skip navigation
Playdowns

7 Tips to Prepare for a Playdowns Game

By Egg Farmers of Ontario, 02/20/20, 11:00AM EST

Share

Keys to help you stay ahead of the competition


Photo Credit: Ted Woo/Picture Day Photography

It’s the thick of Playdowns season and every passing puck drop seems to add more intensity to your fire. It’s the time of year where you tie up your skates just a little bit tighter. Looking to earn #RedHats means that little bit of extra focus is required and players must remain sharp in the preparation and gameplan. These are the games that mean the most.

Here are seven tips to prepare yourself for a game in OMHA Playdowns presented by Egg Farmers of Ontario. Remember to share your team’s Playdowns experience by tagging #RedHats and @HometownHockey and @GetCracking.

1. Keep Having Fun

While the stress level can be high during this time of year, don’t lose sight about what it’s all about. These could be the final few games that you spend playing with your teammates and friends before the off-season so enjoy the time together as you go on this special journey. If you were having fun during the regular season, why change anything now?

2. Stick to the Routine

This can be preaching to the choir with hockey players who can be a superstitious bunch but sticking with your routine during Playdowns will help eliminate some distractions. Keeping your mind focused on the task at hand can help relax players and remove any worries. Don’t forget anything at home before leaving for the rink!


Photo Credit: Ted Woo/Picture Day Photography

3. One Game at a Time

You may not have been the better team during the regular season but nothing is stopping you from being the better team today. Thinking about running the table for the entirety of Playdowns can be daunting. Instead of overwhelming yourself, take Playdowns one game at a time. This is a marathon, not a sprint. Don’t get ahead of yourself because that’s when you’ll get distracted.

4. Everyone Loves an Underdog

It happens every year across every age group. There is always an underdog story waiting to happen. Why can’t your team be the author of it? Everyone loves a Cinderella run to the finals but it doesn’t just happen overnight. Putting in a full team effort will help lead to positive results.


Find Your Playdown


5. It's the Little Things

Those puck battles in the corner and those extra strides to get to the puck before your opponent – those are the small things that add up over the course of a game and tilt the odds in your favour. Don’t look back on a game and wonder if you gave all of your effort. Be competitive from the jump.

6. Plan Ahead

You’ll know your Playdowns schedule at least a few days before the next round begins. Avoid distractions and any conflicts that can cause you to miss a game or practice – your team needs you out there! Get your homework done before you get to the rink. Plan your calendar week by week instead of going day by day.

7. Eat Right

There are many resources out there on eating healthy and preparing quick meals that will help fuel your body on gameday. Avoid feeling sluggish on the ice by getting a proper night’s rest. Again, Playdowns is about limiting distractions and coming up with a meal plan in advance is one less thing to worry about.


LIKE THIS ARTICLE?

Share with your friends on Facebook and join the largest network of hockey parents.


Getcracking on vert pms element view

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Egg Farmers of Ontario is an association that represents approximately 500 egg and pullet farm families in the province. EFO works to ensure that consumers have access to safe, reliable and reasonably-priced eggs with fair farm pricing ensuring adequate returns to egg farmers. For more information, visit GetCracking.ca.

you may also like

Players
Championships
Coaches
Players
Qualifiers
Home Ice
Referees
Tournaments