Top Tips and a Guide for New Hockey Players

Whether you’re 5 or 50, maybe you’ve got some gear, and maybe you’ve read some things online and watched a few of How to Hockey’s YouTube video’s – here’s a quick 10 point tips and a in-depth Guide to help you, or your child, to get started at playing ice hockey

Equipment – What you should and shouldn’t do

• As with any new sport or interest, don’t buy gear. Wait, wait until you fall in love with the game then buy used gear until you know what you like, and what you want. Many people have gear sitting in their garages from the initial buzz and excitement, but never continue – you don’t still use your treadmill as a place for your washing do you?
• When choosing an ice hockey stick, it’s important to take your height into consideration. If a stick is too long or too short, then this will put unnecessary stress on your body. A specialist store should be able to determine what the best stick is for you or you can read some of our articles to find out which curve and flex may be best for you.
• As you get kitted out in your hockey gear, be prepared for the fact that it may initially feel uncomfortable or interfere with your mobility. If that’s the case, give yourself time to see if you become used to it — and if you don’t eventually become comfortable with your gear, then it will be easy enough to look for alternatives. Always make sure you never play without protective kit, though, for obvious safety reasons.
• When buying skates, make sure they are a snug fit but not so tight that they cramp your toes. They must also provide good ankle support. Skate sizes are usually a half to one whole size smaller than players’ regular shoe sizes.
• Use the ‘criss-cross’ method when lacing up your skates, as this will provide even comfort and good support. The bottom three eyelets should be semi-loose to allow blood circulation to your toes, and then the eyelets should get progressively tighter the further towards the ankle you go.

Technique – Become a better player

• Work on some of your basic skills by playing street hockey, preferably on inline skates. This way you can work on your stick handling skills as well as your street skating — which mimics some of the movements required to skate on ice.
• Make sure you watch the professionals at play, as this way you will gain a better understanding of positional play and tactics. Closely watch the player who plays in your chosen position if you already have one.
• It’s important to keep your stick on the ice at all times, except when you’re trying to deflect a puck. If you’re skating with your stick in the air then you won’t be ready to receive a pass or shoot. It’s also safer when players keep their sticks on the ice.
• Becoming a better player does not have to just involve practice on the ice. By improving your general strength, speed, balance, coordination, agility and explosiveness — for example by working out in the gym, doing running training or playing another sport — you will become a better ice hockey player.
• Watch as many youtube videos as you can, get a feel for the game

Playing hockey means knowing the game

Before stepping onto the ice for the first time, get to know the basics of the game. It may seem completely overwhelming at first, but the game itself is pretty simple.

Do I need skating and hockey lessons?

Yes. It’s simply that. Whether you’re 5 (and that’s amazing that you’re reading this!), the parent of that 5 year old, or 50. You need lessons. Lessons get you started with the basics and help with good habits. Once you’ve learnt some of the basics by being on the ice, knowing the ice and balance, you can then start with some of the 101 basic hockey courses. Just remember, EVERYONE had to learn, from Crosby to Gretzky – no-one was born with skates on (ouch!).

Know the costs of playing ice hockey