How to Prepare for a Full Hockey Game Experience 01

Introduction

While nothing can be compared to the thrill and pump in the heart for those who are watching a live hockey match, there are certain preparations that are going to make a hockey game experience far more than just buying a ticket and sitting out waiting for the game to start.

From quick shots on ice to sounds of cheers from the stands, hockey indeed is a different experience. Whether it is your first time playing or you are an avid gamer, it’s a whole different ball game: preparation.

All about you, this guide will take you through everything you want to know for preparation in a full hockey game-from choosing the right tickets for your team to the right gear for a game day.

I will use personal anecdotes that will become exemplars of why preparation is such an important thing and insider tips on how to make sure that your next game is one you will never forget.

1. Structure of hockey game Meant Understanding

1.1 Periods
Unlike most sports, hockey is divided into three 20-minute periods. That’s enough to keep straight as each period starts and ends, but the tempo of play in and out of the game and constant changes of players make it feel a whole lot longer. Knowing what’s going on helps you keep track of when you can slip out for a stretch to grab some food or drinks, or a bathroom break.

It so happens that I was still able to recall the very first game I would watch. Surprise, surprise; it started getting really hot from the very puck drop.

Then the match was so exciting that I lost control of time and did not even get an opportunity to grab myself a drink before the break was over, so that’s one thing that I learned next games-about keeping up with time.

1.2 Overtime and Shootouts
The game goes into overtime if at the end of three periods, the score is still tied. For games within the regular season, the game goes into five minutes sudden death overtime if no team has scored.

During playoffs, overtime shall be played in continuous 20 minutes intervals and so forth till a team scores. Know this in time to be relieved a bit of your worry; you’ll be prepared for the overtime and the possibility of a very long experience.

2. Right Ticket Game Changer

2.1 Seating Choice: Where one sits matters
This is because the seat that has been selected will determine whether one will enjoy hockey or not, for instance, a seating choice may be near proximity to ice such that they feel the action of hockey up close or may require to have good angle for viewing the rink in its entirety.

The seat price is much higher on the lower bowl, though you get right smack into the midst of the action. Here you can easily spot the huge movements of the players and also the physicality of the game.

Upper bowl seats: Those are less pricey. But you can see better across the ice. You can see plays form a lot better so if you like sitting back and thinking through a game the deepest you can, you probable’s like that.
While I have sat in both the lower and upper bowl, they each give off a different feel.

The game is exciting in that you get closer to the players, though I love the upper bowl because easily I get a clearer view of the game.

2.2 Atmosphere Consideration
Some areas in the venue are noisier than others. In noisy matches where the crowds are screaming, sections that are designated to the home team fans are those places with all the action. In quieter settings, you may be seated in the neutral or family sections.

3. Game-Day Essentials: What to Bring

3.1 Dress for the Arena’s Temper.
Of course, one of the worst mistakes any first-time hockey player can make is to under-dress. Most rinks stay pretty cold because ice requires a consistent level of frozenness, so you are going to have to bundle up, even on the hottest days.

It layers really nice: if you like to go out in short sleeves, just layer a hoodie or a jacket over it. I learned that the hard way-once went with no jacket and by the end of the first period I was freezing.

Comfortable shoes. Rinks are enormous and you can just imagine walking a really long distance. Even if you think you will be there early and stick around after the game for some post-game activities, your shoes have to be super comfortable.
3.2 Ear protection for children
Hockey arenas are noisy places, more so when you are going to watch major matches or rival matches. Taking a child along, do not forget ear covers to facilitate comfort and avoid damage in sensitive ears.

4. Pre-Game Rituals: Preparation to Get Started

4.1 The Ideal Pre-Game Meal
Food can play a huge role on game day, and nearly all arenas will be alive with its wide varieties. If you intend to come early, then save yourself all that time and avoid those lines during the game because you can actually grab a meal before the game begins. Just check out popular pre-game spots near the arena or dine inside to avoid the rush.

There was the time when we went and sat down to watch the game of playoffs. Before going, I made sure that one had not eaten before watching the game.

We could not even see for all of the second period due to hunger, but long queues meant we missed some action on the field. Lesson: one should always eat a mouthful before the start of the game.

4.2 Hydration is the Key
In the flurry of hockey players after a puck, in the flurry of high speed action, and thrills of a hockey game, sure as sin, drinks of water will be forgotten. Beer can well be everybody’s favorite but one should not forget to drink copious amounts of water during the game so as to be fresh and alert to the action.

5. Participation in the Game: Keep Up with the Action

5.1 Simple Rules Awareness
Don’t like hockey? This trivial knowledge about hockey rules will strengthen your opinion while sitting and watching hockey. Some of the most apparent yet quite essential ones are as follows:

Icing: Whenever, in hockey, the puck is shot from within a team’s half of ice and keeps going unplaced to cross over the goal line, icing is applied.

Offside: No player may enter the opponent’s zone preceding the puck.
That is hockey; I go out and play my game for the first time, and all I ever hear throughout that game is this term “icing,” and after that game, I did not know what icing was. But when I learned what icing is, everything just fell into place.
5.2 Learn about Key Players
It is much more exciting knowing some of the superstars in both teams. Whether it’s for identifying a leading scorer or some notorious enforcer, knowing the role that each player has at hand will help you track the game much better.

6. Make the Most of the Experience on Ice

6.1 Arrive Early Enough To See Warm-Ups
It would facilitate early access to the rink to see teams warm up on ice. So, this is the right moment to see proximity with players, take photos, and get an idea of what is going to happen before the game starts.

The entire process of being here at least 45 minutes before puck drop was always ready for me. It does not even warrant an adequate excuse for me to catch the players practicing but gives me a pretty good chance to settle into my seat and get soaked up in the energy of the arena.

6.2 Cheering and Chanting Participations
Another good reason why one should attend a hockey game is the interaction with the fans, which presents another great thrill that the game has to offer. Every hockey team has their chants, cheers, and traditions, and participation makes it even much more exciting.

As a fan, I was just watching a game of the Montreal Canadiens when the crowd erupted spontaneously into cheers of “Ole, Ole, Ole!” after that winning goal. Having no reason at all for or against, in particular over which to cheer, it was impossible not to get caught up.

7. Freeze Time: Taking Photos and Videos

7.1 Bring a Good Camera
Whether it’s with your friends or family, and even when you’re all alone, photography is definitely the only sure way that you could relive the fun of playing that particular game. Most stadiums allow small cameras; however, it never hurts to check on the photography equipment that the event places restrictions upon before you head over.

It was a game of the Chicago Blackhawks. I took my DSLR camera there, and lucky me, the action of some good plays during the game were caught on camera. This has to be some of the best memories in sports photographs to ever come across.
7.2 Respect the Moment
More difficult to lose in as you write everything down that is happening minute by minute, but do not forget to be present in the moment too. Some times memories are best when immersed in an experience rather than watching it happen through a screen.

8. Game Day Plan: Stretch Out the Fun

8.1 Arenas to Explore After the Game
And it doesn’t have to stop with the final buzzer, either. Many venues extend some post-game activities for games, like meeting the mascot, hearing live music, or visiting the team shop for some souvenir shopping.

I attended a post-game function after one of the Dallas Stars games where players are interviewed and then sign autographs. Excellent end to the already thrilling night. 8.2 Traffic and Parking
Exits out of such a packed stadium are packed even if you’re driving. One of the worst places to be when everybody is trying to leave that packed parking lot at the same time, from a traffic standpoint. You can miss post-game traffic by staying around the arena a little longer and getting a late snack or just soaking up the atmosphere till crowds dissipate.

9. Team Player’s Gears, Jerseys, Hats and Scarves

9.1 Jerseies or your favorite team’s hoodie Hockey is also about showing allegiance while donning the gear of your favorite team. Whether it is a jersey, hat, or scarf, dressing in color of your favorite team connects you with the game and somehow somehow uplifts your mood at the same time.

Official Jerseys: For die-hards located everywhere, getting an official jersey would most certainly make the pocket lines bulge to show their support.

Scarves and Caps: For