The hockey dressing room is fullllll of characters.
Growing up in the game, you learn that players simply like doing their own thing ahead of games. Some are a bit more vocal, while others are a bit more... quiet. Some are superstitious while others… well, they’re just focused on having a good time before hitting the ice. So let’s take a moment to reflect back on our days in competitive hockey (or heck, they probably still exist in your beer league dressing room) and acknowledge the different personalities in the room.
THE SOLO MUSIC LISTENER
Every player has their own way of getting in the zone before puck-drop and headphones can usually be found in every locker room. Just let the player do their thing and listen to their own tunes, not everyone should be forced to listen to music they’re not interested in. This player is totally different from the next one on the list though…
THE DJ
This player is the life of the party. Trusted by his/her teammates, the DJ is usually pretty up to speed with the best tunes and very often rocks a letter. A true beauty! Bulls on Parade by Rage Against The Machine is always on their playlist.
THE SUPERSTITIOUS PLAYER
You obviously knew this one was coming. The superstitious player is the one who tapes their stick five times before getting it just right, always puts one piece of equipment on before the other, and hangs their clothing up the exact same way every time on the hooks. Whatever, do what you’ve gotta do to be at the top of your game we guess!
THE LOUD MOUTH
Just shut up already!!!! Just kidding, but there’s a loud mouth in every room and they sometimes take things a bit too far. Let the team focus and keep your thoughts to yourself. Unless, of course, you’re paying a bad team and there isn’t much on the line..
THE QUIET ONE
No headphones, no talking, this player just keeps their thoughts to them self and focuses on what he/she needs to do. Usually the nail on the team, and someone who teammates know not to mess with. Demands respect with their play.
THE PLAYER WHO KEEPS THEIR STICK BESIDE THEM
Maybe this is superstition, or maybe it’s just convenience. But there’s always that one player who keeps their stick beside them in the room. Just leave it at the door, it takes up space for crying out loud!
THE GOALIE
You can actually find this player driving laps around the ice surface on a Zamboni! Just kidding, but goalies are still some of the best characters in the room. You can typically catch them juggling against the walls, stretching out, or performing some other weird exercise to get their hand-eye going. Plain and simply the strangest characters in the room!
So… who did we miss?!
