Your team is selecting the season’s hockey tournaments to attend and the holiday the tournament falls on is a big deciding factor. Whether you’re a player, coach, or spectator, a well-organized and enjoyable tournament experience is essential. Here, we will share some key tips and suggestions to ensure you have a fantastic time at a holiday hockey tournament.
Choose the Holiday Tournament to Participate In
The major holiday hockey tournaments fall on Thanksgiving Weekend, Martin Luther King Jr. Day, and Presidents’ Day. The next most popular holidays are during winter break. The holiday season brings joy and excitement to many, and for hockey enthusiasts, it’s a perfect time to participate in a holiday hockey tournament. Your team will choose the dates that will work best for the team or for your team’s schedule. Below are the next steps once you know your team is in the holiday tournament.
Plan Ahead
One of the most crucial aspects of a successful holiday hockey tournament is planning ahead. Knowing which players and coaches are available for the holiday weekend is key to planning ahead.
If you’re a player or a coach, make sure to register your team well in advance to secure your spot in the tournament. Many tournaments fill quickly. Get the information on how you will know your team has secured a spot in the tournament.
Communicate with your team members about schedules, logistics, team meals and activities, and any equipment or other tournament requirements. How to get the schedule, directions to the rinks and tournament rules should all be available on the tournament’s website.
Planning ahead will save you from unnecessary stress during the holiday season.
Familiarize Yourself with the Tournament Rules
Each tournament may have its own set of rules and regulations. It’s crucial to familiarize yourself with these rules beforehand. Understand the tournament format, game durations, penalties, and any other specific regulations. Being aware of the rules will help you avoid any surprises during the games and ensure fair play. You should be able to view the tournament rules on the tournament website or by a tournament email.
Knowing the Tournament Rules ahead of the tournament will make for a better experience for the whole team. There’s a lot going on with family schedules around holidays, so being in the know before the tournament event will help prepare you to play your hockey games.
Focus on Team Building
If you’re a coach, use the holiday hockey tournament as an opportunity to build camaraderie and teamwork among your players. Organize team-building activities, encourage open communication, and emphasize the importance of supporting and motivating each other.
Great places to team build include the rink, the tournament hotel, restaurants, site seeing, family activity places, and more…
- Team Meal
- Sightseeing
- Hanging out at the hotel pool or hospitality room
- Going to a laser tag, escape room, movie, or other non-hockey related fun
- Have a team workout outside the rink
Over a holiday weekend restaurants and activity places may have alternative hours. Be sure to plan ahead and check the hours before the tournament.
A strong team bond can have a significant impact on the overall performance and enjoyment of the tournament. Most players will forget the score and who they played. They won’t forget the experience.
Stay Hydrated and Nourished
Proper nutrition and hydration are important for maintaining optimal performance and overall feeling your best during a tournament. Make sure to drink plenty of water before, during, and after games to stay hydrated. Pack healthy snacks and meals to provide your body with the energy it needs. Avoid excessive consumption of sugary drinks or junk food, as they can negatively impact your performance and make you feel more tired.
Get Enough Rest
Amidst the holiday festivities and excitement, it’s essential to prioritize rest and recovery. Make sure to get enough sleep each night to allow your body to recharge. Fatigue can lead to reduced concentration, slower reaction times, increased risk of injury, and crankiness. By ensuring proper rest, you’ll be able to perform at your best and fully enjoy the tournament.
Be a Respectful Spectator
If you’re attending the holiday hockey tournament as a spectator, remember to be a respectful and supportive fan. Cheer for all the players, acknowledge good sportsmanship, and avoid negative or unsportsmanlike behavior. Respect the decisions of the referees and show appreciation for their efforts. Remember, creating a positive and inclusive atmosphere contributes to an enjoyable tournament experience for everyone.
Maintain a Positive Attitude
Remember, a holiday hockey tournament is not just about winning. It’s about having fun and enjoying the sport. Maintain a positive attitude throughout the tournament, regardless of the outcome of each game. Encourage your teammates and hockey families, be respectful to opponents, and appreciate the opportunity to compete in a festive atmosphere. A positive attitude will enhance your experience and that of those around you.
Pack Your Patience
It’s a holiday weekend and there can be a lot of stress. You are wrapped up in 2-3 days of hockey games and all the excitement. Hold the rink door open for the people coming in behind you. Take a deep breath when waiting in line at the pro skate shop or concession stand. Thank the rink staff, they are taking care of a lot of people during your hockey tournament. Share a smile or wave with the people in the lobby and hallways.
We’re all coming together for the love of the game and an awesome holiday hockey tournament!
Participating in a holiday hockey tournament can be an exhilarating and memorable experience. By following these tips, you can enhance your enjoyment of the tournament, whether you’re a player, coach, or spectator. Remember to plan ahead, build team camaraderie, maintain a positive attitude, prioritize nutrition and rest, and be a respectful fan. Ultimately, the holiday hockey tournament is an opportunity to celebrate the sport, create lasting memories, and spread the joy of hockey.
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 experience of 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!