Whether you are learning to play hockey or have been playing your whole life, there are some important lessons about playing a sport you should always keep in mind. The show Ted Lasso offered some great tips on sports in general, but they relate to hockey.
Be a goldfish
Nothing is going to help you move on from a bad play than acting like a goldfish: forget the last thing that happened. Dwelling on a bad play, someone calling you a name, messing up, or feeling like you disappointed your teammates will more likely cause you to make more mistakes.
As soon as a play happens, move on to the next play. Don’t shake your head in frustration or continue to think about that play that happened minutes, or games, ago. Chances are, no one else remembers it either.
“You know what the happiest animal on Earth is? It’s a goldfish. You know why? It’s got a 10-second memory. Be a goldfish, Sam.”
Winning is not everything
While this is easier said than done, it’s true: winning is not the only reason to play hockey. Once you get out on the ice you will realize it’s so much more than that.
While winning is fun, being lucky enough to be able to call this your sport is incredibly worth it. You will gain friendships, get some exercise, socialize, and learn something new.
“For me, success is not about the wins and losses. It’s about helping these young fellas be the best versions of themselves, on and off the field.”
Hockey really does make you a better person.
Anyone can be bought with food
Although this may not seem like a direct sports comparison, the cookies that Ted Lasso makes for Rebecca each morning win her over. Just like the beer you may be bringing for your new team can win them over.
If you are brand new to a team or just have not yet won their approval, bringing beer will quickly get them on your side. Even if you do not drink, grabbing a 6-pack or 12-pack before your next game will bond you and your teammates for life.
It’s never too late to learn something new
It can be so scary to learn to play a new sport as an adult, especially a sport as complicated as hockey. But if a football coach can jump into something like soccer (we know, he is fictional) then you can jump into hockey. While it may seem like everyone else is going to know what they’re doing, if you can find a true beginner’s league, then everyone will be on the same page as you.
If you cannot find a beginner’s league, you will be so surprised how many of your teammates will be supportive, because they were likely in your shoes just a year or two ago.
“Taking on a challenge is a lot like riding a horse. If you’re comfortable while you’re doing it, you’re probably doing it wrong.”
You can always keep growing
One thing Ted Lasso teaches his players is that you can be the best player in the world, but it doesn’t mean you should stop practicing. As a new player to hockey, there are SO many things you can learn and ways to get better. Practicing on the ice, practicing off the ice, watching videos in your free time, and learning hockey etiquette are all ways you can get better at your next (or first) hockey game.
“Every day is a chance to be better than we were the day before.”
Be a good teammate
Hockey, like soccer, is a team sport. You are not going to be the star, at least not without the help of your team. Appreciate them, and understand that you may have conflicts, but at the end of the day you are still people.
“I think that you might be so sure that you’re one in a million, that sometimes you forget that out there, you’re just one of eleven.”
Don’t be a jerk
Back to the #1 rule of beer league hockey: don’t be a jerk. If you lose, if you don’t agree with a call, if you are upset, if you mess up — don’t be a jerk. This is a sport, and we are all lucky enough to be playing it. Enjoy yourself, get over any issues you have, and be a good player, a good teammate, and a good opponent.
“Win or lose, do it with dignity.”
