Why Every Hockey Player Should Try Lacrosse

Ever wondered how the Great One, Wayne Gretzky himself, spent his hockey off-seasons? Hint: It involved a lacrosse stick and some serious wall-bouncing action! But it's not just Gretzky; a league of NHL stars, from legends like Bobby Orr to modern titans like John Tavares, all used lacrosse as an off-season sport to enhance their prowess on the ice.

 

1. Breaking the Ice Burnout:

Tired of year-round hockey? Lacrosse is your ticket to beating burnout. The fast-paced nature of the game brings a breath of fresh air to your sporting routine.

One of the worst things to happen to the game, in my opinion, has been  year-round hockey and, in particular, summer hockey. All it does for kids, as far as I can tell, is keep them out of sports they should be doing in the warmer weather.

- Wayne Gretzky

 

Wayne Gretzky #9 in the middle is a huge proponent of kids playing multiple sports, especially lacrosse.

 

2. All-Inclusive:

Lacrosse welcomes players of all fitness levels and abilities. Whether you're a seasoned pro or just starting out, there's a spot for you.

 

3. Master Body Positioning:

The greatest impact lacrosse has on young hockey players is on body positioning.  Lacrosse requires you to use your body and leverage to protect the ball which transfers beautifully to hockey.  You want to get better at winning puck battles and protecting the puck, lacrosse will definitely help.

 

4. Quickness and Agility:

Around the net, quickness and agility are your best friends. Lacrosse reinforces the importance of these skills, turning you into a nimble force on the ice.

“People always talk about eye-hand coordination, and I totally agree with that. The one thing I have always told people is that it made a huge difference with rolling off checks and moving through traffic and things like that. It’s really benefited me.”

- John Tavares, Toronto Maple Leafs Captain

 

5. Eyes Up, Sticks Ready:

Lacrosse enhances your hand-eye coordination during those intense stick-handling moments.  It isn't like hockey where the best skater can dangle their way through everyone.  In lacrosse, everyone is on equal footing so you must keep your head up and be aware of your surroundings.

 

6. Creativity Unleashed:

Especially at the elite level, lacrosse teaches you the art of on-the-fly innovation. Using fakes to create angles, back passes, and diving shots are all essential tools in lacrosse that incorporate well into hockey.

 

7. Passing Is Necessary, Not Just A 'Best Practice':

At the U9 and under levels of hockey, we all know that nobody likes to pass.  In lacrosse, there are physical consequences to being a "ball hog"  so kids learn quickly to find their open teammates, get open for a pass and how to work as a 5-person unit.

Playing lacrosse strengthens your teamwork skills that converts very well back to hockey.

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Ready to make your off-season legendary? Grab a lacrosse stick and join the ranks of Gretzky, Stamkos, Orr, Seguin and Tavares and the NHL elite who used lacrosse to help their hockey skills.  Follow us on Instagram for updates.

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