If you’re looking for a fun and exciting way to while away the winter months, consider taking up hockey as a hobby or as a potential career path. The Winter Olympics begin in just under a month, which means that the hockey season is almost over. This is almost certainly good news for hockey fans, but probably not for those seeking guidance on starting a hockey family. There are many expenses associated with hockey that you might not have considered, so let’s take a look at just how much they are and what you might need to know.
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Hockey Equipment
One of the first expenses that you’re likely to incur when getting into hockey is buying equipment. Aside from the obvious need to purchase a hockey kit (sweatshirt, T-shirt, and hockey pants), you may also want to consider investing in some goaltender equipment as well. There is no set price for hockey equipment, so you may want to shop around for the best deals. However, it is generally accepted that the better the equipment, the better the game. If you want to pursue this sport seriously, consider buying top-notch equipment as soon as possible because better equipment will make you perform better and allow you to have more fun.
Hockey Rental
If you want to play hockey but don’t have your own ice rink, you’re in luck because there are many rental venues across the country that you can use. It is highly recommended by the NHPA that you look into the quality of the ice at these rinks before renting out a space for a game. If you don’t have a lot of money to spend on equipment, consider renting a high-quality rink for a couple of hours so that you can have some fun. Remember: you’ll have to bring your equipment with you, so make sure that it’s all taken care of before heading out to the rink.
Hockey Camps
One of the things that make the Winter Olympics so exceptional is the fact that it features the world’s best hockey players competing against each other. It is no secret that the best players are usually the ones that have been going to camps all summer long, honing their craft and getting ready for the upcoming season. There are many reputable camps that offer excellent training programs for those that want to pursue a career in hockey. One of the largest camps in the U.S., Hockey Wilderness, offers a camp designed specifically for prospective collegiate hockey players. The cost of these camps can range anywhere from around $2500 to $6000, which is pretty significant if you’re looking for financial assistance.
The Ice Rink
Just because the season is over at the professional level doesn’t mean that you can’t continue playing hockey. Many rinks remain open throughout the country for public use, which you can use for free. However, it is important to remember that these rinks are not maintained by the city, so they may not be the safest or the cleanest surfaces around. Despite this, it is generally a fun and exciting game that you can play on your own terms, so long as you have a willing partner.
Hockey Sticks
While it isn’t necessary to have expensive equipment to play hockey, it is important to have the proper equipment. One of the most essential pieces of gear for any hockey player is the hockey stick. There are many different brands and styles of hockey sticks available, each with their pros and cons. It is important to find a comfortable stick that allows you to effectively transfer your power to the puck while also maintaining aerodynamics and balance. These are just some of the things to consider when shopping for a hockey stick.
NHL Stadium
If you’re an avid fan of the sport, you may also want to consider investing in some NHL Stadium tickets. The NHPA (National Hockey League, Players’ Association) controls the game schedule and tickets for all of the home games, so it’s a good idea to secure your spot as soon as possible. It’s also important to remember that the tickets are not cheap, generally starting at around $100 per game and going up from there. If you don’t have that kind of money to spend on tickets to see your favorite team play, you may want to consider watching the games on TV or catching them live from another city.
Getting into hockey is both exciting and expensive, which is why you should only consider doing this if you’re truly passionate about the sport. Aside from the obvious need for equipment, you may also want to think about investing in some ice time at a public rink so that you can continue playing the game that you love. It’s not like buying a franchise in the NBA where you’ll only need to pay for the privilege of playing on your own court. Every season in hockey is different, so it’s important to keep an open mind and be sure to adapt as you go.