It’s road game day. Exciting? Usually. I mean, even if you’re nervous about the result, who doesn’t love a UK road trip, right? Daunting? Oh yes. You realise something’s been left behind and this isn’t nip back for those forgotten essentials territory. It’s find somewhere you can have a big sweary outburst into the air without offending anyone territory.
But you can do this. Deep breaths, a thorough read through of our handy guide below and avoiding leaving it to the last minute and you’ll be a-ok. After a few seasons of getting it wrong, this is what actually makes it into the car for every away game…
The Non-Negotiables
These are the absolute you’re-not-hitting-the-ice-without-these bits. The bits you’ll be able to pack in your sleep soon enough. Under no circumstances forget these!
- Kit (check out our post on current EIH rules on what’s needed) in secure kitbag
- Stick
The Team Specifics
These will vary team by team so make sure you ask your coach/manager!
- Game fees
- Team specific kit (eg short covers if you have them)
The “Don’t Forget Until You Forget” Items
These are the unsung heroes – still essentials and a proper pain if you forget them. They are a bit less obvious than your non-negotiables though and can fly under the radar…
- Leg tape. More specifically, enough leg tape. Not the the tail end of a roll. Trust me, the socks won’t make it if you skimp on this.
- Spare laces. Picture it – they’re lacing up but manage to pull the end through the top hole and it’s too frayed to go back in. Nightmare fuel… unless you have a spare set in the bag.
- Water bottle. Seriously – those kids are working hard. They’ll need it.
- Spare sticks. I’m not saying buy two fancy pants sticks everytime they size up… keeping their old one even if it’s a bit small will do. Just don’t wait for their stick to break mid-game before you realise that an extra one on hand is pretty useful!
- Stick tape and wax. There’s a good chance you’ll forget to retape their stick before you go. Future proof yourself and pack tape and wax – you can sort their stick while they’re off warming up and job’s a good ‘un.
Food & Fuel
Don’t forget the obvious bit: you’re on the road for hours.
- Make sure your tank is full or battery fully charged, and that you’ve factored in stops to refill/recharge later if your range won’t get you home and back. This is not the moment for an RAC call out.
- Plan your food. If there’s a cafe/restaurant etc that might do you, but don’t sleep on the benefits of planning ahead. Hot food in thermal pots… sandwiches and some big sharing bags of crisps. Lifesavers, the lot of them.
- Snacks – also good. We love Trek protein flapjacks for our kids before the warm ups for a nice boost… and we also like a snack or two for us while we’re waiting/watching. Don’t rely on the rink vending machines!
The Car Survival Kit
- Books – great for keeping everyone calm, quiet and occupied.
- Tablets – maybe less quiet and calm but also can keep kids occupied.
- Powerbanks – see above. Avoid the “my batteries just run out!!!” melt down at all costs.
- A knock out playlist – energising for the way there and relaxing for the way back is always a winning approach.
- Blankets – especially if you’ll be back late.
- You may need more for a longer trip – if you’re staying the night somewhere to make it work then check out our guide to away weekends.
The “Learned the Hard Way” Extras
Yes, we have been caught out before. It’s not great – but if that spares you trouble then go ahead and learn from our naivety!
- Helmet repair kit. Sounds like a total nice to have, but when that chin strap popper finally gives up and your kid can’t secure their helmet, the chances of someone happening to have a spare helmet in their bag that fits are slim to non-existent.
- Loose change. Whether it’s oldey timey parking machines or the 50/50 raffle ticket sales you’re going to need some of that cold hard cash.
- Calpol for kids. Sometimes, your kid is going to have a fall or knock that isn’t serious but still doesn’t feel all that good.