Here are, in no particular order, some basic pick up/open hockey points of etiquette that all players should abide by to keep it fun for all.
1) Pay the man. You need the guy who organizes the game and hence collects the money needed to pay for the ice – you need this guy more than he needs you. Don’t make him chase you down for money.
1) Pay the man. You need the guy who organizes the game and hence collects the money needed to pay for the ice – you need this guy more than he needs you. Don’t make him chase you down for money.
2) Show Up and On Time. You said you’d be there and everyone expects you to be there. Waltzing in late every game is disrespectful of those that are on time. Sure it happens to all of us once and awhile but it grows thin after the second time. Don’t be rude so leave earlier.
3) Don’t Waste Time. Do your dry land training before the Zamboni leaves the ice and try to limit the on ice warm up to 5 minutes after the Zamboni leaves.
4) Don’t whine about the teams. The same guy who collects the money attempts to create balanced teams from a wildly unbalanced talent pool. If the odd game is a little one-sided just shut-up and play harder. Consider it an opportunity to work on your defensive play.
5) Balancing the teams as best as possible. Don't have your team all of all-stars against scrubs. If you're asked to move to the other team, move no questions. Don’t take it personal, it’s to adjust the competitive balance and to make the game more enjoyable for everyone.
6) Don’t kill the goalie: During the warm-up. No goalie ever asks to have his head warmed up. Nor do they need to work out kinks in their neck or collarbone. There is no need to shoot the puck above the goalie’s belly button. If you want to wire a few high hard ones, or test out your new composite stick, do it against the glass. Injuring the goalie during warm-up is a big no-no. During the game. When the goalie puts his glove or pad on the puck stop hacking & poking. Assume the play is dead & skate away. If you are driving the net and have to choose between running over the goalie (and scoring) and going around the net (and not scoring), opt for the latter.
7) Don’t kill anybody else. If you get the puck at the point, resist the temptation to shoot for the top corner. Ripping a shot past the ears of the guys standing in front of the net won’t win you any friends and remember NO SLAP SHOTS.
8) Adjust to the talent level. Oftentimes there is disparity in the level of talent on the ice. Allow players with limited skills some opportunity to stick-handle and get involved in the play. Don’t be a spoiler of fun. Dial up your efforts against players of equal or better skill than you.
9) Get off the ice. If you are tired, get off ice. If you are resting your stick on your knees and sucking for air, get off the ice. If you’ve been on the ice for more than 2 minutes, get off the ice. If your line mates head for the bench, get off the ice. When in doubt, get off the ice. Don’t hog ice time. Everyone paid to play, not to watch you play.
10) Pass the puck. You might be the best player on the ice. You might be able to stick-handle through the other team and score at will, but nobody likes a puck-hog. Give it up! A goal resulting from a great passing combination will be appreciated more than repeated coast-to-coast attempts. If you really want to demonstrate your skill, then work to set up the worst player on the ice for an easy goal
11) Keep it clean. Assume the NHL rules apply to you – stop hooking, holding and water-skiing. If you trip somebody, apologize. If somebody trips, hooks or holds you, assume it was an accident.
12) Back Off. Goals, offside, goalie make a save, puck over the boards, etc. Back off and give the team space to come out of their end. Blue line is ok but the Red line is even better.
13) Air out your equipment. When you were 13 it was cool to bring tears to your teammates’ eyes just by opening your bag. That time has passed. Keep it clean.
14) Give up your dream. You are not going to the NHL. You will not be discovered by an NHL scout while playing pickup hockey at McNabb. Play hard but remember that Carrie Underwood is not waiting at home for you & everybody has to go to work the next morning.
15) Humility. If you score a goal please remember it’s pick up hockey. Nobody likes the jackass who rubs it in every time he scores (there are exceptions of course) so simply skate over to the guy who passed you the puck, tap his glove, and get on with it.
Follow these simple rules and you will:
- fit in right away
- be passed to
- be accepted as one of the league
- be invited back
