Before I met my boyfriend, Austin, I knew absolutely nothing about ice hockey and he would probably say I still don't today. But, one thing I do know for sure is how to be a hockey girlfriend. After four years of sitting at freezing cold ice rinks and 7/11 runs at midnight after a big win, it is safe to say I have learned the tricks of the trade. To all of my fellow ice hockey girlfriends, here are ten things every we should all know:
1. Dress warm.
Although he may like a little leg, you will most definitely regret it by the third period. By dress warm, I simply do not just mean a coat, I mean a hat, scarf, gloves, and whatever else you can possibly think of to keep you warm when sitting in the tundra we call an ice rink.
2. Do not question or try to understand their superstitions.
I have had the pleasure of dating a goalie, the most superstitious being on planet Earth. Ladies, your boyfriend has probably had these superstitions longer than he has dated you, so do not even try to entertain the thought of changing them or even understanding them. I speak from experience, you never will.
3. The flow is real.
Let's talk lettuce, ladies. Your boyfriend will have hair that is longer than yours and quite frankly, way more luscious, too. He will never cut it for you or for anybody else. He loves his hair more than he loves you.
4. It is okay to cry before every home game.
The day of a home game, your anxiety will run rampant. Be prepared to not be able to eat all day or eat all day and cry in the bathroom before the game begins. You are just as nervous as he is. It is okay to be a nervous wreck, plain and simple.
5. After a big win, you can finally breath.
The most relieving time of a game is when it is over. After the final buzzer sounds throughout the rink and you win, you can sit back and take a load off. This is the one moment of relief before the anxiety of the next game to come begins very soon. It is your time to celebrate and, more importantly, relax.
6. After a losing game, do not speak.
After a loss, there is absolutely nothing you can say that will make him feel better. Saying he played well will only make things worse, trust me. Just sit back and enjoy the awkwardly silent car ride home.
7. In case of injury, do not leave your seat.
Come on ladies, we know ice hockey is a violent game. If he ever gets injured, do not go to see if he is okay. As hard as it is to watch him get hurt on the ice, just sit back and say a prayer. You will see him after the game is over.
8. The refs are the enemy.
Hooking, offsides, and tripping... The refs seem to magically miss it all. Be prepared to curse and yell like you never have before. You will probably be more hostile towards the refs than the other team. Bite your tongue or prepared to be tossed.
9. Get your hockey terminology straight.
From personal experience, nothing annoys him more than explaining what offsides is every thirty seconds. He will find you even more attractive if you know your stuff. Brush up on your hockey terminology before games, it will save you from embarrassment.
10. Hockey tickets are always a great gift.
Forget food, taking him to a game, is the quickest way to his heart. No fear ladies, when his birthday or holidays roll around, we do not need to freak out or stress. Check the NHL schedule and find tickets to his favorite game. He will thank you later.
