I started this post last year and never quite got around to finishing it, but I think it is worth wrapping up before I get into the new season.
Here are the ten things you should bring to the Hockey Rink if you are a new hockey parent.
1) Coffee – and lots of it, the stronger the better. First , you are not watching the NHL here, you’re going to need the caffeine stay awake once the novelty of watching your darling child fall down on the ice for the first time or skate around in and endless ciricle wears off. You will get cold sitting on a metal bleacher underneath and air conditioner, next to a giant pad of ice. If you are going to an outdoor rink, bring one cup of coffee for each hand.
2) Camera – you know you want to record every moment, so go ahead and indulge this impulse. You’ll grow tired of it soon enough, but more memories are always better. Just be polite and don’t stand in anyone’s way or take pictures of the coaches, parents and other kids that you are going to post to flickr.
3) Blanket/Jacket - Two words – ice rink – it’s going to be cold in there. Its counter-intuitive, but most ice rinks are colder in the summer than in the winter because the AC is on high. The bleachers are usually metal (think of sitting on an ice cube) and hypothermia is a remote possibility. You might just want to sit on it, but I’ve never seen anyone regret having a little throw-blanket at the rink.
4) Cell Phone, PDA etc.. – Feel free to call everyone you know whenever your child does anything that you find remotely interesting. Grandparents love these updates; it’s like being there without having to put on shoes.
5) Pen and Paper – You are going to meet a lot of great people. Exchanging numbers and such is a given. Yes, I know you have a cell phone; but, no one wants wants to watch you fumble your way through your contact list – besides, your fingers will be too numb to type.
6) Hockey Tape – Make sure you tape the blade and top (butt) of you childs stick. Tape may also be required to keep on those shin-pads you bought off ebay – they were $5 for a reason.
7) Extra Socks – You will be in a hurry at some point frantically trying to get your child dressed. Don’t let a missing sock be your downfall. Just throw a few extras into your bag. If you never use them, great. If you need them, they’re a lifesaver.
Water – Think about how much your child would drink during an hour long soccer or football practice. Even if it is just a thirty minute lesson, they will sweat and need a drink immediately after coming off the ice.
9) Soft Hair Bands – Ok… This is more of a critical item if you have a long haired daughter like I do, but there is nothing more embarrasing than being the one responsible for the hair-blind kid who looks like cousin Itt on skates. Make all hair adjustments before putting on your child’s helmet and make sure any ponytails are inserted low to prevent them from pushing uncomfortably against your child’s head.
10) A positive attitude – If you have fun, your child will be much more likely to have fun and that makes learning how to skate and play a whole lot easier on everyone. Don’t stress out about the little stuff.
Good luck and hope to see you at the rink.
