The hockey season is just around the corner, which means you should start getting ready. Here are 12 tips to make sure you are ready for the upcoming hockey season.
Get your skates sharpened
Whether you played in summer, haven’t played since spring, or this is your very first season, you should make sure to get your skates sharpened before the season starts. Although you should sharpen them multiple times a year, the beginning of fall hockey season is always a good reminder to start with sharpened skates.
Air out your hockey gear
If you played summer season, you likely sweated a lot. If you did not, then you probably haven’t aired out your bag since fall (at least). Make sure your bag isn’t in the trunk of your car or corner of your garage — clean all your gear, febreze the bag itself, and make sure everything smells great as you go into the season.
Inspect all your hockey gear
You likely haven’t seen any of your hockey gear since last season, so give yourself time to order new equipment if needed. Check for holes, rust, or smells you are never going to get out. Now is a good time to replace anything that is unsalvageable, like:
- Sticks: look for fraying, loose tape, or unplayable sticks.
- Hockey bag: Look for holes and if the size and shape is still working for you.
- Mouth guards: If you wear one, make sure yours is bearable to put in your mouth or buy a new one.
- Other gear: Generally just look for holes and if you can still play with everything you own.
New equipment regulations
You should always check to see if there are new rules regulations in hockey, whether in your rules organization or local league. Some leagues will require cages on your helmet, for instance.
For the 2024-2025 season, youth hockey players are required to wear a neck guard for the first time. So if you are a youth player, or a parent of one, make sure you order your neck guard in time for the season.
Rules changes
Different organizations will release different rules at different times. Although larger organizations, like USA Hockey or Hockey Canada, have longer intervals between releasing a new rules book, you will still want to check every year to see if there is anything new out there.
USA Hockey’s newest rulebook is expected to be released in 2025, so keep an eye out for proposed and approved rules changes that you will need to know.
Renew USA Hockey or Hockey Canada Membership
Speaking of your rules organization, you will want to make sure you renew your playing membership before the season starts.
If you are a coach, ref, or volunteer, you will also want to make sure those certifications are updated, including your Safesport.
New jerseys
If you are on a brand new team, you will want to make sure you have the proper jersey before your season starts. Ask your team captain, because ordering new jerseys can take a month or two to receive.
If you are continuing with the same team, just make sure you are keeping the same jerseys — as well as making sure your jersey is still in good shape.
Stock up on hockey tape
The beginning of the season is a great time to check and make sure you have enough hockey tape: both stick tape and sock tape. Check your bag and order new tape from places like Amazon, Hockey Monkey, Pure Hockey, or your local hockey pro shop.
Re-tape your stick
Every hockey player is different when it comes to taping your stick: some people like to re-rape it every time they play, and some re-tape it once a year — and everything in between. No matter what you prefer, the beginning of the season is always a good time to re-tape your hockey stick to make sure it’s perfect for your first game.
*Real* washing of your gear
Even if you wash your gear throughout the season, the beginning of the season is a great time to give it the best wash of the year. You can wash your gear in the bathtub or in the washing machine — but this is the best time to make sure it’s thoroughly cleaned.
Your teammates will thank you.
How to clean your hockey gear at home.
Accessories
While you’re checking your hockey bag, make sure you have all the accessories you need for your bag, including:
- Bottle opener.
- Screw driver.
- Hockey tape.
- Febreze.
- Towel.
League waivers, rules, and fees
Usually leagues work one of two ways: you pay when you sign up as an individual or your team captain signs up and you pay them.
Either way, you should make sure you have all your fees paid as soon as possible. It takes stress off you and your team captain will appreciate it. If there is a league waiver (usually about rules and injuries), make sure to get that back to your league commissioner as soon as possible.
Make sure you have the right game app
Different leagues use different ways to check in for a game: whether it’s an app, an email or text string, or a chat group on Facebook. Whatever they use, just make sure you know in advance and have it on your phone, so you always know when the games are and how to check in.
