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Ice Hockey of any level is an equipment intensive sport. Each player comes with their own (big) bag of gear and it doesn’t stop there. Moms and any regular spectator come with their own bag of hockey game essentials.
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I have to admit that my first couple of hockey games I thought I could be tough and make it through with just a coat. After all, the average length of a youth ice hockey game is 1 hour and how bad can it be to sit or stand in 20 to 24 degrees?
Let me tell you, it is uncomfortable and cold. So, moral of the story: come prepared and just enjoy yourself.
The Gear for Mom
Thermos Insulated Bottle
My Thermos travels with me pretty much all the time. Especially if I know I am going to want a hot cup of coffee on the road. This baby has kept coffee warm for over 24 hours(warm, not hot) and was an absolute lifesaver one morning at a hotel with terrible coffee.
Blanket
If you are already wearing a winter coat, is a blanket overkill? No. For the most part coats really only warm your upper body. The blanket is for your lower body or an extra layer for really cold rinks.
Foam Pad
A foam pad might seem like a strange thing to bring along, but I have been searching high and low for an option that I can sit on cold bleachers OR stand on cold concrete. A foam kneeling pad is just the ticket. Just think enough to block the cold from seeping through your lower layers or shoes and small and lightweight enough to pack in a bag.
Hand and Foot Warmers
If you suffer form cold feet or hands, stash a few of these hand and foot warmers in your bag. These aren’t items that I use all that often for hockey games, but our league does a have a few teams with outdoor rinks and, oh man, are those games cold. I have even had to give some out to my kids’ team mates to keep in their gloves or skates during the game.
I like to designate a bag that is strictly for me during hockey games and once it is packed it lives in my vehicle during hockey season. It’s one less thing for me to worry about having to get ready and that is always a win-win!
What essentials do you always pack for hockey games? Comment below!
