job - place of work" , "Workplace for white-collar workers" , "Position of authority" .)

I've seen this clue in The Independent.
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