Tips for the New "Hockey Mom" and "Hockey Dad"
Equipment Tips
- Proper fitting and snugly-tied skates are critical. Skates that are too loose make skating difficult and frustrating. Skates that are too tight are uncomfortable and lead to cold feet - very quickly. Your child may require a smaller skate size than their shoe size. Staff at sporting goods stores can assist you in measuring and sizing your child's skates.
- Skates should be properly sharpened. A sharp blade edge prevents the blade from slipping, and in general facilitates skating. One way to test if a skate is sharp is to use your fingernail as an ice surface. If the edge of the blade does not scratch your fingernail, it's time for a sharpening. Kel's Crease across from the Co-Op gas bar on Roblin is the closest skate sharpener to the rink.
- Proper fitting helmets are also important. Helmets may need tightening or loosening depending if a toque, etc is being worn underneath. Best to do this before you come to the rink.
- A good rule of thumb for length of a hockey stick is as follows: if the child is not wearing skates or shoes, the top of the stick should touch the nose when resting vertically - if the child is wearing skates, the stick should touch the chin. A slightly longer stick is acceptable, especially for beginner players.
- Hockey tape? Hockey tape protects the wooden blade and helps the stick to last longer. Black or white tape? Some shooters believe black tape camouflages the puck and makes it harder for the goalie to see. White tape will leave less marks on the basement floor!
- There are many places to get less expensive, used equipment. Check the classifieds, Buy & Sell, and the various used sporting goods stores (see Sporting Goods in the Yellow Pages).
Keeping Your Child Warm on the Ice
Once a child gets cold, they’re not having fun. Three areas that need special attention are the head, fingers and toes. The best bet for keeping the face and ears warm is a balaclava. Be sure to loosen the helmet to accommodate the balaclava. Hockey gloves are the best bet for hockey, but not the warmest. On cold days, a warm pair of mitts (not gloves) works best. Be sure the mitts have a tough outer layer. It is not easy to keep the toes warm. It is important that the skates are not on too tight (often happens if you put on thick or second pairs of socks). One idea that works well is to wrap a sock around the outside of the skate near the toe and wrap it with hockey or sock tape.
Keeping Your Child Interested
For beginner skaters, you (the parent) will be the child's best motivator. This means lots of praise and encouragement, and maybe some push, pull or dragging. Let your child know they are doing well. Keep it fun. If the child wants to go home after ten minutes, fine. Bring them back next week. Kids love a trip to the canteen for a post-hockey treat. Bring along water, juice, or hot chocolate if you think your child might get thirsty.
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