HOW TO PREPARE FOR A HOCKEY GAME THE RIGHT WAY
ASK 247 HOCKEY
Having a good pre-game routine to help you dominate on the ice and play more consistently.
We have a checklist for you below that will help you create a pre-game routine that works for you.
If you want more elite preparation, mindset and intense hockey workouts, join our ELITE PROGRAM here.
If you want to try a free 7-day off-ice hockey workout program join our free Hockey Training Challenge.
Every player has their own routine but it is important to establish routine that is beneficial to your performance, not just something that is “easy” to do before a game.
It takes some testing to find out what works for you, but I’ve always found that players who dedicate themselves to a specific routine have MUCH more success than those who just wing it when they get the rink.
You go into an NHL locker room 2-3 hours before a game and most players are LOCKED IN and focused getting ready for the game both mentally and physically.
That is really key, you need to prepare MENTALLY and PHYSICALLY.
Here is a checklist to help you accomplish that.
DAY BEFORE GAME
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No Weights
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Stretch and Foam Roll
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Stickhandling and Skill
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Optional: Quickness and Agility
GAMEDAY
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Wake up decent hour - 6-8am / Don’t sleep in.
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Move your body. Take a walk, go very light jog, do a dynamic warm up (10-15 min)
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Eat a healthy breakfast with good protein and carbs (30 min)
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Do some off-ice stickhandling and shooting 3-4 hours before the game (30 min)
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Drink good amounts of water throughout the day
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Have a healthy pre-game meal before you leave for the rink (30 min)
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Set goals SPECIFIC goals for yourself for the game. Limit it to 2-3 things (15 min)
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Get to the ink 20-30 minutes before required to do your own individualized mental preparation.
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Spend time at the rink visualizing and doing some game situation skill drills (20 min)
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Do any of your own personal warm-up drills before the team warm up
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Dynamic warm up with team (or individually if your team doesn’t have a warm-up)
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Spend time taping sticks and any other rituals you have.
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Optional: 30 min nap as long as it’s 3 hours before the game
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Optional: Freezing cold shower at home or at rink to get blood pumping (sucks but works AMAZING)
MAJOR KEY: Try to keep your routine consistent. Write it down if you have to and bring it with you.
If you are serious about being an elite hockey player then you need to start training and thinking like an elite hockey player.
That is exactly what our ELITE Program helps you do.
We give you the off-ice workouts, mindset and positioning training you need to stand out and accomplish your biggest goals in hockey.
Learn more about the ELITE program here:
