With the Hockey season finally coming back in full swing in 2021, players around the world are dusting off their skates and preparing to get back on the ice. After such a long break in 2020, how are you preparing yourself for the upcoming season?

Read on for our guide to getting your head back in the game in 2021 for beginner hockey players.

Not a beginner? We’ve compiled a similar guide for intermediate and advanced players too!

Ready Your Equipment

Investing in the right equipment can give you a major advantage on the ice, so make sure that everything is in tip-top shape to start! 

Safety First

Make sure your helmet, gloves, shin guards, elbow pads, chest protector, and shoulder pads all fit well. It is recommended to try them all on so that you can get used to how they feel on the ice. Remember, it takes some time to get accustomed to wearing all this equipment so the more time you spend with it, the more natural it will feel when you get on the ice.

Check Your Skates

Nothing is more important for new hockey players than ensuring that your equipment is the right size and comfortable to play in. One of the biggest mistakes that beginner hockey players make is not getting the correct skate size for your feet. 

The sizing of ice skates is generally smaller than your shoe size and should fit comfortably while providing strong support for your feet. You can expect to have blisters and general discomfort in your feet if you buy skates that are either too big or too small. 

Size Your Stick

Another common mistake new players make is choosing the wrong stick. Of course, everything is personal preference but ideally your stick will come to about 1-2” below your chin when you are wearing skates. 

A shorter stick can allow for better stick handling but you may not get the same power behind your shot. A longer stick can provide a powerful shot but is harder to maneuver when handling the puck. Picking the right flex for your stick will have an impact on your shot. The higher the flex number the more stiff your stick will be, so test out some different flexes to see which one suits your style of play.

Keeping Up with Fitness

New hockey players are often surprised at how hard of a workout it is to play in a real game situation. Ice skating is one thing, but ice skating with 10-20 lbs of equipment while stickhandling or chasing down an opponent is a different game entirely. 

There is a reason why a standard hockey shift is only 45 to 90 seconds. A sure-fire way to prepare for the upcoming hockey season is to work on your fitness and conditioning. A great way to do this is to rollerblade outside to get your muscles used to the skating motion, as well as running in short intense bursts like sprints to work up your explosiveness on the ice. 

Are you looking to get faster on the ice? Read our guide for building strength and speed for hockey players!

Sharpening Your Skills

It always helps to get a feel for your new equipment by handing your stick as much as possible before getting onto the ice. This is where the SuperDeker at home hockey training system comes in handy! Use this puck handling trainer to hone your stickhandling skills while also getting accustomed to your stick and the weight and movement of the puck. 

The patented SuperDeker surface perfectly simulates the puck sliding across the ice so you can work on your stick handling training without ever leaving the comfort of your home. Ice time is expensive and hard to come by, so using the SuperDeker to practice hockey stick handling is a great way to practice without breaking the bank.

SuperDeker’s zero-friction polycarbonate surface feels like real ice and provides for a natural transition when you are able to get into the rink, making it the best hockey training aid for kids and beginner players of all ages. Players should practice their hockey puck handling everyday both on and off the ice. 

If you want to be ready for the start of your hockey season, working on your stickhandling skills with the SuperDeker hockey training system can give you an edge on your competition. 

Now You're Ready!

Are you ready to get back on the ice this season?

Before hitting the ice in 2021, we suggest gaining an edge on your opponents by prepping your equipment, working on your fitness, and training with your SuperDeker!

If you’re still not convinced that the SuperDeker is right for you, visit our media page for helpful resources and information about how SuperDeker improves hockey stickhandling and puck control. 

Follow SuperDeker on Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube and visit our website SuperDeker.ca to buy your SuperDeker today!