Hockey bags are large and bulky even with just the essential equipment stored in them, so you don’t want to load them up with a bunch of unnecessary gear. However, there are several tools and accessories you should include in your bag that you can use to improve your game. Check out our list below of hockey bag equipment essentials and how they help make you a better player.

Skate guards

Skate guards seem like one of the most common hockey accessories that players own and for good reason: they protect your skates from nicks and other blade surface imperfections. One of the worst things that can happen to a player on the ice is for them to lose an edge and give up a scoring opportunity to their opponent. Skate guards work to stop this from happening.

Skate Sharpening Stones

If you do notice a burr is causing you to lose an edge on the ice, carrying a skate stone can save you when you don’t have the opportunity to sharpen your skates. These handheld tools are run along the side of the blade and help remove nicks and scratches.

Practice Balls or Pucks

One skill a lot of goalies struggle with is handling the puck. I know goalie gloves are cumbersome, but being able to handle the puck when it goes behind your net in a game situation can make the difference between winning and losing. If you find you arrive early to the rink or have time between periods, take out a practice ball or puck and work on your stick control. Golf balls work well, but there are many ball and puck options available at retail stores made specifically for this purpose.

Food and Drink

Hockey is an exhausting game. It’s the reason why the pros only spend about a minute or less on the ice at a time between line changes. When you expend such a large amount of energy over the course of 1 – 2 hours your body is going to start sending signals that you need to refuel. It’s essential you eat nutritious foods and drink lots of liquids, both prior to and during the game, if you want to perform at your best. Try and eat foods high in proteins and vitamins; pack a fruit, like a banana, to eat between periods; and restore lost salts and other electrolytes with sports drinks.

It’s amazing how having the right equipment with you can affect your hockey game. Protecting and maintaining your skates, practicing your puck control in your spare time, and making healthy eating and drinking choices will go a long way to helping you reach your peak hockey potential.

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