Hockey is one of the most popular sports in North America. If you live in Canada or the US, chances are you’ve seen someone in hockey gear before. The sport was first played in Canada in the 1800s, and while it has since become a global pastime, it still retains its distinct Canadian identity. Every November, millions of fans tune in to CBC Hockey Night in Canada, to watch iconic broadcasters and colorful guests give expert analysis of all the major NHL games. But what should you wear for hockey?
NHL games can be a bit chaotic, especially during the season. There are a lot of sliding, jumping, and generally speedy players around, which makes for some pretty wild collisions. If you love to watch hockey and think you have what it takes to be a real contender, now is the time to put your skills to the test and lace up your skates! But first, you’ll need to make sure you’re prepared for the rigors of the game, including what to wear.
Table of Contents
On The Ice, You’ll Need Something Comfortable
It’s not just about looking cool during the game, you’ll also need to be comfortable on the ice. Wearing the wrong equipment can make you feel a little bit out of place, not to mention completely impotent. Before you put on your gear, it’s important to make sure that you’re wearing the proper attire. If you’re not sure about what to wear, ask an experienced Ice Hockey Mom or Dad (grandma and grandpa are okay too). They’ll be able to give you some helpful tips on what to pack, what to wear, and how to feel confident and comfortable on the ice.
When it comes to what to wear for play, there are a few basic principles that apply:
- Wear layers. It’s important to be able to regulate your body temperature, so unless you’re planning on taking a dive, layering your clothing is essential.
- Loose, but not too loose. Avoid clothing that’s too baggy, which can cause you to lose your stick grip. Also, make sure that your apparel isn’t too snug either, otherwise you may find yourself struggling to move around or stay in position on the ice.
- White is the ideal color. While some people believe that choosing one color in particular can enhance your performance, others feel that a white outfit will reflect the snowflakes perfectly and make you appear bigger, faster, and more powerful.
- Familiarity breeds confidence. When you play a game you’ve seen or done before, it helps you to feel more at ease and confident. Familiarity can also breed contempt, however, so make sure that you don’t get too comfortable in your own company or you could find yourself getting careless.
While there are a lot of tips and tricks for playing hockey successfully, it’s also important to remember that confidence is one of the most important factors. As a beginner, it’s easy for your nerves to get the better of you, which negatively impacts your game. If you are feeling tense or worried about making a mistake, you’ll undoubtedly feel off-balance and clumsy, and that won’t inspire confidence in your fans or yourself! So remember to relax, have fun, and play your best game. If you do feel nervous, just take a quick glance in the mirror and remind yourself that you’re doing your best, and that’s all anyone can ask of you.
On The Ice, You’ll Need Something Tough
When you’re competing in a game, you’ll need something tough that can take the punishment. As it turns out, the ice isn’t the only thing feeling your wrath either. Checking is an essential part of the game, and the contact can be a bit brutal. If you don’t have the thickest skull nor the sturdiest neck you’re headed for a poor hockey experience. When it comes to your ice rink, you want to choose the right equipment that will give you the best chance of holding your own during those fast-paced hockey games. Of course, you don’t want to go overboard and end up weighing yourself down either, so make sure that you’re equipped with the right pair of skates and helmet.
Aside from your head and your neck, you also have another weak link that needs to be protected: your ankles. When you’re in a rush to throw a hit or try to fight for the puck, your ankle might get the best of you. If that happens, you’re going to be in big trouble, because when you can’t skate, you can’t play, and that’s the end of the story. When selecting your ankle protection, make sure that it’s high-quality and that it’s comfortable, which means it has to fit snugly but not so much that it cuts off your blood circulation. Your socks and your shoes should also be able to keep your feet warm and dry, and they should fit comfortably around your ankles to prevent any slippage or sliding, which could cause you to stumble or fall. There are a lot of hockey boots and socks that you can choose from, so make sure you try on a few pairs before deciding.
If you want to go above and beyond the call of duty, you can find a number of wrist guards that can protect your wrist from getting injured when you’re hitting or blocking shots. If a player is trying to take your stick or if they overextend themselves, your wrist can get the best of them. In that case, it might be smart not to use your hands at all but to protect your wrist with a wrist guard instead. Besides, you can also protect your ears from getting damaged by throwing heavy hits or blocking shots with earmuffs, which can be attached to your helmet with some magnets. Just make sure that they’re comfortable and that they don’t obstruct your hearing too much so you can hear teammates and coaches correctly.
Off The Ice, You’ll Need Something For The Stands
When you arrive at the rink, the last thing you want to do is start unloading all your gear. The process of getting dressed for the game can take a while, and the last thing you need is to be scrambling to find your skates because they were on the bottom of the pile the whole time. Once you’re finally ready, you can head for the stands, where Mom, Dad, Grandma, and Grandpa have been patiently waiting for your arrival. One thing you’ll need to avoid is having your cell phone in your hands while you’re in the stands. It’s important to leave your phone at home, because apart from the fact that many rinks have a no phone policy, you never know when you might need it. Maybe an old phone will break or stop working, and then you’ll be forced to do some serious hanky-panky to get it to work again. If that’s the case, you don’t want to be distracted by your phone.
When you get to the stands, you’ll want to find a place to sit. There are a few rules that apply when it comes to ice hockey, and one of them is that you have to sit in the same section all the time. The advantage of this is that it gives you the opportunity to meet other fans who share your passion for the game, which can be rather exciting. Some rinks also have special groups of seating that can make the process of finding your section a little easier. If you live in Canada or the USA, you might want to look into these luxury boxes or tickets because they can provide you with some excellent vantage points, especially from the front row. This way, you can enjoy the game and take in all the action without having to strain your neck too much.
In Your House, You’ll Need Something For The TV Set
Speaking of straining your neck, one of the main reasons why people watch hockey is because of all the elaborate stunts and breathtaking plays that the players and coaches get up to. If you have a large TV, you can always install a projector screen so that you can beam all the action directly onto the wall. Doing this can really enhance your viewing experience, especially when you’re watching a game with your friends and family. This is where having a fully equipped home gym comes in handy too, because you can use the weight room to practice your stick handling and puck moving without having to go to a rink or an outdoor space. In your home gym, there are no other rules except for the ones that apply in your own backyard. You can take a hit, you can throw a hit, and you can block a hit, as long as you’re safe.