What I Learned in Year One as a Hockey Mom: The Good, the Chaotic, and the Unforgettable

When I first signed my little one up for hockey, I thought I knew what I was getting into—early mornings, cold rinks, and lots of cheering. But boy, was I in for an adventure! My first year as a hockey mom has been a whirlwind of excitement, learning curves, and heartwarming moments. Here are some of the things I’ve learned that might help any newbie hockey moms out there:

1. I Knew Nothing About Hockey

Let’s be honest—when we started, I knew nothing about hockey. Zero. But the amazing thing about the hockey community is how willing people are to help you learn. I leaned heavily on family and friends who had been part of this world for years, asking all the “silly” questions, and they always had advice, tips, and encouragement. From explaining the basics to gear recommendations, they were my lifeline during those first few months, and I’m forever grateful for that support. Don't be afraid to ask for help!

2. Early Mornings Are Non-Negotiable

One of the first things I quickly learned? Hockey doesn’t sleep in. Ever. Whether it's a practice or a game, those early-morning ice times hit you fast. I’ve perfected the art of making breakfast while half-asleep and have become best friends with my coffee machine. But despite the grogginess, those early rink times are worth it when you see your kid’s face light up the second their skates hit the ice.

3. Layers, Layers, Layers

I thought I was prepared for cold weather. Turns out, nothing prepares you for the arctic-like conditions inside a rink. Even when it’s not freezing outside, that cold air on the ice hits differently. Over the course of this year, I’ve mastered the fine art of layering—fleece-lined leggings and my long vest (Costco special!) are now my go-to uniform. Bonus tip: always keep a blanket in the car. Trust me. Heated and padded stadium seats have been added to this years hockey season. Also, to keep those beverages warm YETI is my go too for my beverages. 

4. Bigger Doesn’t Mean Better (When It Comes to Hockey Bags)

I was convinced that a massive hockey bag would be the answer to all our gear-storing woes. Spoiler: It wasn’t! It turns out, wheels and a handle are the real lifesavers. We switched to a Sketchers hockey bag, and it’s been a game-changer. No more lugging an oversized bag around the rink—now it’s smooth sailing. Well, as smooth as hockey gear can be.

5. You’ll Forget Things—And It’ll Be Okay

No matter how organized you think you are, something will inevitably be forgotten. Case in point: We took our daughter to public skating, and she wore her helmet, gloves, and skates. I thought I unpacked everything afterward... turns out, I didn’t! Fast forward to her next game—no gloves. We rushed home, couldn’t find them anywhere, and realized she had almost outgrown them anyway. Thank goodness Canadian Tire was only 10 minutes from the rink! We grabbed her new gloves and raced back just in time. Crisis averted.

6. A Hockey Toolkit Is a Lifesaver

I had no idea that screws could come loose on a helmet during a game. We were at a tournament, and when I went to put my daughter’s chin strap on, there was no snap to click it into place. Panic mode! Luckily, one of the dads handed me this magical Bauer toolkit with extra screws, parts, and a mini screwdriver. Life-changing! If you’re a hockey mom, make sure you’ve got one of these in your bag—you’ll thank yourself later.

7. Dressing Your Kid from the Bottom Up

This one’s a game-changer for getting ready in a hurry. Start with the socks and shin guards, then work your way up. It makes the whole process smoother, and they’re ready in no time. Plus, when the game’s over, if they take everything off from the top down and pack it neatly, you’re set up for success at the next game.

8. Bandanas, Neck Guards, and Options

Over time, we learned some essentials that keep the game running smoothly. Bandanas are a must-have to keep hair and sweat out of their face (and they look pretty cool too). We also switched to underclothes with built-in neck guards for extra safety, and having options like leggings or shorts for the underlayer has been a lifesaver—especially for the kids who don’t love too much bulk.

9. You Can Do It On a Budget

Let’s be real, hockey can get expensive! But there are plenty of ways to make it more budget-friendly. Places like Play It Again Sports or Facebook Marketplace are goldmines for second-hand gear that’s still in great condition. Also, if you’re lucky enough to have an awesome group of mom friends, set up a group chat where you can pass things around as your kids outgrow their gear. It’s been a huge help for us!

10. The Hockey Family is Real

I’d heard people talk about the “hockey family,” but I didn’t truly understand it until I was in it. The camaraderie between parents, coaches, and kids is something special. From carpooling to sharing snacks in the stands, the hockey community is tight-knit. I've made friends that feel like family, and the support from the stands is unlike anything else.

11. It’s Okay to Get a Little (or a Lot) Competitive

I’ve always considered myself pretty laid-back, but something about watching your child zoom down the ice makes the inner cheerleader come out. While I try to keep things in perspective, there’s no denying the rush of excitement when your team scores a goal. And yes, I might have found myself jumping up and down, yelling a bit too loudly—but hey, I’m a hockey mom now, right? A little cow bell lol didn’t hurt anyone lol.

12. Patience, Patience, Patience

There are good days and challenging days. Some days, your kid might skate like a pro. Other days, they might spend more time on the ice than on their feet. As a hockey mom, I’ve learned the importance of patience—not just with my kid but with myself. It’s a journey, and every win, fall, and fumble is part of the experience.

13. It’s Not Just About Hockey

At the end of the day, hockey is so much more than a game. It’s about teaching resilience, teamwork, and how to get back up after falling down (sometimes literally). My child has grown in ways I never imagined—both on and off the ice. And I’ve learned that being a hockey mom isn’t just about cheering from the stands; it’s about being there, supporting them through every victory and every lesson.

A Year Down, A Lifetime of Memories to Go

After a year in the world of hockey, I can say with confidence that it’s one of the most rewarding, chaotic, and fun experiences I’ve ever had. Whether it’s watching my kid’s face light up after a big save, chatting with fellow moms about practice schedules, or packing up the car for yet another early morning rink trip, I wouldn’t trade any of it for the world.

So, here’s to year two—and to all the hockey moms out there who know exactly what it’s like. We’ve got this!