So you’re the king of the cul-de-sac and now you’ve signed up to play in an organized league. Here are some tips to help you avoid looking like a total noob your first game.
Before the Game
- Study the rules of hockey, particularly offsides and icing
- Bring your own water and tape. Don’t use anyone else’s without asking
- Make sure all your equipment is in your bag, ready to go; and know how to put it on
- Ask your linemates if they open the gate during changes or if you are expected to climb over
During Warm-Ups
- Your first shot on goal shouldn’t be your fanciest deke, just something simple until the goalie loosens up
- Don’t take a shot until 1) The goalie has acknowledged you and 2) Nobody is standing near the net
- Stay on your half, give the opposing team their space
- Only go behind the net if you are retrieving pucks
- Practice passing, not just shooting
During the Game
- Get off the ice if you’re tired! Even if it’s only been one minute
- Observe your team’s playing style. Don’t try to coach them just yet
- If you’re the best player on your team, move up to the next league
- If you’re the worst on the team, hustle! A good work ethic can compensate for a lot
- Don’t celebrate excessively after a goal, especially during a regular season game
- There is no place for fighting in a league where people have to get up and go to work the next day
After the Game
- After it’s all said and done, shake hands and say “good game”
- Thank the ref for officiating. It’s not a fun job and it’s nice to feel appreciated
- Hang out in the locker room to fraternize with your team and discuss how you could improve.
- Bring a pen so you can sign autographs 🙂
I love the "no fighting cause you have to work the next day" rule.
Awesome.