The Importance of Pre-Game Rituals in Hockey Performance

27 October 2025

If you've ever laced up a pair of skates or stood freezing in an ice rink shouting for your favorite team, you probably know one thing: hockey isn’t just a sport—it’s a grind, a discipline, a mindset. And before a single puck is dropped, there’s something going on behind the scenes that sets the tone for every pass, check, and goal: pre-game rituals.

Yep, we’re talking about everything from listening to that one pump-up song on repeat, to taping sticks just right, to even eating the same pre-game meal every single time. Sound a little superstitious? Maybe. But believe it or not, these rituals can play a massive role in how hockey players perform on the ice.

So, let’s dig deep into the frozen world of hockey and break down why these quirky, personal habits might just be the secret weapon behind elite-level performance.

Why Pre-Game Rituals Matter in Hockey

Let’s shoot straight: hockey is a high-speed, high-stress sport. Players have milliseconds to make decisions, dodge brutal hits, and seize scoring chances. With so much happening at a breakneck pace, mental sharpness is just as important as physical skill.

That’s where pre-game rituals come in.

They aren’t just weird habits or lucky charms—they’re psychological tools. They help players lock in their focus, squash nerves, and get mentally prepared for battle.

Confidence Booster

Ever notice how athletes seem to have a certain swagger right before a game? That’s not just adrenaline—it’s routine. Doing the same thing before every game gives players a sense of control and familiarity, even when everything else feels chaotic.

Those rituals help build a rhythm. And when you’ve got rhythm, you’ve got confidence.

Mental Focus and Routine

Let’s face it—nerves can be brutal. Big game? Pressure mounting? Stakes through the roof? Even the pros feel it.

Pre-game rituals help players shift into a mental “game mode.” It’s like flipping a switch. Whether it’s putting on equipment in a specific order or visualizing the first shift on the ice, these habits signal to the brain: It’s go time.

It’s all about creating consistency in an unpredictable environment.

The Psychology Behind Pre-Game Rituals

So, what’s actually happening in the brain when players stick to these routines?

Rituals Reduce Anxiety

It’s scientifically legit. When athletes perform rituals—or any kind of structured behavior—they reduce internal chaos. It tricks the brain into thinking, “I’ve done this before, I know what’s coming.”

This kind of mental stability is priceless in a game as wild and fast-paced as hockey.

Matching Mental and Physical States

Hockey players aren’t just getting ready physically when they warm up—they’re syncing mind and body. That mental clarity helps with anticipation, reaction times, and even staying disciplined during those intense back-and-forth shifts.

Ever see a goalie breathing deeply before a faceoff? That’s not for show. It’s about maintaining calm and keeping focus tight.

Common Pre-Game Rituals in Hockey

Every player is different, but some rituals show up across locker rooms everywhere. Let’s break down a few of the most common (and, yeah, sometimes bizarre) ones.

1. Tape Jobs

Ask any player about how they tape their stick and prepare for a rant. The curve, the toe, the grip up top—it’s all very personal. Some even redo it mid-game if it doesn’t “feel right.”

Taping isn’t just functional—it’s a major part of a player’s mental prep.

2. Stretch and Warm-Up Routines

Every squat, lunge, and dynamic stretch matters. But it’s not just about loosening up muscles.

Many players follow the exact same warm-up routine. From foam rolling to ladder drills, it becomes muscle memory—and that helps them mentally lock in.

3. Music Playlists

Yeah, those headphones aren’t just blocking out locker room chatter. From pump-up anthems to calming acoustic tracks, the right playlist creates the emotional state a player wants before they hit the ice.

Some players even have a “lucky” song they can’t skip. No lie.

4. Superstitions and Odd Behaviors

We’re talking about the weird stuff: eating chicken parmesan before every game, tapping each post before puck drop, wearing the same undershirt for every game in a season. Sounds quirky, but if it works, who’s to argue?

5. Visualization

This one’s powerful. Before stepping on the ice, many players close their eyes and see themselves making the perfect pass or scoring a breakaway goal.

It’s called mental imagery, and science backs it up—it helps train the brain like a real rep would.

Elite Players and Their Rituals

You don’t have to dig deep into the NHL to see evidence of rituals at work. Some of the greatest to ever lace them up had routines that bordered on obsessive—but led to success.

Sidney Crosby

Ever heard of Sid’s obsession with his gear? He’s got specific ways he tapes his stick and even how he lays out his equipment. The guy eats the same pre-game meal (PB&J and a cup of Gatorade) before every game.

Why? Because it works. It’s part of his preparation, a way to quiet his mind and sharpen his focus.

Patrick Roy

One of the most legendary goalies of all time. Roy used to talk to his goalposts. That’s right—he believed they were on his side. Weird? Maybe. But look at his results.

Henrik Lundqvist

The "King" had a very structured warm-up routine. He did the same stretches, movements, and breathing exercises every time before stepping on the ice. It helped him stay calm and focused under pressure.

What’s the takeaway here? These routines aren’t just quirks—they're part of what made these players great.

How Coaches Can Encourage Rituals

Rituals shouldn’t be forced, but they can be encouraged. Coaches play a big role in helping young players develop effective routines.

Build Team Routines

Simple things like consistent warm-ups, team chants, or locker room traditions can help players feel connected and focused.

Allow for Individual Habits

Give players space to do their thing. Some might need quiet time. Others want to joke around. Respecting individual rituals can boost morale and performance.

Encourage Visualization and Mental Prep

Introduce things like breathing exercises, focus drills, or even guided visualization. Just a few minutes of mental prep can lead to big-time results on the ice.

Developing Your Own Pre-Game Ritual

Don’t have a ritual yet? No worries—you don’t have to be a pro to benefit from one. Here’s how to get started:

Step 1: Identify What Gets You in the Zone

Is it music? A specific meal? Taping your stick a certain way? Find what builds your focus and confidence.

Step 2: Create a Simple Routine

Maybe it’s 10 minutes of stretching, followed by your favorite walkout song and a few stick taps on the bench. Keep it short and realistic.

Step 3: Stick with It

Consistency is key. The more you repeat the ritual, the stronger its effect on your mental state.

Step 4: Adjust as Needed

Don’t be afraid to tweak your routine. What works one season might need a little tuning the next. The goal is performance, not superstition.

The Bottom Line

Hockey isn’t just about talent and training—it’s a mental game. The smallest habits can have a huge impact, and pre-game rituals are one of the most powerful tools in a player’s toolbox.

Whether you're playing at the house league level or gearing up for a national championship, having a consistent way to prepare can make you sharper, calmer, and more ready to leave it all on the ice.

So go ahead—blare your playlist, tape your stick just right, and get in the zone. It might feel silly at first, but if it helps you play your best game, it’s worth every second.