Hockey is the coolest game on Earth. Period.
For the uninitiated, there is nothing quite like lacing up your skates for a game of hockey. You would be hard-pressed to find an activity that comes close in terms of the fun and excitement the sport delivers. But there is much more to hockey than the thrill of playing the game.
Suiting up in your hockey gear for the first time can take a while. But when all is said and done, you might get a thrill just by looking like a “real” hockey player.
New hockey players likely will struggle with the 20 lbs of equipment you skate around with. But eventually you will develop your hockey legs, but not before you feel like you’re about to collapse from exhaustion.
Play it Safe
Hockey is amazingly fun and exciting to play. The speed of the game is undeniably thrilling, which means there is always the potential for injury. In most cases, rec hockey leagues have rules that minimize the risk, but precautions are needed. The two most important ways of initiation in the sport of ice hockey while keeping safe:
Learn to play: Rec hockey players come from all walks of life, including a number of well-known celebrities. If you’re ready to join the growing number of hockey players, sign up for lessons. Check your local rinks for information on Learn to Play programs.
Protect yourself: The ice is a very unforgiving surface, which is why protective equipment is a must to avoid injury (it is usually a mandatory rule of the rec leagues). Here is a list of the hockey equipment you will need, from head to toe:
- Hockey helmet – Concussion is a real concern, so don’t skimp on this
- Shoulder pads – A one-piece protector of the chest, abdomen, upper back, and shoulders
- Elbow pads – A fall to the ice without these pads really hurts! Look for models that offer forearm protection from slashing by opponents
- Gloves – Aside from the obvious purpose of shielding your hands, wrists, and forearms from sticks or pucks, the reverberation from taking a shot without hockey gloves can be a shock to your body
- Athletic supporter – A jock (or jill, for women) helps prevent injury to the most sensitive areas. (Most hockey players unanimously agree that it’s the most important piece of equipment.)
- Hockey pants – Offers protection for the thighs, and backside from a fall to the ice
- Shin guards – These provide padding for the knees and shins, safeguarding them from pucks and sticks. The better ones protect the back of the legs (always try to face opponents—even teammates—when shots are taken!)
- Skates – There are a number of different ice skates on the market: Hockey, figure skates, and racing skates. Be sure to select hockey skates, as they offer padding for the toes and ankles. Don’t skimp on skates–your feet will thank you!
- Uniform – This consists of a jersey and socks. Aside from the aesthetics, socks keep the shin guards in place. And depending on the league you decide to join, you may be required to acquire two sets of uniforms, dark and light color. The difference pertains to games that are placed at “home” rinks versus “Away” rinks. (NHL teams don dark uniforms for Home games, the reverse for Away games).
Before you proceed with purchasing equipment, you must decide on the position you would like to play—forward, defense, or goaltender. If you opt for the latter, you will need a different set of equipment.
Conclusion
No matter what level you play at, you would have to agree that hockey improves your life. The game has many benefits, both physical and social. A good many hockey players lace up their skates for the camaraderie alone.
Over time, hockey players will forge many relationships—with both men and women—from all occupations. Hockey can open the door to a wide network of others who play the game: doctors, dentists, accountants, lawyers, electricians, HVAC techs, plumbers and more. It’s an awesome way to keep in shape.
Hockey provides a break from life’s everyday stresses. It’s a healthy way to blow off steam, while teaching you the value of being a teammate, where the sum is greater than the parts. You learn the importance of teamwork and collaboration; to succeed in hockey you must work with teammates toward a common goal. This can have a positive impact on workplace or personal settings.