some unwritten hockey rules

[Greg_Di 1,028]

 

Greg Eagles recently wrote an article for the Vancouver newspaper about some of the unwritten rules of hockey. This article by Eagles was written to teach upcoming players, fans and parents about the rules that you won’t find in the official rulebook but is followed by nearly every professional hockey player. We are sharing it today with all our hockey fans

 

Protect your goalie.

Keeping the goalie healthy and focused on their job is a team priority. Goaltending isn’t easy, so let’s not make the job any harder. Don’t let opposing players intrude on your goaltender.

 

“I think it really helps a goalie’s confidence to know your teammates have your back if there is unwanted contact from any of the opposing team players,” Eagles says. “Goalies often feel isolated. Knowing that you are going to be protected by your teammates makes us feel more a part of the team. Knowing that we have the support of our teammates also allows us, the goalie, an opportunity to spend more time focusing on stopping the puck and helping our team win.”

 

Eagles fully trusts his players on the Wolves as they have always had his back which is leading to his greatest season yet.

 

Don’t shoot near your goalie’s head in warmups.

 

Don’t start firing rockets near your goalie's head during warmups. The last thing you want is to anger or injure your last line of defense right before the puck drops. There’s not a whole lot of time for pre-game, on-ice warmups before the game. Make sure the goalie sees a lot of shots and gets comfortable. That doesn’t mean you shouldn’t shoot to score. But remember, having a properly warmed up and confident goaltender could play a big part in how your team fares in the game.

 

“Players should work on hitting the net and shooting to challenge the goalie,” Eagles says. “Goalies need to feel the puck and make some saves during warmups so they feel confident and are ready to play their best when the puck drops.”

 

Don’t shoot the puck after the whistle.

 

First off, it’s a penalty. Secondly, it’s just poor hockey etiquette. When you hear the whistle, the play stops. Don’t shoot the puck. All it will do is cause problems for both teams and the refs. Not only will it anger the opposing team, but it will also annoy the officials.

 

Respect the goalie after the play is over. If you don’t, you’ll wind up in the penalty box and also start to put your own goaltender at risk for retaliatory plays. You may be angry at missing a chance or going offside but don’t put your team at risk of a penalty because of your anger.

 

Don’t shave until after the playoffs.

 

OK,  I know some players have a tough time growing beards (especially if a younger junior player is reading this) but if you can grow it, why not show it? This is not a requirement by all means, but more so just a quirk that most pro hockey players share come playoff time. It could be a nice way to keep the mood light and fun around the locker room and see how can grow the longest beard. That is if your team makes the playoffs!

[Banackock 8,160]

Don't forget: Do not poop in the shower @Greg_Di

Edited February 21, 2020 by Banackock