Now that we’re well into fall, hockey players should start thinking about how to best prepare for their upcoming winter season. Fall is a critical time to lay the foundation for peak performance as winter hockey programs kick off. Although you’ve surely been practicing as much as you can and participating in hockey programs over the summer, now is the time to kick things up a notch. Whether you’re a youth player aiming to make a travel team or a high school athlete looking to improve your game, you want to make the most of this season.
Here are some tips for preparing for hockey season, both in programs and individual practice.
Focus on Off-Ice Conditioning
Before the ice time ramps up, build strength, endurance, and agility with a solid off-ice training routine. Core strength, leg power, and cardiovascular fitness are all key areas to target. Workouts can include sprint intervals, plyometrics, bodyweight circuits, and resistance training. Even two to three structured sessions per week can give you a significant edge come winter.
Sharpen Your Skills with Stickhandling and Shooting Drills
You don’t need ice to improve your puck skills. Set up a shooting pad or use a stickhandling ball in your garage or driveway. Practice toe drags, quick hands, dekes, and shooting accuracy. These daily habits can dramatically improve your confidence and puck control.
Get Back on the Ice When You Can
If local rinks are offering stick-and-puck sessions or fall hockey programs, take advantage of them. Skating regularly helps rebuild muscle memory, edge control, and balance. Even limited ice time once or twice a week can ease the transition into more intense winter practices and games.
Don’t Forget About Nutrition and Recovery
As your training load increases, so should your attention to recovery. Fuel your body with nutrient-dense meals, stay hydrated, and get adequate sleep. Stretching, foam rolling, and rest days are just as important as workouts when preparing for a demanding season.
Set Goals and Stay Mentally Engaged
Use the fall to reflect on your goals for the upcoming season. Are you working on your speed? Aiming to earn more ice time? Write down your objectives and create a simple plan to reach them. Staying mentally engaged helps you stay motivated when the season begins.