If you know anything about hockey, you’ll know that hockey games are cold! Do not be that guy who shows up to a game in flip flops and a tank top, because you will quickly regret it. So with open-toed shoes and sleeveless shirts off the table, this begs the question:
What should you wear to a hockey game?
You should wear multiple layers to a hockey game or at least a pair of jeans, a long-sleeved t-shirt, and closed-toe shoes. Sweaters, jerseys, hats, gloves, scarves, wool socks, and hoodies are also good options. Professional games are around 60-65°F (15-18°C) and local rinks are colder than that.
Wear layers because you can always take some off if needed. The opposite is not true unless you find a very generous stranger or have a friend with an extra jacket or jersey.
For more ideas on what to wear and bring to a hockey game, this article has you covered.
What to Wear to a Hockey Game
Experienced hockey fans and those new to the sport will certainly benefit from sticking to the basics when it comes to showing support and being able to function at a hockey game.
The three basic keys to surviving…no, thriving, in the hockey world are layers, layers, and more layers. Of course, what these layers consist of is the most important, and individually driven, aspect of what to wear.
While these choices remain entirely up to the discretion of any individual, the goal here is to provide a guide.
First, determine the experience you have with the sport of hockey itself and the environment in which hockey is played. Hockey players themselves will likely know the specific conditions of the arena they are headed to, as well as the general atmosphere of games.
Newcomers who have only seen a hockey game here or there on television are less likely to be accustomed to the cold and the atmosphere that a hockey game presents.
This means preparing for the temperature, as well as the judgment that will ensue from wearing attire supporting a bandwagon or out-of-town team, is critical to successfully navigating this landmark occasion in the progression of a hockey fan.
The environment of the hockey game will depend on the type of event you attend. If it is a youth hockey game in northern Minnesota, it is likely going to be inside a relatively poorly insulated ice arena with aluminum bleachers (meaning cold for the bottom as well).
There are also many cases in northern states and Canada where youth hockey games will be held outdoors, sometimes with wooden bleachers and sometimes with no bleachers altogether.
These scenarios differ significantly from attending a professional hockey game in a place like Arizona or California. In any case, preparing appropriately for the specific needs of the desired event is of the utmost importance.
But back to the basics. The base layer should be a cotton t-shirt. A moisture-wicking material could be utilized but will likely not be necessary as cotton is warmer and sweating is not likely to occur.
Typically, everyday type undergarments will also do, but for those outdoor games it may be prudent to add a pair of long johns and/or a long-sleeve t-shirt for additional warmth, but this is entirely dependent on the weather and the comfort level of an individual.
Whether attending a hockey game in a professional arena or outdoors, a hat will be a great addition, as the old logic goes that a great deal of heat is lost through the head and feet.
This could be a baseball cap for a warmer day, as this does the same job of keeping in heat, but it won’t cover your ears.
A stocking cap is much more likely to be the best choice. The need for ear coverings is solely up to the individual’s personal needs. Fashion sense warns against it, but earmuffs are also an option for those individuals with ears highly sensitive to temperature changes.
Next, we will cover footwear.
Certainly, thick socks should be worn in any case, period. The type of sock is a personal preference, but I prefer a longer sock, rising to just below the calf muscle. Thick socks are generally recommended but you should adhere to the expected environment.
Two pairs of socks on top of one another should never be worn as this can diminish circulation to the toes, causing them to be more susceptible to the cold.
In general, normal shoes will do as far as warmth, but if outdoor conditions require, a solid pair of boots is definitely worth the investment.
Now the main event, the outer layers. This is where fashionability and showing the true colors of a fan are key. What to wear for this layer is entirely dependent on the ambiance of the particular event and how comfortable an individual is within that.
A new fan may want to minimize the support they show for any particular team and just show an appreciation and support of the hockey game by wearing average clothing. In this case, a sweatshirt, sweater, or jacket will do.
But if there is skin in the hockey game, meaning you are invested in your hometown team, a family member is playing in the hockey game, or you are just a superfan, then a team jersey is probably the best option, though team sweatshirts and other attire are appropriate as well.
At this point, creativity is also acceptable for the more adamant fans. Things like face paint, scarves, gloves, and other team-specific gear are generally accepted and even commonplace at hockey games.
How Cold Are Hockey Games?
There are varying reports on the actual temperatures inside ice arenas, but the most consistent would be arenas that host professional teams and games in the National Hockey League (NHL).
The NHL has relatively strict standards regarding just about anything, including ice temperature. Indoor ice arenas have to use refrigeration techniques to keep the ice temperature cool while the ambient, or air temperature is warmer.
The warmer the air, the more work it is to cool the ice, and the more likely the puck is to bounce and slow the hockey game down. Colder ice leads to a faster hockey game, so the NHL sets a standard that the ice should not exceed about 24° Fahrenheit (F) by the end of the hockey game.
Your average NHL game will have air temperatures between 50°-60°F, which is why it is reasonable to wear more casual clothing to these events than events at other, less state-of-the-art arenas. It is also important to know that the ambient temperature will be colder the closer you are to ice level.
This being said, the majority of hockey games are not played at the professional level. Anecdotally, as you move down the levels of ice hockey, the ambient temperature tends to be colder.
Not dressing appropriately for your child’s 6:30 am mini-mite season premier held outdoors to be “retro” may leave you in a great deal of distress. In my experience, the feels-like temperature inside an arena can be below freezing.
And do not be fooled; the “heaters” that hang above the stands in those old, county-owned arenas rarely, if ever, are functional, and even if they are, they do not provide enough warmth in January to make a lick of difference.
I also know people who attended, and played in, outdoor games when the temperature was below zero degrees Fahrenheit. Need I say more?
Hockey players and fans are die-hards and will stop at nothing to engage in the hockey game they love. This is why it is so important to nail the basics as well as ensure that these allow for appropriate team representation.
It is a fine balance, but it has been accomplished for years by people of all ages, proving that a solution is within the grasp of anyone.
What to Bring to a Hockey Game?
Now that you have an idea of what you should wear to an ice hockey game, let’s talk about what you should bring to a hockey game. Many professional arenas won’t let you bring in certain items, so they can sell them to you inside the arena instead.
This includes coffee and hot chocolate. While these might not be necessities for professional games, because professional arenas aren’t exceedingly cold, they should be serious considerations for attending games at local rinks.
To go along with your hot chocolate/coffee, a blanket is a solid option, especially if you are going to sit on metal bleachers for one or multiple games.
A stadium chair/cushion can also help you deal with uncomfortable (and probably freezing) stadium bleachers. Your bottom will thank you!
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You should wear multiple layers to a hockey game or at least a pair of jeans, a long-sleeved t-shirt, and closed-toe shoes. Sweaters, jerseys, hats, gloves, scarves, wool socks, and hoodies are also good options. Professional games are around 60-65°F (15-18°C) and local rinks are colder than that.
What do I dress to go watch a hockey game? If you are going to watch a professional game, the temperatures are quite pleasant at about 65F (18C) so a sweater or light jacket is required. However, games at a local recreational arena are cooler at 55C (12C) or less and require a heavy jacket, gloves and ski hat/toque.
Hockey requires a high level of coordination; regularly playing can develop a child's gross motor skills, which leads to improvement with the more difficult fine motor skills, and improves eye-hand coordination, which can translate to a better understanding of spatial relationships.
Start with a T-shirt, followed by a loose-fitting, long-sleeve shirt. Wear your hockey jersey over that. If you don't think all that's enough to keep you warm for a couple of hours, bring a lightweight jacket or a hoodie. If you need to remove a layer or two, you'll be good to go.
For your first layer, you'll want a light, short-sleeved t-shirt. On top of that, you'll want a long-sleeved, thicker shirt. Finish off with a hoodie, sweatshirt, or jacket. To keep your lower body warm, consider wearing long johns, silk long underwear, or leggings underneath jeans or pants.
Not cotton, which will retain water and cling to your body. Your second layer needs to be thermal to hold in the heat your body is generating. Finally, your outer layer should block the wind. A good cold weather jacket should block the wind without adding unnecessary bulk.
Hockey jerseys, today often referred to as sweaters, are typically made of tough synthetic materials like polyester, to help take away moisture and keep the wearer dry.
The simple answer is anything. Most theatres no longer have dress codes, so it doesn't matter what you wear. As long as you have a ticket for your performance, you'll be allowed into the venue. Both formal and informal clothing is accepted.
Many associations require players to be five years old. Kids that start hockey before they are physically and mentally ready are more likely to have a negative experience. It is never too late to start playing hockey. Players have joined hockey programs at 12-13 years old and still made varsity hockey teams.
Some associations have Try Hockey for Free or other promotions, so it's really grown to another level.” And while many kids start hockey at ages 5-9, older kids can and should join whenever they become interested.
If you're someone who is asking if you're too old to start playing hockey, and you can still stand and carry your equipment, the answer is no! No matter what age you begin at, no matter how old you might be, if you've got the drive and determination to put some effort into hockey, you can do it.
Especially if you've got good seats, you're going to want to wear good, heavy shoes, warm socks, some light gloves or mittens, at least a couple of light layers beneath your coat and some kind of cap. Arrive early: Give yourself an hour before the opening puck-drop.
A long sleeve shirt and long compression pants are often considered the standard among hockey players. Players often have specific preferences around socks, with some preferring shorter ones and some liking them long.
Your pre-match warm-up should start approximately 25-30 minutes before the game.In this warm-up you need to increase muscle and core temperature. Jogging is the best way to raise the temperature and heart beat gradually.
Hulce recommends athletic socks, or long underwear. The less moisture that touches your skin, the warmer you'll feel. The next layer on top of that should create warmth. Wearing fleece, wool, or any other thick material made to keep you toasty should do the trick.
To get a sporty look, wear jerseys, T-shirts, crew necks, leggings, and athletic shorts. Go for a neutral makeup look, throw your hair up in a ponytail, and you'll be ready for the game!
A puck bunny is a term used to describe a female ice hockey fan whose interest in the sport is purported to be primarily motivated by sexual attraction to the players rather than enjoyment of the game itself.
Whether you call it chop, moss, lettuce, salad, or flow, hair is a big part of the game of hockey. Today's National Hockey League players often set the standard for flow, but youth pick up on those cues, and curls can be seen peeking out from under helmets in leagues from Mites to Juniors.
The captain is the only player on the team with this authority. The "A" stands for alternate captain. This player performs the same role if the captain is on the bench. There may be more than one alternate captain.
Undergarments can be compression shorts or jock shorts. Jock Shorts have a pocket for a cup and velcro tabs on the front and back of each leg to attach your hockey socks to. Jock shorts can be worn over compression pants. Some compression shorts also have a cup pocket with the velcro tabs.
Put your shin pads on first, then pull your hockey socks up over them.Stretch each sock up all the way to your mid-thigh, so they are tight and not bunched up around your shins. You can use this method on its own or in addition to others to keep your hockey socks up securely during practice or a game.
Wear cool colors, natural tones, and pastels to keep your audience's focus on your face instead of your outfit. That said, drab earth tones could blend into the background too much. White often looks too bright on video, and it can even appear to glow. Too much black looks too dark, especially next to brighter colors.
It's best to dress your little ones in long trousers for soft play, as it will protect their knees when crawling and also means they will glide down the slides rather than stick – so adding a spare pair of lightweight leggings or tracksuit bottoms to your bag is a good idea.
Pee-Wee (Ages 11 – 12): C – B – A – BB – AA – AAA. Bantam (Ages 13 – 14): B – A – BB – AA – AAA. Midget (Ages 15 – 17): B – A – BB – AA – AAA. Junior (Ages 18 – 21): B – A – BB – AA.
But even with a healthy training schedule in place, there are limits to what a young athlete's body can tolerate. As a general rule, children should not train for more than 18 to 20 hours a week.
When To Start Playing Hockey. The earliest age kids can begin playing organized hockey is five years old. For families that want players to learn the skills without being on a team, some programs are a starting point available.
Many people pick up a new sport later in life to try something new, challenge themselves, try a new form of exercise or to simply have fun. I put on my pair of first hockey skates at the age of 23.
Kids can start playing hockey at a little bit older age and still have a great experience. Some start later and catch up to other kids who've played longer, or some are slower to pick up on skating skills, which is okay, too. The ultimate goal of hockey or sports in general isn't necessarily to play at an elite level.
Fun fact: Desjardins and forward Melvin Angelstad (two games with the Washington Capitals in 2003-04) are the only players in NHL history to wear No.69.
Rep (Representative) hockey is the highest calibre of hockey available in any given association. Rep teams typically have 11 to 15 players who represent the more skilled and talented players in their age group.
According to the Centers for Disease Control, ice hockey is the second leading cause of winter sports injury among children, and most injuries are a result of body checking. One study of 9- to 15-year old hockey players found that body checking caused 86 percent of all injuries during games.
This may be obvious, but hockey arenas are a little colder than arenas for other sports. You'll want to bundle up—perhaps in a team sweater or jacket—but you can also bring blankets for the family if you'd prefer not to wear heavier clothing to the game.
An ideal hockey pre-game meal would be high in carbohydrates and protein and low in fats. For example, 6oz chicken breast, 1-2 cups of brown rice, and ½ – 1 cup of green vegetables. How Many Hours Should You Eat Before A Hockey Game? 1-3 hours before your game is the best time to consume your pre-game meal.
Put on your undergarments. These can be compression shorts or jock shorts. Jock Shorts have a pocket for a cup and velcro tabs on the front and back of each leg to attach your hockey socks to. Jock shorts can be worn over compression pants.
The hockey sweater is called a sweater instead of a jersey (though some still insist it's a jersey) because that's quite literally what hockey players wore originally. The game was played outside, so the athletes wore wool-knit sweaters.
Wear a sweater under a sleeveless sheath dress. It's a fresh, unexpected way to get more wear out of your warm-weather closet staples. Try this look with a fitted, solid-colored sweater to avoid adding extra bulk and keep the focus on your dress.
If you only go in a t-shirt, you may find yourself getting too cold. It is also common to wear a hockey jersey or team shirt of your favorite team for a bit more warmth and to show off your team spirit. Wearing shorts is a definite no-no, and you should always go with a pair of pants or jeans.
This may be obvious, but hockey arenas are a little colder than arenas for other sports. You'll want to bundle up—perhaps in a team sweater or jacket—but you can also bring blankets for the family if you'd prefer not to wear heavier clothing to the game.
Consider wearing a pair of wool boot socks and a thick turtleneck to keep those exposed areas—feet and neck—extra warm. You're going to want to bring your warmest winter coat. Not a hooded sweatshirt worn under a shell, but the toastiest down jacket or parka in your closet.
Fleece or wool make great middle layers. The outer layer is your wind (rain or snow) blocker. Look for materials like GORE-TEX or wind- and water-resistant fabrics and ventilation features that can help keep you comfortable while keeping the cold out.
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.
(c) Except for Adults, no player or goalkeeper shall be permitted on the ice while wearing jewelry unless it is completely covered by equipment or taped to the body.
All guests are prohibited from smoking (including electronic cigarettes, vaporizers, marijuana, CBD, or similar products) inside and outside of the arena at any time.
Your pre-match warm-up should start approximately 25-30 minutes before the game.In this warm-up you need to increase muscle and core temperature. Jogging is the best way to raise the temperature and heart beat gradually. Start by slow jogging and increase it to ¾ the pace of your running.
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