Top Tips for Traveling with Your Youth Hockey Team

Make Your Tournament Experience Smooth, Stress-Free, and Fun!

Whether you're heading to one of our elite Nickel City Hockey tournaments in New York, or our newly expanded events in Indiana and Kentucky, traveling with a youth hockey team takes planning. Between early morning games, gear organization, and hotel logistics, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. But don’t worry—we’ve got your back.

Here are our top tips to make travel with your youth hockey team stress-free and smooth so your players can focus on what matters most: playing their best and having a blast doing it.

1. Start with a Packing Plan

Packing last minute is a recipe for forgotten gear and panicked mornings. Create a checklist and start early.

Essential Packing List for Players:

• Full hockey gear (helmet, pads, skates, mouthguard, etc.)

• Extra sticks

• Jersey sets (home & away)

• Practice jersey

• Water bottle (labeled)

• Undergarments and socks (bring extras!)

• Slides or sandals for locker room

• Tape, wax, laces

• Personal hygiene items

• Team warm-ups or apparel

• Snacks and drinks

• Required tournament documents or medical info

Packing Tips for Parents:

• Pack an extra set of clothes for your player

• Bring a small first-aid kit

• Don’t forget chargers and entertainment for downtime

• Collapsible laundry hamper or bags for dirty gear

• Team banner, cowbells, and good vibes for the stands!

2. Time Management is Everything

Plan to arrive the day before the tournament begins so your team has time to acclimate. The early bird doesn’t just catch the worm—they catch warmups, meals, and maybe even a hotel pool party.

Quick Tips:

• Set alarms earlier than you think you need

• Assign a team parent to help coordinate departure times and transportation

• Keep game schedules printed and saved digitally

• Build in buffer time for meals and unexpected delays

3. Plan Team Meals & Downtime

Hockey parents know: tournaments aren’t just about the games. They’re also about the memories. Plan one team meal or group activity during the trip—this builds team chemistry and gives kids something to look forward to.

Ideas:

• Group dinner at a family-friendly restaurant

• Team pizza night at the hotel

• Movie night or game room hangout

• Ice cream trip after a big win

4. Use Group Messaging Apps

Stay connected with real-time updates, hotel info, and game reminders using tools like TeamSnap, GroupMe, or WhatsApp. Having one dedicated thread avoids confusion and keeps everyone in the loop.

5. Tournament Schedule and Contacts

While we know nearly everything can be found with a simple search on your phone, it is nice to have the tournament schedule and appropriate contact information saved ahead of time as it is one less thing you’ll have to worry about. Each tournament runs a little differently especially if you sign on for tournaments with varying organizations. Knowing where to find schedules and who to contact in case of an emergency or mishap can not only save time but also eliminate stress. 

6. Stay Hydrated and Rested

Tournament weekends are high energy and high intensity. Encourage your player to drink water regularly, get to bed early, and eat balanced meals to stay game-ready.

7. Support, But Don’t Stress

Your child is there to play and have fun. The more relaxed you are, the better the experience for everyone. Be a positive presence in the stands, cheer for the team, and enjoy the ride!

Ready to Travel With Us? Join a Nickel City Hockey Tournament!

From the competitive edge of our New York showdowns to the electric energy of our new Kentucky and Indiana tournaments, Nickel City Hockey offers premier youth hockey events designed for unforgettable experiences.

Check out our full schedule and register your team today at: https://www.nickelcityhockey.com/tournament-info-registration

Make Memories That Last a Lifetime

Traveling for youth hockey is about more than just competition—it’s about bonding, growth, and creating stories your players will tell for years. With the right prep and mindset, your next tournament trip will be a winning experience on and off the ice.

See you at the rink!