Before every game, the very best hockey teams perform pre-game rituals that set the tone for their game and get everyone excited and ready to play their very best. On the other hand, there are some hockey teams that don’t perform any rituals at all before going out onto the ice. So, what do you think will happen? Which team will have the competitive edge, and which team will come up short? The answer may surprise you. Here are five Ritual Hockey that will send chills down your spine as you watch them play.
1) Sharpening Skates
Hockey players use a variety of sharpening techniques to keep their skate’s razor sharp. The best way to do this is by taking the time to sharpen each skate. Sharpening your skates will make them last longer and help you maintain control when skating on the ice.
– Be sure that your blades are facing in the same direction before you start sharpening.
– Take a belt sander and rough up the edges of your blade so it is easier to sharpen.
2) Taping Sticks
The pre-game ritual of taping your stick before a game is one that players take very seriously, and it can be seen as a sign of respect to the team’s opponents. Players often use white athletic tape to wrap the top and bottom of their blades, but some teams have specific colors or patterns for this tradition.
3) Warming Up
Warming up is a crucial part of any hockey player’s pregame routine. Not only does it get the blood flowing, but it also gets the muscles and joints warmed up for game time. This leads to less injury. Warm up time varies depending on what level of hockey you are playing as well as how much time you have before your game starts.
4) The Game
The game of hockey is a fast-paced, intense sport. There are a lot of things that happen on the ice during a game and there are many rituals in place to make sure everything goes off without a hitch.
– Players touch their helmets or mouths after each goal.
– Linesmen tap their boards with their sticks as they skate down the ice.
– Goalies tap their posts at the start of each period.
5) The Post-Game
– Cheer for your team as they leave the ice.
– While players are in the locker room, head to the parking lot and congratulate them on their victory.
– Pay close attention to what music you listen to after a win because it can have a major impact on how you feel about the game.