You want to play hockey? Great! Just follow these simple tips and you’ll be able to assemble all the pieces you need to set up a rink in your backyard.
Table of Contents
Get All The Gear
Hockey requires a lot of gear. You have the helmet, the shoulder pads, the chest protector, the elbow pads, the shin guards, and the skates. You don’t want to play without any of these items, and they don’t just appear in a hockey store. Each piece of gear is manufactured by a specific company, and they each have a different look and feel. Trying on different helmets can be like trying on different hairstyles. You need to try on a few before you find one that you like. Same with the shoulder pads, the chest protector, the shin guards, and the skates.
Find A Skater Or In-line Skate
If you’re looking for a place to skate, the best option is your local roller rink. They will have the accessories you need, and they will also have the experience of knowing how to run a great rink. On the other hand, if you’re looking for a place to practice your hockey skills, the best option is your local ice rink. They will have the large ice surface you need to do your pushups on, and they will also have the security of a building that is likely to protect you from falling snowballs and stray balls.
The downside to an ice rink is that it is chilly. You can’t do anything about the cold weather, but you can be sure that when the rink is frozen, it’s safe to practice. If the temperature is above 60 degrees Fahrenheit, the ice will be in good condition for hours, so you’ll have plenty of time to practice.
Practice On A Few Rinks Before The Season
You don’t want to waste your time training on an ice rink that is a few degrees above freezing. Once the ice starts to break down, it becomes easier for the ball to bounce around, and this makes it more difficult to learn how to check and how to avoid getting hit. It’s best to find a few rinks near your house and practice on those before the season starts. If the weather isn’t good and you have to travel far, it’s better to practice at a rink closer to home than it is to risk playing on a damaged ice surface.
Only Skate On Ice During The Winter
You’re used to going to school in the winter, so it’s no surprise that you want to spend your time outdoors playing hockey. There is, however, a big difference between school and outdoor hockey. When the temperatures are below freezing, only skating on ice will keep you warm. When the temperatures are above freezing, it’s best to use a pair of goggles and a snowsuit with a hood. Your nose will also appreciate the extra warmth from the inside.
Do Your Research
When you’re looking for the best place to skate, it’s important to do some research. You don’t want to play on a rink with no seats, for example, or one that is too large, making it difficult to control the puck. There are also speed chairs that you can use to enhance your skating experience. Some rinks will have different periods for girls and boys, so it’s important to check the rules before you begin playing. In some cases, there is also a maximum number of participants per period, so make sure you’re not going to break the law by having more people than allowed on the ice at one time. Knowing the rules beforehand will stop you from having to deal with unexpected extra challenges once the game starts.
The bottom line is that playing hockey isn’t as easy as it looks. You need to spend a lot of time getting all the gear together, and then you have to find a place to practice. If you follow these simple tips, however, you will not have any trouble playing hockey in your backyard. Doing your research beforehand is also a good idea so that you don’t have to worry about any legal issues once the game starts. Having fun while also being safe is what you want, so make sure you’re prepared for that challenge by following these helpful tips.