Ice hockey is an exciting and beloved sport, so it’s no surprise that many people want to play. Like any new undertaking, it’s a good idea to have some idea of what you’re doing before you get on the ice. Between all the gear required and the trickiness of learning a new sport, there’s a lot of information in ice hockey for new players to wrap their heads around. This blog will go over some tips for aspiring ice hockey players.
Find somewhere to practice and learn
Get online and search around your area to see if there are any arenas or ice rinks open to the public. It’s pretty inexpensive to rent a pair of skates, a hockey stick, and a puck to practice, and some places even offer lessons. While it’s possible to learn independently, never underestimate the great advantage of having skating and hockey teachers. Experience may be the best teacher, but learning from someone else who is experienced is the next best thing.
Use the right equipment for you
One mistake many first-timers make is buying a lot of hockey equipment to start learning, only to find that the sport isn’t for them. If you’re interested in trying hockey, rent or buy inexpensive or used equipment to learn with. Once you’ve decided you’re committed to the sport, you can buy your own, higher-quality equipment. Make sure to buy a protective kit and a hockey stick that’s the correct length for your height. Also, keep in mind that skate shoes should be a slightly tighter fit than regular shoes.
Practice at home
Even with an ice rink or arena to practice in and a great teacher to help you along, you’ll never become a better ice hockey player if you don’t take the time to practice. Pick up a pair of inline skates and practice playing street hockey to work on your stickhandling skills. Also, watch professionals play so you can learn from their plays and tactics, and exercise regularly to increase your strength and stamina. It’s also a good idea to practice playing other sports- all of this will make you a better hockey player.
