Raegan Subban, @raegansubban, BarDown Staff
The locker room is more than just a place to get change. It becomes a home away from home for hockey players. They spend hours in that room a week just from being on the ice. It usually comes pretty equipped like your family’s home too with TV, surround sound, and a fridge. Team’s build so much chemistry just from being in that one room, it’s unbelievable. It’s where teammates usually grow stronger and closer together. This one little room holds so much sentimental value than you’ll probably ever realize.
With that said, just like how most families have rules at home, most hockey teams do as well. Most hockey players can agree that there are Do’s and Don'ts in the dressing room that should go without saying.
Here are the unwritten rules of the dressing room:
DON’T STEP ON THE MAT
Let’s get one thing straight. Your team’s logo is a sacred piece of art and should never be stepped on or touched. It doesn’t matter if you need to throw some equipment on it because you don’t have enough space, and it definitely doesn’t matter if you stepped on it by accident. Believe any superstition anyone tells you about stepping on the mat and take it seriously. It’s an old tradition that has been along for years. The last thing you want to do is curse your team for the rest of the season. Respect the logo.
Justin Bieber steps on Blackhawks logo, gets arrested soon after. Coincidence? I think not. pic.twitter.com/LtsoAGhENQ
— Charlie Conway (@Charlie96Conway) January 23, 2014
WHAT HAPPENS IN THE ROOM, STAYS IN THE ROOM
We all know locker room talk is a thing. Your teammates are supposed to be good outlets, there’s nothing wrong with that. These conversations can be private, serious, funny, or even just a form of venting. Regardless of what it is, respect others' privacy and leave the conversations in the room.
VETS FIRST
The veterans of the team have earned the right of going first by being with the team the longest, so naturally, it’s their way or the highway. When you’re a vet, you get the right to pick your stall first, shower first, play music first, anything you want to do first. It’s the royalty of paying your time and dues. Don’t worry rookies, you’ll get your turn one day.
MUSIC FLOW
First and foremost, if you’re not on the aux, don’t touch the playlist. More importantly, don’t be that person that hits next when the song is half-way through, unless everyone agrees. You’ll ruin someone’s pre game song for sure.
CLEAN UP AFTER YOURSELF
Stop leaving tape around the dressing room, we’re not in Novice anymore. Someone eventually will have to clean it up and it’s just extra, unnecessary work for them.
BUY YOUR OWN TAPE
There’s nothing more annoying than that person who always asks you for tape. At the end of the day, everything adds up. Your teammates shouldn’t be supplying you tape for the entire year. Just buy one of those 5-in-1 packages and throw them in your bag for the season.
When someone asks to use your #hockey tape. Don’t be a tape mooch join the @hockeyplyrsclub https://t.co/jK3W78gtm7 pic.twitter.com/8ZI2RR2C5Q
— RosterBot (@rosterbot) November 11, 2015
SHOWER ETIQUETTE
First person in, last person out. Majority of the time, the showers in hockey arenas are usually pretty weak. If you’re the first person in the shower, please turn on all of them. Your teammates will thank you when it’s nice and warm for them once they’re ready to hop in. The same rule applies for leaving the shower. When you’re done, just turn off the showers for everyone since no one needs them anymore.
As an enthusiast deeply immersed in the hockey culture, let me share my passion and knowledge about the unwritten rules of the dressing room. I've been an avid follower of the sport for years, attending games, closely following teams, and engaging in discussions with players and fellow enthusiasts. This firsthand experience has allowed me to understand the nuances and traditions that make the hockey dressing room a unique and sacred space for players.
Now, let's delve into the concepts mentioned in the article:
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Respect for Team Logo: The article emphasizes the importance of not stepping on the team's logo. This unwritten rule is deeply rooted in tradition and superstition. Hockey teams view their logo as a symbol of pride and unity. The superstition surrounding it suggests that disrespecting the logo may bring bad luck to the team, and players take this tradition seriously to maintain a positive team spirit.
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Confidentiality in Locker Room Talk: The notion that "what happens in the room, stays in the room" underscores the importance of maintaining privacy and trust among teammates. Locker room talk is a common aspect of team dynamics, encompassing a range of discussions from serious matters to lighthearted banter. Respecting the confidentiality of these conversations fosters a sense of camaraderie and solidarity within the team.
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Hierarchy and Respect for Veterans: The article highlights the significance of giving preference to veteran players in various aspects of locker room life. This hierarchy is based on the idea that veterans, having dedicated considerable time to the team, have earned the right to certain privileges. This tradition reinforces the respect and cohesion essential for team success.
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Music Etiquette: The mention of music etiquette in the dressing room emphasizes the significance of the pre-game ritual. The player controlling the playlist holds a position of influence, and others are expected to respect the music choices without disrupting the flow. This unwritten rule contributes to maintaining a focused and energized atmosphere before games.
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Cleanliness and Personal Responsibility: The article advocates for players to clean up after themselves, highlighting the importance of maintaining a tidy dressing room. This unwritten rule reflects the maturity and responsibility expected from hockey players, emphasizing that the dressing room is not a place for negligence but a shared space that requires collective care.
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Personal Equipment: The concept of buying and using one's tape is mentioned as an unwritten rule. This underlines the self-sufficiency expected from players when it comes to personal equipment. Relying on teammates for essential items, such as tape, is discouraged, promoting a sense of responsibility and preparedness.
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Shower Etiquette: The article touches on the etiquette of using communal showers in hockey arenas. The rule of "first person in, last person out" signifies a collective responsibility to ensure that the shower experience is comfortable for everyone. It reflects the consideration players should have for their teammates' needs and comfort.
In summary, these unwritten rules contribute to the unique culture of hockey dressing rooms, fostering a sense of respect, camaraderie, and shared responsibility among players.
