PRO'S CORNER: PLAYOFF PREP
For many players across the country, playoffs are fast approaching! While it’s been a crazy year on and off the ice, there’s nothing quite like playoff hockey. To make sure you’re at your best, take a look at our suggestions to be playoff ready when the time comes.
REST
It’s been a long season physically and mentally. There’s been hours at the rink and more hours in the car driving from arena to arena. You know virtually every gas station and fast-food joint between your home and all of your opponents. You’re tired, even if you don’t know it! In the late stages of the season, it is important to take time to rest and relax. It will let the body recover from bumps & bruises and let the brain reset & be ready for the next face off.
CHEMISTRY
As the season drags on, connections are formed within a team – usually good, but sometimes bad. In the days or weeks before the playoffs, taking a moment to reformulate the chemistry of a team can be key. Participating in a team building activity (following local guidelines, of course) can foster and rebuild communication, teamwork, and friendships that can carry into end of season tournaments.
STUDY UP
The opponents are who you thought they are, but are you prepared for them? Are you ready to play your best against their best? Studying up for the playoffs is not all video review (although, it’s not bad at certain levels). Be sure you’re aware of your team’s game plan. Ask questions of your coaches and teammates to ensure everyone is on the same page. If you’re a player and the coach is asking you to do something and you don’t understand, ask questions. If you’re a coach and your players seem confused or lost, break it down into more simple steps and guide them through it. Playing your game got you to the playoffs, so make sure you’re playing it at the best level you can when the puck drops.
PREP YOUR BAG
Once all the mental and physical stuff is set, make sure to prep your bag. Check that skates are sharpened correctly. Binnie’s recommends sharpening them and getting at least one practice in before game time. This way, if there’s anything wrong or different about the cut, you are off kilter at practice not at a game when it counts. Next, check all the screws in your helmet. Murphy’s law says that if you lose a screw 3 minutes or less before you take the ice, it will never show up and there might not be a screwdriver around for miles. Try to prevent this moment of panic from happening by tightening all your helmet screws ahead of time and it wouldn’t hurt to toss a helmet repair kit in your bag, too, just in case. In line with helmet maintenance is lace maintenance. If your laces are on their last legs – or beyond – now’s the perfect time to throw in a new pair. Not sure? Have an extra pair in your bag; you never know when you or a teammate will need them. Last, check your tape job. Some people tape their sticks every game, some go all season. Regardless, look for tape that is torn, peeling off, or otherwise just seems worn. If you’re a waxer, throw on a fresh coat to protect your new tape job and give you the extra grip for your mitts.
LOOK GOOD, PLAY GOOD
You’ve taken a nap and bonded with your teammates. You know your opponents game plan and your own. You’ve checked over all of your gear and are ready to go. There’s only one piece left to the playoff puzzle: looking good when you enter the rink. Every player wants to represent in the best way possible. Pick up a Binnie’s tee or hoodie, and have a hat on hand for that post-game hockey hair.