Before moving across Canada to Vancouver, BC, I never heard of “Stick and Puck” before. When I was playing ice hockey I was either headed to a team practice, playing a game, or me and my friends rented the ice ourselves. When I arrived in Vancouver, I didn’t know anyone, therefore I had no hockey to play.
I did plenty of research on what leagues there were, drop-in games, and whatever I could find online, I eventually found “Stick and Puck”. I was curious as to what it was, what the rules were, and what equipment I was supposed to wear.
After 2 years of living in Vancouver, I have been to so many stick and pucks I have lost track. I wish I had a simple guide to follow to explain what it was before my first one, so that’s what I am going to do.
What Exactly is Stick and Puck?
Stick and puck is a non-instructional on-ice hockey session where you get to shoot, stickhandle, and pass pucks around with other players. It is not a hockey game or practice, it is simply a session to work on individual skills. You must wear a helmet, gloves, skates, and be sure to bring a stick and a couple of pucks.
Who Can Go to Stick and Puck’s?
Stick and pucks are divided into age groups, there are:
- Adult (At least 19 years old)
- Teen (14 to 18 years old)
- Preteen (9 to 13 years old)
Keep in mind, some locations may offer all age groups or specific age groups, but the standard is Adult, Teens, and Preteens.
When it comes to male and female, there is no separate stick and puck sessions. Both males and females can sign up for the same stick and puck sessions.
What About Skill Levels?
Stick and pucks are about improving your individual skills, which is why it is perfect for any skill level. People just starting hockey can go to stick and pucks if they want to. Also, if you are an ex-pro, or just played some hockey in your life, you are welcome to attend stick and pucks.
Do not be scared to go based on your skill level! I have been to so many of these and I see skill levels ranging from early stage beginners to players who have played hockey at elite levels.
What are the Rules at Stick and Puck Sessions?
There aren’t any real stick and puck rules listed at any sessions I have been to besides equipment. There is etiquette, but I will explain that in a minute below. First, let me list the only rules listed for most stick and puck sessions:
- You must wear a hockey helmet
- You must wear your hockey gloves
- It is not a free skate, so bring a hockey stick
- No scrimmage
- No sharing equipment
What Do You Wear to Stick and Puck?
My very first stick and puck, I assumed you had to wear all of your hockey gear. I showed up 20 minutes early, jumped in a dressing room, and threw on all of my hockey gear head to toe. I was the only one that session with all my hockey gear on and I felt a bit awkward, but it was okay, I needed to test my new gear out anyway (someone stole my hockey bag from my truck).
Full gear is optional, the only gear you have to wear to stick and puck is your helmet, gloves, skates, and stick.
You can also wear elbow pads and knee pads if you might fall, better safe than sorry!
When it comes to clothes to wear, there are no real rules, but I do have some recommendations:
You should wear:
- tracksuits
- hoodie
- sweatpants
- hockey jersey
What to avoid wearing:
- jeans
- shorts
- t-shirt
- tank top
- skirt
Stick and Puck Etiquette
There is stick and puck etiquette that should be followed to enjoy the session to its fullest. There are a handful of things you need to be aware of to ensure everyone’s safety, as well as other things that are just customary at these stick and puck sessions. Let me go over each so we can all be on the same page.
Hockey Pucks
This one makes me laugh a bit, just because I remember some lady yelling at me saying, “That’s my PUCK!”.
Anyway, you may be wondering if hockey pucks are included or do you have to bring your own pucks. For the most part, hockey pucks are not provided, and you must bring your own pucks.
However, depending on the location pucks may be provided by the rink. I have been to 4 different stick and puck locations and only one of them provided us with the pucks. I recommend you take a few pucks with you just in case, I usually take 1 to 3 pucks.
Do you share all the hockey pucks or do you only use your own?
SHARE! Always share hockey pucks and do not try to hoard your own hockey pucks at stick and pucks. It’s impossible to use your own hockey puck and expect to shoot on nets and continue to only use your own pucks. If you are going to these do not expect to have your own pucks to yourself.
Pucks you bring VS pucks you take home?
If you bring 3 hockey pucks, then take 3 hockey pucks with you when you leave. Will they be the same ones you brought? Nope, there is a good chance they won’t be the same exact pucks. This means you shouldn’t take your “first goal” puck from your local rec league LOL. You may not get it back…
Pucks are about $2 each so pick some up and don’t worry about what ones come and go, just be happy you contributed to the session.
If you happen to leave with less pucks then you brought, don’t get mad at anyone. You can ask nicely “hey everyone, does anyone have any extra pucks, I am missing one”. Someone may or may not have an extra one by accident. Also remember that pucks can fly over the glass, in the stands, or get stuck out of reach.
Hockey pucks are like socks, they always seem to disappear.
Claiming Your Own Area or Net
No, you can’t claim an area on the ice or claim a net to use/shoot on for yourself. Stick and pucks are public, meaning the entire surface is being shared together. You can’t claim an area or expect people not to come into the area you are using.
Feel free to hang out in the center ice area between the blue lines stickhandling and passing off the boards to yourself, you have the right to use the space just as anyone else does.
DO NOT set up a batch of pucks and start practicing shooting in front of the net using it all to yourself. Other people want to shoot and pass near the net, taking up this space is poor etiquette.
Try to be inclusive and share the ice. Avoid “taking over” a net, make people feel as if they can come, shoot, and pass too!
Shooting the Puck Etiquette
There are a few tips and rules for shooting the puck on net at stick and pucks. Have you ever taken a puck to the head, neck, ribs, back, legs, foot, or anywhere on the body? I have. It hurts like heck.
Pucks can bounce and fly in pretty wild directions, especially when you shoot it hard. If you are shooting the puck from the left side of the net, the puck can ricochet off the post or crossbar and fly to the right side of the net, and vice versa. The puck pretty much stays the same speed.
This means you MUST be careful when shooting at an angle as it can fly in the opposite direction. It is best to shoot pucks from a more central part of the ice to prevent hitting people with the puck. Or just be aware of where people are on the ice before you shoot.
Also, be aware of where people are whenever and wherever you shoot. If you need to look down at the puck to shoot, as most people at stick and pucks do, be aware that by the time you shoot, someone can be skating in front of you. The best way to avoid shooting a puck at someone is to avoid shooting the puck from far distances and to know where people are nearby before you release the puck.
Accidents Happen
Understand that accidents happen in life and stick and pucks are no exception. No need to be a hothead at stick and puck sessions because of a minor collision, someone took your puck, or someone accidentally passed/shot a puck near or even at you. (Note: if someone purposely shoots at you this may be a legal matter you should discuss with a lawyer)
Stick and pucks are about having fun and enjoying the sport of hockey. Just do your best to be safe, share your pucks, and enjoy the ice!
On Ice Training Equipment
I have been to many stick and pucks, I actually prefer when there are on-ice training equipment pieces like bell targets on the net and stickhandling trainers.
Are they allowed? Nobody has ever said not to bring them on the ice. If the session is full, you may want to avoid on ice stickhandling aids as they can be a potential tripping hazard. Net targets are okay whenever as they cause no interference to the session.
I actually purchased some net targets to take as it makes the session more enjoyable for everyone. I also made a stickhandling training aid that I take on the ice sometimes.
Stick and Puck Related Questions
I will answer some popular questions about stick and pucks that have not been answered yet. If you have any questions feel free to ask below in the comments, or you can email me!
What is Stick, Puck, and Ring?
Confused? Stick and puck is the same thing as Stick, Puck, and Ring. Some places add “Ring” as they show the inclusiveness of the sport ringette. You can play ringette at stick and pucks, just be sure to bring your own rings as they are not supplied and typically there are limited ringette players.
Are there Goalies in Stick and Puck?
No, typically there are no goalies at stick and pucks. However, some locations may include goalies if specified. I have been to one stick and puck that had a goalie, it was fun, but people just have to be careful to not all shoot at once.
Do You Have to Wear a Cage?
No, you can choose to wear no visor, a visor, or a cage unless specified on your stick and puck rules. I started by wearing nothing; then I purchased a cage as I no longer play competitive hockey. The last thing I want is a puck to my mouth in stick and puck or any hockey. It’s your choice!
Are Stick and Pucks Busy?
Stick and pucks can get pretty busy. If your stick and puck location offers online bookings, you may want to jump on them when they open up to ensure your spot. Most stick and pucks allow 15 to 20 people to sign up.
How Much Do Stick and Pucks Cost?
A Stick and puck session costs vary based on location. Where I go to stick in pucks in Vancouver, BC, I am paying $7.43 per session.
How Long is a Stick and Puck Session?
The duration of a stick and puck session also varies, typically, these are an hour to 1.5 hours.
Jamie is the founder of Hockey Response and he is the chief writer/ lead editor. Jamie has been playing hockey for over 20 years. He was the defenseman of the year in NL and has played Jr A level hockey. Jamie has coached several kids hockey camps and he was the assistant coach of the Western Kings.