What should I do in my first ice hockey game ?
So we have a questions from Kyle Jenkinson on Facebook. He wanted to know the Do’s and Don’ts of your first hockey game. We have get nervous before hockey game, those nerves are never as high as when you’re about to step onto the ice for your very first game.
First Ice Hockey Game tip 1 – What To Do And What Not To Do On Ice
HAVE FUN! We all play hockey to enjoy ourselves, so make sure each time you step onto the ice, you’re having fun. Remember the sport isn’t just a sport it’s a lifestyle, so make sure that you embrace every moment of that and enjoy your time on the ice.
First Ice Hockey Game tip 2 – What To Do And What Not To Do On Ice
This happens to most of us at least once! Take those blade guards off before you step on to that ice, there is nothing more entertaining than watching a teammate forget their blade guards and fall flat on the ice.
First Ice Hockey Game tip 3 – What To Do And What Not To Do On Ice
If you’re ever unsure about something don’t remain silent, ask questions. Every team will have a handful of experienced players that you can ask. Otherwise, speak with the teams coach. Don’t feel shy or embarrassed to ask because regardless of how good the another players are, everyone one was a beginner at some point.
First Ice Hockey Game tip 4 – What To Do And What Not To Do On Ice
If you make a mistake after a shift, don’t take some of the negative comments from the bench to heart. A lot of comments are made during the heat of them moment. Listen to the constructive criticism, trying ignore the negative and learn from your mistakes.
What To Do And What Not To Do On Ice
Offensive Zone – When moving into the offensive zone (or Attacking zone). Don’t pass backwards, dump the puck into the offensive zone (or Attacking zone).
Positioning on the ice – Think of the ice rink split into 3 lanes. Be aware of where your teammates are and ensure someone is always in each of these three lanes.
What To Do And What Not To Do On Ice – Communication
While you’re on the ice, communicate with your team! Don’t play silently, listen to what your teammates are saying and communicate.
What To Do And What Not To Do On Ice – Rebounds
After each shot on the net, don’t shot and skate away, shoot and skate hard for a rebound. This creates multiple scoring opportunities from one shot.
What To Do And What Not To Do On Ice – Keep your head up!
If you’re playing checking or non-checking, always keep your head up! You always want to do your best to be aware of where players are on the ice.
What To Do And What Not To Do On Ice – Line change
When your line changes, change with them. If you’re tired don’t stay on the ice waiting for a change, change on the fly.
Never change when your team is defending its zone!
What To Do And What Not To Do On Ice – Team Bonding
Spend time wit your team off and on the ice. Get to know your teammates and socialise with them as much as possible. This will not only help your performance on the ice but also help to keep your team closer together.
What To Do And What Not To Do On Ice – Off side
Keep on eye on your position on the ice. Don’t be that guy thats always off side.
What To Do And What Not To Do On Ice – Equipment
Don’t be that beginner that shows up with the most expensive equipment you can buy. Equipment doesn’t make the a great hockey player, practice and hard work does. Buy equipment intended for your level of play.
Here is a video that will help.
How to buy hockey equipment
What To Do And What Not To Do On Ice – Don’t be that player that drinks before games
What To Do And What Not To Do On Ice – Don’t take it too seriously
If you’re playing rec hockey, don’t ruin that game by taking it to seriously. Enjoy playing, its why your on the ice in the first place.
What To Do And What Not To Do On Ice – “Coach”
Don’t be the guy that talks to much and thinks, listen more than you speak.
What To Do And What Not To Do On Ice – Time
Get to the rink early! Don’t be the player that shows up 2 minutes before the game. Get there early so you know what line you’re on and what the team plans to do.
What To Do And What Not To Do On Ice –
Don’t be that player that passes and shootings randomly. Look at the play before making an impulsive decision.
What To Do And What Not To Do On Ice – Full Checking Hockey
If you’re playing checking hockey remember to ride the hit out. Stopping can actually make the hit more painful, its better to ride the hit out than stop and try it.
What To Do And What Not To Do On Ice – Watch the play
It’s very important to avoid puck chasing. Don’t follow the biscuit, watch the play and follow the game. Remember what Wayne Gretzky said – “A good hockey player plays where the puck is. A great hockey player plays where the puck is going to be.”
I hope these tips were helpful to anyone starting out for the first time in hockey. If you have any tips of points of your own that we might have left out, please post them in the connect section below.
