Hockey Checklist - Getting Ready to Play

Hockey has more gear than most sports, and getting ready can be a real hassle. Here's a checklist based on MN Special Hockey experience:

1. Wearable gear: if possible wear most of the gear: underwear, shorts w/ cup if indicated and velcro for socks, elbow pads, shin pads, socks, breezers, shoulder pads, neck guard (optional but a good idea), jersey
   
2. Coats and street clothes for post-game (if wear gear)
3. Helmet (check screws) with mouthguard
4. Medications
5. water bottles
6. stick
7. skates
8. gloves
9. lunch (eat enroute)
10. spectators: blankets, books, etc
11. Carrying bag, folded backpack if wear gear for post-game transport
    

Our family has two players, both children as of 2/2008. I also help at practice. This is what we do to get ready:

1. Players can watch TV (DVD videos) while dressing. If they don't dress, I pause the video.
2. I start each stage, players assist (goes quickly with practice).
3. I put helmets, gloves, skates and my gear in the bag first as these are what tend to get left behind.
4. My son's job is to remind me to bring the sticks (from the garage).
   

Revised Feb 2008 for Minnesota Special Hockey.