Maximizing Your Downtime: How to Make the Most of a Youth Hockey Tournament

It’s that time of year again, and the excitement is building – youth hockey season and its tournaments are in full swing! As team managers, coaches, parents, and players gather , the stage is set for a weekend of friendly competition, lots of games, and unforgettable moments at the rink. But what about all those precious moments off the ice? How can you make the most of your downtime during a youth hockey tournament?

Fear not, because we’re about to unlock the secrets to turning those in-between moments into fun, camaraderie, relaxation, and memory-making to last a lifetime. Whether you’re a team manager coordinating logistics, a coach keeping the team focused, or a parent supporting your young athlete, we’ve got a playbook that will elevate your tournament experience.

From exploring local attractions to fostering team spirit and indulging in delicious or kid-friendly cuisine, this guide is your ticket to transforming your downtime into an unforgettable adventure. Get ready for a weekend that’s not just about the games, but about the entire experience, on and off the ice!

When traveling to a youth hockey tournament, the downtime between games presents an opportunity to recover, engage the team, and create memorable experiences. By incorporating a variety of activities, you can ensure that your team stays motivated and enjoys their time off the ice. Here are some of our favorite suggestions to make the most of your downtime:

Sightsee and Explore the Host City

Use this chance to explore the host city and its surrounding attractions. Whether you do this as a family, group, or whole team, learning about the city you are visiting can provide education, fun, and new experiences.

Plan visits to local landmarks, museums, parks, or colleges, attend a show or concert or visit businesses specific to the city. It’s a fantastic opportunity for both fun and education, broadening your horizons.

Learn about the local culture and history of the tournament’s location. Arrange visits to a cultural center, historical site, college, or museum that offers insights into the local heritage. This provides an educational experience and gives your team something new to discuss and enjoy together. We recommend exploring online what the city has to offer before you walk into the chosen sites. You want to be sure you know what to expect before you arrive. While there is a lot to learn and explore, it’s good to be aware. Also, consider the ages of the youth hockey players and siblings to be sure the experience is age-appropriate.

Visiting the Washington D.C. area –

Did you know the Smithsonian Museums are free and open every day except Christmas Day? This includes the National Zoo (free passes are required)

Looking for more free things to do in Washington D.C. check out Washington.org Guide – Free Things to Do: Best of Washington, DC

Want to visit the White House – Did you know tours of the White House must be scheduled through your Congressperson? Tours can be scheduled up to three months in advance and at least 3 weeks before you plan to visit the White House.

Visiting the Nashville area – we recommend checking out Visit Music City

Family Friendly things to do in Nashville

10 Amazing Facts about Nashville Tennessee

Group Activities

Plan group activities or games that promote interaction and fun. Whether it’s games, team meals, team challenges, or outdoor activities, engaging in group activities can boost team morale and definiately create lasting memories.

Time with the Team

Organize team dinners or social events during downtime. Celebrate accomplishments, foster team spirit, and enjoy the local food together. Look for nearby restaurants or consider hosting a picnic-style meal at a team-friendly location. It takes a little planning to find places with room for the whole team and their families.

• One of our visiting team managers arranged for line dancing for the whole team at their hotel to give everyone the Nashville Music City experience.

• One of our teams had a picnic in Centennial Park. Lots of room, to eat and to play after eating.

• We used to recommend a horseback riding stable for families and teams to go on a horseback ride together.

• We recommend visiting one of the local college’s campuses to explore and possibly meet the college hockey team.

Team Meetings

Optimize downtime by holding team meetings, discussing game strategies, reviewing performances, and planning for upcoming games. Coaches and players can communicate effectively and set new goals.

Volunteer

Engage your team in a volunteer or community service activity. Research local organizations or initiatives that might need assistance. This not only imparts valuable life lessons but also instills a sense of giving back within your team. Check with the tournament organizers or local teams to see if there’s an opportunity to contribute to the community. Be sure the experience matches the age of the players.

• One of our visiting teams pulled together to collect goods and food for the local families who had recently experienced a tornado.

Watch Other Games

While other games are taking place during the tournament, take the opportunity to watch games played by other teams. It’s pretty cool to see teams from different states or countries playing, even if they are not in your division. Younger players watching older players can see what’s to come as they age up. Older players watching younger players can be a great opportunity to see how far they have come in their own playing ability. Observing different playing styles, strategies, and skills can provide insights, and spark a conversation that enhances your team’s skills.

While watching other teams play, be respectful spectators and truly look for positive takeaways.

Rest and Relax

Downtime is the perfect time to carve out for relaxation. Encourage your team to unwind, play games, or simply enjoy some leisure time for yourselves or your family. It’s a long three days of tournament play, in addition to the travel to the tournament. Quiet time and quieting minds will help with relaxation, recuperating, and recharging.

Remember to prioritize downtime for rest and recovery, especially for young hockey players. Emphasize the importance of relaxation, good sleep, and rejuvenation. Encourage your team members and their families to take care of their physical and mental well-being by getting enough rest.

Remember to strike a balance between downtime activities, the tournament schedule, and the need for rest. Creating a mix of enjoyable activities, relaxation, team-building exercises, and preparation will ensure that your team makes the most of their overall tournament experience.

Ready to make the most of your team’s downtime during a youth hockey tournament? Follow these tips and turn your downtime into valuable experiences and memorable moments. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to create a well-rounded tournament experience. Start maximizing your downtime today!

Fun

Be sure to schedule some fun, that’s where the magic happens and the memories that will be talked about for years to come.

We hope you have an awesome hockey tournament season! We know these tips will get you off on the right skate!

Want more tips on having a great hockey tournament experience, follow us on Social Media. We share what our tournament attendees have to say and our tournament experiences and tips daily. With 30 years of experience organizing youth hockey tournaments, we are the go-to for a great tournament experience. We look forward to having your team participate in a Showdown Tournament!