Whether you are learning to play hockey or are a pro, the unwritten rules of adult hockey can be a lot more confusing than the written rules of hockey. The #1 rule of beer hockey is always: Don’t be a d**k — so most of these rules (although not all of them) fall under that main rule. If you go into every game not being a jerk, you should be fine. Here are our top 12 unwritten rules of hockey:
1. Fighting
A lot of adult hockey players seem to think they are playing in the NHL, and that fighting is perfectly fine — but it’s not, for a number of reasons.
Fighting is not only *not* allowed in most adult hockey leagues, but in many cases, it will get you kicked out of the game or league. USA Hockey Rule 615 (Fighting) says that “A major plus a game misconduct penalty shall be assessed to any player who engages in fighting. An additional minor penalty shall be assessed to any player who starts or instigates fighting.”
But that is just the first part of the rule. Fighting in adult hockey can range from a minor penalty to being suspended from the league.
Hockey is a physical sport. You are allowed to be somewhat physical with your opponents, it’s just a part of the game. Fighting usually takes it a step further though — most fights have some anger or bad intentions — and it’s not in the spirit of beer league hockey.
2. Don’t touch a goalie who has “gloved” the puck
The reason players are so protective of their goalie is because they’re in a vulnerable position and can be hurt. The official rule says you must stop when the whistle blows, but the ref will not always see when a goalie has covered a puck. You are technically allowed to keep going after the puck until the whistle blows, but judge the situation and if the goalie has gloved the puck and the whistle hasn’t been blown, because if there is nothing you can do about it then you should not keep whacking at that goalie.
3. Don’t shoot after the whistle
Although this is actually a written rule of hockey (USA Hockey Rule 601a), you should not shoot the puck at the net after the whistle. If you were already in the process of shooting, you will likely not be penalized — but if it’s an intentional shot that is clearly after the whistle, you will probably be called for a penalty.
Plus, it’s just a rude move because the goalie has let their guard down at that point and could be injured by your shot.
4. Bring your own tape
When you first start playing hockey, it may seem like a small thing to forget your hockey tape and borrow it from a teammate during every game. And while it won’t be a big deal to any teammate to help you out for a game, it can get pretty annoying if you do it over and over.
Hockey tape is cheap, so make sure you bring enough for yourself for every game.
5. Short shifts
When you are playing a game, you should be out on the ice for 45 seconds to two minutes at most. This is because 1. You will get tired from skating and will be useless after a while, and 2. The players you are switching with also would like to get out on the ice.
You should keep your shifts short to keep the game running. If you stay out there for three or four or five minutes, the rest of your team is not going to be happy with you.
6. Slapshot into an empty net
This one was a big deal this year during the NHL season, but it’s also important in beer league hockey. If you are about to score on an empty net, don’t be a jerk and hit a slapshot.
This is one of the reasons that the Maple Leafs’ Morgan Rielly was so upset with the Senator’s Ridley Greig here.
7. Keep it on the ice
No matter what happens during the game, any anger or frustration you are feeling should disappear as soon as the game ends. This does not mean you will not be upset with yourself or how you played, but do not hold any residual anger for any other players (on your team or the other team). Because we are all lucky to be here playing the best game in the world.
Handshake line
And speaking of leaving it all on the ice: You should always show up to the handshake line — no matter what happened during the game. Be gracious and thank your team and your opponents.
8. Play at your level
There is almost nothing worse than being on the ice against a player who is significantly better or worse than you. It means no one can play the game they were hoping to play that day.
If you find yourself on the ice with players (whether it’s your team or your opponent) who are much worse than you, tone it down and play to their level.
If you end up being the worst one on the ice, have some grace. Usually players are really supportive in this situation, but if this happens to you, you can do something like playing right or left wing so you can cause the least damage and allow the other players to play to their best ability without having to wait for you.
In general, you should do all you can to play at a level that is close-ish to your level.
9. Running up the score
If you do find yourself better than the team you are playing, don’t run up the score. It’s just bad sportsmanship. That doesn’t mean you can’t give all your players a chance to score and do their best — but if you are clearly one of the players dominating the other team, don’t score 10 goals. Use this opportunity to improve some skills, like passing, strategy, and positioning.
10. Celebrating/taunting
When you score in adult hockey, you are allowed to be happy about it. You are allowed to celebrate. But there is a point that turns from celebration to taunting, and you don’t want to cross this line. It all goes back to: Don’t be a jerk.
11. Bring the beer if it’s your turn
Adult hockey is called beer league hockey for a reason. A great part of this sport is the camaraderie and socialization that comes with it. Usually there will be some sort of calendar to assign you beer duty for a specific game.
BUT if you do not drink and do not want to participate, that is OK too. No one is going to judge you. Just tell your team captain, and you will be relieved of that duty.
12. Show up
If you join a team, you should do all you can to show up as much as you can. Everyone gets that life happens, people have jobs, etc. But the most important part is that if you check in and say you will be at an individual game, then you need to show up. If you do not, it will affect the numbers and positions for your entire team.
