New to hockey? Here's a helpful list of things you can do to help your aspiring young hockey player and us!
- Get Here Early! Ice is scarce and expensive, do your player a favor and give them plenty of time to get dressed so they can be on the ice, on time and not miss any instruction. Coaches expect all players to be ready to go on the ice before the designated time. As they get older, once the doors to the ice shut, for many coaches they will stay shut.
- Bring a water bottle. All players should have a water bottle that is individually marked. All players should bring the water bottle with them on the ice and set it on the boards at the benches so they have access to it at all times without leaving the ice. Once a player is on the ice, there should be no reason for them to leave the ice until the session is over.
- Double check gear. Make sure you have everything before you leave the house. There's a lot to remember, so do a quick look around before walking out the door to make sure your player has everything.
- Wear appropriate clothes. Clothing for underneath hockey gear should not be bulky (No jeans or sweatpants!). Gym shorts and spandex pants are encouraged as well as t-shirts or long sleeve shirts, either cotton or sweat wicking material will be sufficient for keeping your player warm while they work up a sweat on the ice.
- Get dressed in a locker room. Locker room time is one of the most important aspects of playing hockey. Getting to know fellow players and teammates helps young players peak their interest. And helps develop the camaraderie necessary for playing as a team on the ice. Players should not be changing and dressing in public areas around the arena especially in the front lobby.
- Tie skates tight! The tighter you can tie skates the better. The ankle support that skates provide is crucial for players to learn how to skate properly and maintain their balance.
- Protect their teeth. All players should have a mouth guard, and it is required once they reach the Squirt level. It's a small equipment item but protects some very valuable teeth.
- Don't leave clothing or personal items in public spaces. While we do our best to monitor our facility, getting dressed in the lobby or other public areas makes players and parents subject to lost items. Locker rooms are a safe place to leave bags and clothes, but we always recommend keeping valuables on your person.
- Close doors. For the safety of all the players and coaches, PLEASE make sure to close the doors to the rink if your player gets on or off separately from other players, or is the last one on or off. Even for a quick bathroom break or equipment fix (which we coaches are happy to help with). If you or your player opens a door, please assume that you should also ensure that it is closed immediately.
- Have fun!!! We strive for two things every time we get on the ice with your player: Every player has learned something and is better at the end of the session than when they started; and every player had fun. The number on e reason kids stop playing a sport is because it stops being fun. Please help us keep everything in perspective and reinforce this basic fundamental.