Let’s be honest, nobody really enjoys watching a hockey game. It’s stressful, it’s loud, and there’s a lot of action that can leave you confused as to what’s going on at times. However, if you happen to be a hockey player, then it’s a completely different story. There are hundreds of fans who tune in every week to see how you do, whether you’re playing well or not. Between the action on the ice and the fans’ reactions to the action, it can be a stressful time for a hockey player who is not performing well. It’s a job that requires a lot of mental focus, so many people might not even realize that you have to have a break from time to time to relax and recover.
What do hockey players do between periods? Let’s take a look.
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The Pre-Game Warm-Up
Hockey is a very physical sport, especially at the professional level. Even at the amateur level, people usually play with a lot of heart and energy, which can lead to injuries. Before each game, the hockey players must do a physical warm-up to prepare for the game. Some of the things they do include skating, stretching, and shooting practice with a puck. During the pre-game warm-up, the players get their muscles ready for the game and help their bodies stay prepared.
The Thaw Out
When the other team’s fans are chanting your name, and the ice is starting to thaw around you because the game has ended and the lights are coming on, that’s when you know that you’ve played an amazing game. Unfortunately, after the game is over, you have to get rid of the energy you’ve built up during the game, which is why the thaw out is a very important part of the process. After your last shift, you have about ten minutes to get your gear off and get your body temperature down before you head to the locker room. During the thaw out, you do not wear your uniform and remove all your equipment, except for your skates and helmet. While you’re at the same time trying to get rid of all your extra weight, you also make sure not to put any on your helmet or skates. Doing this helps prevent any injuries to your head or neck area. Once you’ve gotten rid of all your gear, including your sticks and gloves, you can finally relax and enjoy the off-ice treatment. This is basically a break from the action and allows you to get some relaxation time while the ice melts around you. Sometimes this includes getting a massage, having dinner with your family, or going for a walk with your dog. The point is you have to take a step away from the game and make sure you have all your body’s energy levels down before they become too low to play another game.
Eat Healthy
Being a hockey player does not automatically make you the quarterback of your team. You have to be strong enough to play the position, but also smart enough to know what foods will help you stay at that weight. If you want to be an effective player, you have to take care of your body and eat healthy food, especially during the offseason. In the off-season, it is important to focus on eating the right types of food. A lot of hockey players like to eat lots of fast food and lots of greasy, unhealthy food, but this is bad for their bodies and they know it. Instead, they eat fruit, vegetables, and lean meats to keep their bodies in good condition. This also means they can play at a high level for longer periods without getting injured or sick.
Hydration Is Key
To play hockey, you need to be hydrated. Even though you just played a full game and were probably on your feet for the entire duration, your body is still thirsty for water. Instead of drinking plenty of water during the day, which you should be doing anyway, drink enough to stay hydrated. Your coach will tell you when and how much you need to drink throughout the game. In most cases, you’ll need to drink more at the beginning of the game and less as the game goes on. Remember: your body is always thirstier at the end of a hard day of playing than at the beginning. This makes sense, as you have just run around for the majority of the day and drank less than you usually do. Another important thing about staying hydrated is avoiding dehydration. Dehydration makes you prone to injury and poor performance, so it’s best to stay hydrated at all times, even when you are at rest. To keep your body hydrated, you must drink water during the day, whether you’re at play or at rest. Never let your body get too dehydrated, as this can lead to health problems. Your coach may also suggest that you consume protein shakes or other nutritional supplements to help build muscle during the offseason. This would be considered part of your nutrition plan and it’s important you follow the instructions your coach gives you.
Avoid Stressful Living
It’s not always easy to be a hockey player; you have to be extremely determined and driven to achieve the best results possible. There are lots of different factors that can contribute to stress, such as trying to keep your body in good condition and making sure to eat the right food. One of the best things you can do for your mental health is to avoid situations and people that cause you stress. Do you have any roommates or fellow teammates who cause you stress? Is there anyone at work who causes you stress? Are you constantly worrying about money or needing a vacation? These are all things that can contribute to depression and anxiety. It is important you find ways to relax, so you can maintain a happy, healthy mental state. There are plenty of things you can do, aside from playing hockey, to reduce your stress. If you feel like your situation is becoming overwhelming, then it’s time for a change. Look for new opportunities and find a coach who can help you improve your game. The rest will follow.