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TJ's Mom, Rink Rater's hockey mom, gives a thumbs-up outside a snowy ice rink next to a sign listing location, rink temp, concessions, pro shop and skate sharpening.

Hockey Parent Resources

Welcome to the Rink Family

Hi, I'm TJ's Mom. If you're new to hockey and the hockey community, it's just awesome! There's so much to know when you're starting out as a Hockey Mom or Dad, and I'm here to share some insights.

Hockey Parenting 101

Swipe through, then flip a card for TJ's Mom's real talk.

  • The Gear

    How much stuff are we talking?

  • The Time

    Why is practice at 6 a.m.?

  • The Cost

    Can we actually afford this?

  • The Energy

    Who's going to be tired here?

  • The Commitment

    Is it worth it?

Your rookie season game plan

Four periods. Take them one at a time.

Periods done0/4

TJ's Mom says

Don't buy a single thing yet. Let your kid try it first. Lots of rinks host free first-timer days with loaner gear, and you'll know in about ten minutes whether that grin is real. Bring a warm coat for yourself. Trust me on that one.

Try Hockey For FreeFree intro sessions for young first-timers at rinks across the country. Search by zip code.tryhockeyforfree.com (opens in a new tab)Find Hockey Near YouLook up youth programs in your area when you are ready for the next step.comeplayyouthhockey.com (opens in a new tab)Why Hockey?USA Hockey's case for why the game is worth it. Spoiler: it's more than a game.usahockey.com (opens in a new tab)

Pack the bag

Check things off the night before. Your list stays saved on this device, so you can use it before every practice.

0 of 18 packed

On the player, head to toe
In the bag

Missing something from the list? and help the next family pack smarter.

Your program may have its own requirements. When in doubt, ask your coach, and see USA Hockey's Player Health & Safety page (opens in a new tab).

From the Rink Family

Tips from hockey moms and dads, for hockey moms and dads. Nutrition, workouts, skills, camps, gear and rink life. What do you wish someone had told you?

See all parent tips

Plan smart. Play hard.

Before that first practice, look up the rink. Other hockey parents have already told us what you'll want to know.

  • Location & parking
  • Rink temp
  • Concessions
  • Pro shop
  • Skate sharpening
  • Real reviews from parents
Look up your rink

Hockey is for everyone

Girls' & Women's HockeyPrograms and opportunities for girls getting into the game.usahockey.com (opens in a new tab)Disabled HockeyPrograms for players with disabilities, including sled hockey.usahockey.com (opens in a new tab)

Rink Rater is not affiliated with or endorsed by USA Hockey. The resources linked on this page belong to USA Hockey and their respective owners, and open on their websites. TJ's Mom's tips and the Rink Family tips are general advice from one hockey parent to another, not professional advice. Always follow your program's and coach's guidance.