3/14 Learn
Before the Game
Everything that happens before the first puck drop.
Arrive at least 20 minutes early
Check in with arena staff or the home team, find your dressing room, and get dressed with time to spare. Follow the dressing room and baselayer policy. Rushing onto the ice is how mistakes start.
Pack your bag
Everything on the required gear list, plus a spare whistle, a pen and a water bottle. No team logos, no gloves, no goalie skates.
Find your mentor
If a mentor is on the ice with you today, introduce yourself and ask what they will watch for.
Check your format
U7 and U9 games run very differently. Before every game, review the page for the game you are working:
Confirm the period lengths and ice slot with the timekeeper.
Huddle with your partner
For full-ice U9 games:
- Who drops the opening faceoff
- How you split blue lines and end zones
- A simple signal to call each other over
- Who completes the game sheet
On the ice 3 to 5 minutes early
Head out a few minutes before game time to set up the nets and check the ice:
- Nets on their pegs
- Gates close and latch
- No holes, ruts or debris
Report problems to arena staff. Do not start until it is safe.
20 minutes early. Meet your mentor. Nets set 3 to 5 minutes before.