There are certain things that fly in beer league hockey and certain things that definitely… don’t.
The game simply changes when you hit the beer leagues. The hockey’s worse, it’s not as competitive, and most importantly, people are often not as friendly. If you’re a beer league vet then you probably know some of these by now but if you're not, or just starting out, here are some do’s and don’t to know going forward.
Let’s get started, shall we?!
DO: BRING THE BEVIES
What an integral rule. IF you’re of legal drinking age (and the rest of your team is, too), then make sure you bring the beers once in a while. You’re best off keeping a schedule so everyone chips in. You can’t have the same person bringing the pies every week!
DON’T: CHIRP SOMEONE FOR WEARING A CAGE
Don’t you DARE do this one. If someone wants to wear a cage, then let them. Why would ever make fun of someone for wanting to protect their face? You’re looking to come into work the next day without a tooth? Or a black eye? The players wearing the cage sure aren’t.
DO: TRY
As a beer league player, I’m so sick and tired of playing with, and against people who don’t try. Most of them come from playing at a decently high level and think it’s cool or something to give it 50%. WRONG. Kick it up to at least 85%. For a lot of us, beer league is our one time of the week to engage in competition. So make the most of it and try to earn a trip to Nationals or something.
DON’T: COMPLAIN TO THE TIMEKEEPER IN THE PENALTY BOX
We addressed this one in our do’s and don’ts of sitting in the penalty box this week. Do you really think the timekeeper cares about you or your problems? They’re far more focused on being on their phone and tuning them self out of the action. No one cares that you disagree with the call, not even person between the two boxes.
DO: SHOW UP ON TIME
This one is specifically for all of the goalies out there. Don’t show up too early but MAKE SURE YOU’RE ON THE ICE ON TIME!!!! There is nothing worse than having to start a game with the goalie pulled, only to see the other team score three goals within the first two minutes.
DON’T: HIT THE GOALIE IN THE HEAD WITH A SHOT
Speaking of goalies… try not to hit them in the head with a shot. Obviously these things happen unintentionally, but just be mindful of where you’re shooting. Especially in warmups.
DO: WEAR SHOULDER PADS
What are you, crazy? Don’t be a hero… protect yourself. A clapper to the chest would really, really hurt.
DON’T: POINT-GRUB
DO NOT. UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES. STEAL. YOUR. TEAMMATES’. POINTS. Probably the most cowardly thing you can do in the game. Be a team player and stop worrying about the stat-sheet so much.
DO: SHARE TAPE
Look, no one likes being the teammate to always share tape. But your teammates will respect you more for it. It’s a price worth paying to earn the respect of your teammates, and you better make sure it’s got flames on it baby!!!!
DON’T: CUT YOUR TEAMMATES ON THE BENCH
Really? This is such a thing of the past. Everything changes once you get to beer league, no one is looking for this jeunvenile garebage anymore. We get it, you once felt like you deserved more ice time than your teammates. That won’t fly anymore, buddy!
So these are our do’s and don’ts/ Got any of your own that you would like to share?
