It’s Summer time, and for hockey player that means a few things: finally, a break (for maybe a month), low reps and high sets, and men’s league. Sure, there are skates to be had in order to work on a few things in the off-season, but men’s league is a time to try the move you may not have the courage to do during the season, and possibly dog it on the back check. It brings the enjoyment back to hockey that may have dissipated a little during the long season, and all of the annoyances and bickering with coaches and other players take a back seat for once. However, some games may not be all as peaceful as one would like, so to better clarify what works and what does not work, here are the do’s and don’ts of men’s league.
1. Pass The Puck
No one likes a puck-hog, and especially during men’s league. No one cares that you can dangle around three guys and take it to the net; MOVE THE PUCK. We’re ALL playing to have fun and get a touch in. We ALL want to try new things, so let everyone have a chance to do that because it is still a team. You can take your cape off, hero, and maybe practice being a team player.
2. Play Defense
We all want to score and do cool things offensively, but remember it is still a game, and there is a goalie on your team too. Goalies normally do not want to play men’s league, so it is nice to have a goalie who tries during these games, which means players need to play defense to keep the goalies playing. It may not be fun, but it makes the game more competitive, entertaining, and most importantly, encourages goalies to play.
3. Keep it Chill
Do not go 100%, maybe in the finals, but not before. We just endured an incredibly long season that literally had us spill blood, wake up in aches, and use several ice bags that together could weigh as much a hundred pounds, so there is no need to go a hundred miles an hour. Be competitive, and try, but do not go as fast as you can or get mad over frivolous occurrences and start chirping, because no one wants that. It just leads to slashing, hooking, and hitting which is the last thing anyone needs.
4. Take Reasonable Shifts
In Men’s League, we have the tendency to stay on the ice for a little longer due to our break from giving it our all every shift, which is understandable but do not abuse this. Take a minute to a minute and a half shift, but no longer than that because we all want to be out there and be part of the play, instead of sitting on the bench like a dweeb. We are all trying to have fun here, and we are paying the same fee to play, so do not be a loser, go for a change.
5. Remember It’s Not All About Hockey
You want to win and play well, but that does not matter now, so do not get hung up about making a bad pass or getting the puck taken away. It is mainly about hanging out with other dudes who you may not have seen in a while, making plans to hang out later, and good old fashion networking. Sharing ideas for future projects or plans to be had, where and who to skate with to train or which gym to train at, or to see if your buddy can hook you up with a job somewhere. However, most importantly, where to go to for a few sodas.
Men’s League is about having fun and to help fade away the earnest aspects that surround hockey. With that in mind, let us keep remember these do’s and don’ts in the next game, and the rest of Men’s League season to keep summer a haven from the regular bullsh&t of hockey.
