Home -> Info -> Hockey tips: Final

[Excerpt below courtesy of Chris Kamalani]

Before I start this Email, I just want to point out that the whole reason to
play this game is to have fun. So, "Have Fun" is the statement preceeding
every point listed below.

Now here's a few things to keep in mind during game time.

1. No harshness against the players on your own team

You can bitch and moan all you want at the players on the other team but
don't get pissy with the players on your own team. If you have any problems
with any player on your team you must address this to the Captain and let
him/her take care of it. You can be helpful and critical of something you
see and direct this to the player, but not if your angry or yelling. If your
pissed, tell the captain and go on.

Captains: It will be your job to keep peace on the team and focus any
frustration on the part of your team toward the ice and the other team...
constructively (no elbows and keep your sticks down).

2. You're here to play...have fun...and win.

Everyone plays in the games and the line changes should reflect this. Just
try to keep the lines balanced somewhat so you don't have a line that's too
weak.

That being said...

Everyone on the team needs to have the team in mind at all times. This means
that you must do your part to help the team win. This is not a sport for
individuals to win, only teams. There may be times when your tied toward the
end of the third period and you will need to put out your best to try to get
the final goal. Everyone on the team needs to support this. Everyone plays,
but when the last minute is on the board and your down a goal, then as a
team you need to send out the best you've got. This is also the case when
your winning by one point and there's only a couple of minutes left.

3. Your Goalie is your most valued player.

You will protect your goalie at all times. You will do whatever it takes to
make sure your goalie is safe and happy. Happy goalies are good goalies.
If anyone raises a had to your goalie, they should be sitting on their ass
the following second.

4. Penalties lose games.

You must keep your cool after the whistle is blown. No yelling at the ref or
slamming the door to the penalty box. This will just get you another five
minutes in there. The referees will not change there minds now matter how
much you yell. You may be right but this will not change the call...only add
to it.

5. Always shake hands after the game.

This is a old hockey tradition and it must not be taken lightly. I don't
care how mad you are at the other team, you must go through the line and
shake hands. Always!

6. Leave it on the ice.

Once the last period is over, the game is over. We're all family in hockey
after the last buzzer. Remember this.
There will be those on other teams that don't keep this in mind and are an
embarrassment to the game. Don't be one of them.

7. Do other things together when you can.

When the opportunity presents itself, try to do other things together. This
will allow you to get to know each other and this will help the team achieve
a certain cohesion on the ice. This is not a "must do" but it will help you
as a team in the seasons to come.

8. Let the captain know when you can not make the game.

Nothing is more frustrating for a captain than getting to the game and not
knowing who will show.

9. PUBLIC SKATING!

Do it! You'll be glad you did.

10. Keep your sticks under control.

It is very easy to get your stick up above your chest. Try to keep it down.
You will get a high sticking penalty very fast if you raise your stick too
high. This is a safety measure.

11. Only Captains talk to the refs.

If you have questions about a call, let the Captain approach the refs. If
the Captain is the one in the box, have the center on the ice approach the
ref.

12. If your tired, get off

...but only when the puck is not in your end.

13. Take care of each other.

Always support the players on your team. If there is a little pushing and
shoving in front of the net, don't let there be only one of you surrounded
by an odd number of other players.

14. Have fun.

You'll find yourself looking forward to every game. Hockey is a great way to
blow off steam from the rest of your daily lives. Revel in it. You'll be
able to play this game for many years. I hope you find as much enjoyment in
this game as I have.