Pre-game Rituals in Hockey

What do you do for pre-game?

Ice hockey is a very mental sport, so lots of players want the day of a game to happen a certain way. Many of them have developed rituals, which they must do before playing the game.

I myself always put the skate furthest away from me on first, and tie my skates twice. I also attempt to pee, in every period break. When we huddle before the game in front of the net, I hit the left post twice with my stick, and skate around the net.

 Before coming to the dressing room I try not to think too much about the game and relax a bit. I actually like to play some video games before leaving to totally take my mind off of things. I make sure to drink a lot of water throughout the day, and eat around 4 hours before the game starts. If I’m tired I will also try to take a 30 min nap around 1 or 2.

I have heard some very funny, and weird rituals. I’m going to list a few of the ice hockey ones. I might make a post, about other sports too later.

Ovechkin has said to the press, that he likes having sex before games. It simply makes him play better. The results don’t lie though, so this might be something to look into. Certainly one of the more enjoyable rituals out there.

Bruce Gardiner Is said to have started dunking his stick into a toilet after having a scoring drought. It worked the first time, and he has been doing it ever since. He got this tip from one of his teammates to show humility to his stick.

Tim Thomas likes to eat a cheeseburger the day before a game. Hence one of his nick names being Cheeseburger

Maybe the Cheesburgers are the victims in his success

Patrick Roy has admitted to ignore the pregame national anthem, and focus on shrinking the goal using his mind. This crazy goalie, talked to his goal posts, saying thank you, whenever a puck would hit them.

Feel free to comment on what you like to do for pregame!

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