HELPFUL HINTS

1. Some families find it helpful for their child to dress partially at home.  There are many distractions and limited space in the loccer rooms at the rink.

2. Do not rush!  Have your child start putting on under garments, socks and many other pieces of equipment they can put on properly by themselves.

3. Teach your child a routine order of how to put on the equipment, for example: A) hockey socks and under layer of pants if cold; B) garter belt and cup; C) shin guards; D) pull on hockey socks snug and attach, then wrap hockey tape to hold; E) appropriate under shirt for weather and rink; F) shoulder pads; G) elbow pads ‑ making sure to hold the sleeve so the shirt does not roll up; H) red pants; I) skates; J) home or away jersey; K) neck guard; L) helmet and mouth guard.

4. Players should be taught how to carry their equipment bag and stick, and to be responsible for them.

5. Before getting in the car, ask your child to check and make sure they have all of their equipment -- both to and from the  rink. Review it, "Do you have your stick, skates, etc."

6. It is easy to slip on an old pair of sneakers without laces on the way to the rink and home.

7. Players should wear a hat to and from practice, especially after practice.  Players will be sweating after they take off  their helmets.

8. Putting on skates:  Before you try to push on your child's skates or your child tries to do it alone, loosen the laces so that the skate is wide enough for the foot to slip in.  Pull up socks. Tighten skates starting from the bottom.   Skates must be tight, especially around the ankles. Secret: If you have new skate laces, it is much easier to tighten the  skate ‑ and save your fingers.  All players should have new skate laces to start the season.

9. If your child complains about their helmet, check it.  If  you cannot find anything wrong with its mechanics or size, ask a coach to check it.

10. Off the ice ‑ Wipe blades with a towel.  When skates are taken off,  loosen laces for the next time.

11. At home, players should be responsible for their wet equipment.  They should be given an area to hang up wet socks,  shirt and pants.  All equipment should be stored and ready to go for the next practice and/or game.

12. LABEL ALL OF YOUR CHILD'S EQUIPMENT!!

Equipment frustrations should be worked out by a routine and by teaching your child to take responsibility for the equipment.  A comfortable and happy skater will learn on the ice much more effectively.

Special hint for parents:

Parents should dress warmly when coming to the rink.  It  gets cold sitting through the games and practices.  Warm footwear is a must.  Also helpful is a pad or blanket to sit on.  Some rinks are colder than others; some rinks are fully enclosed while others are open air, so be prepared when you travel.

Finally and importantly:  Every coach wants to do his/her best for your child.  If any special problems arise, please feel free to talk with the coach first, and if that can't be worked out, please see the NCWC Director of Hockey Development, Mike Lowry.