Nutrition for Hockey Players
Hockey burns enormous calories — skating is one of the most demanding cardio activities in sports.
The Basics
- Carbs = Fuel — Pasta, rice, bread, oats. Powers skating muscles.
- Protein = Repair — Chicken, eggs, beef, fish. Repairs after hard practices.
- Hydration is critical — Players lose significant fluid even in a cold rink. Drink before, during, and after.
Pre-Game Timeline
| When | What |
|---|---|
| 3 hours before | Full meal: pasta, chicken, vegetables |
| 1 hour before | Light snack: banana, granola bar |
| Between periods | Water, sports drink, orange slices |
| Within 1 hour after | Protein + carbs: chocolate milk, sandwich |
Don't overthink it. Real food, enough water, and consistency covers 95% of it.