It’s that time of year again. The puck is on the ice, the beer is in the fridge, and you’re eagerly awaiting the start of hockey season. There are a few things you need to know before you begin your routine. First, how long is practice? Second, where do you practice? Third, who are your teammates? And finally, how is the weather up there? Is it cold or hot?
How Long Is Practice?
The answer to this question will depend on where you live. Many major cities have two or three professional hockey teams. Therefore, the season is longer and the practice more frequent. For instance, the Buffalo Sabres have 34 home games in 2019-20, resulting in a total of 69 practices. Similarly, the Chicago Blackhawks have 33 home games this season, resulting in 64 practices. In Toronto, there are three teams: the Maple Leafs, the Marlies, and the Raptors. Therefore, the season will be longer and the practice more frequent. In the case of the Leafs, there are 66 practices this season. For the Marlies and the Raptors, there will be 64 practices.
On the opposite end of the spectrum, some cities only have one professional hockey team. Thus, the season is shorter, which means there are fewer practices. For example, the New York Islanders only have 11 home games this season, resulting in 18 practices. Similarly, the Tampa Bay Lightning have 12 home games this season, resulting in 24 practices.
Where Do You Practice?
The location of your practice will depend on your professional team’s arena. If you follow the Buffalo Sabres, you’ll have to practice in the KeyBank Center. If you are a part of the Toronto Maple Leafs, you’ll have to practice at the Air Canada Centre. In the case of the Islanders, you’ll have to practice at the Barclays Center. And you can add the Tampa Bay Lightning to that list as well.
There are a few basic guidelines to follow when choosing where to practice. First, look for a good surface. The ice should be smooth and uniform in appearance. Second, find a quiet place to practice. No one wants to practice in an area with a lot of noise, especially not the people around you. Third, ensure that the place you choose is equipped with the appropriate sports equipment. Finally, make sure that the location you choose is close to your home. This minimizes the number of times you have to travel during the season, which means less money and more time with your family.
Who Are Your Teammates?
Your hockey team’s roster will determine your practice partners. You may not always have the luxury of picking your ideal teammates, but you should at least have some idea of who will be on the same team as you. For instance, if you’re on the Buffalo Sabres, you’ll most likely have Tim Murray, Riley Sheahan, and Carter Hutton as your practice partners. Keep in mind that your teammates can change at any time, so you may not end up with the exact same team. As long-time coach Scotty Bowman once said, “You can’t manage chemistry. It just happens.”
Is It Cold Or Hot Up There?
You’ll have to check the weather in your area to determine how warm the winters are and how cold the winters are. If you’re from a cold climate, you’ll need to prepare for the extreme temperatures that come with it. When it comes to wearing warm clothes during practice, most people have a hard time believing it’s necessary. After all, the puck isn’t going to break any bones, and the ice will keep you warm.
On the other hand, if you’re from a place where it gets cold, you’ll need to prepare for the extreme cold that comes with it. When playing in the heat, most people will overcompensate by wearing fewer clothes than they would usually wear. This can result in overheating or risking injury. When choosing your equipment, take the climate into consideration. For instance, if it’s very hot and sunny where you are, you might want to choose a different helmet than usual.
Routine
Once you have your location and teammates, you can begin to put together your daily practice routine. Begin by giving yourself a mental and physical break from the responsibilities of everyday living. Instead, focus on what you need to do to be ready for the upcoming season. When preparing for a new season, it’s important to follow a routine that helps you get in the right mindset. This article will discuss three things you need to include in your practice routine to prepare for the season.
Hydration
When you arrive at the practice rink, you’re going to be exhausted. It’s not easy commuting to and from the rink, especially after a long day at work. To prepare for the season, drink plenty of water in the days leading up to practice. If you’re not sure how much hydration your body needs, ask your doctor or a nutritionist. However, it’s not recommended to drink more than eight glasses of water per day. This can result in bladder irritation. In the days leading up to a big game, drink even more water. This will ensure that your body is hydrated and prepared for the competition.
Exercise
You’re going to be running around after the puck a lot during the season, so it’s important to keep your body in good shape. The best way to do this is through regular exercise. If you work out at home, you can do a quick 30-minute workout before practice. This will help get your blood pumping and ease your body into the practice routine. However, you must listen to your body. If you feel like you’re not improving even after doing this workout, it might be time to take a break from exercising.
Mental Preparedness
To be able to play at your best, you need to be mentally prepared as well. This means getting into the right mindset, which can be difficult if you’re not used to it. The best way to do this is by setting aside some time each day to prepare. If you can, try to do this in the days leading up to a big game. Visit the place you’ll be playing, get a feel for the atmosphere, and begin to think about a few scenarios that could occur during the game. This will help bring you mentally into the right state of mind.
Off The Ice
Once you have your location, teammates, and practice routine, you’re ready to move onto the next step. You’ll need a place to stay during the season, so consider finding a house-share with some friends or family. This will take the stress out of driving to and from the rink, and you can resume your normal life. While you’re there, take advantage of the situation and explore the area. Visit the places you’ll be going to during the season and get a feel for the ambiance. This will help you choose the right location for your practice. Finally, don’t forget to have some fun. Make it a point to go out and have some drinks with your teammates after practice. This will boost your spirits and remind you why you’re there in the first place.
If you want to be at your best, you need to put in the work. It’s not easy to attain world-class status in something you’re not used to, but you can do it with the right routine. By following these guidelines, you’ll put yourself in the best position to succeed.