Jim’s Intro to Hydration
Hi folks, Jim here, the only commentator who tried to hydrate on a cold day with popsicles. Brain freeze was only one of my problems that day.
What is hydration?
Hydration is the process of maintaining proper fluid balance in the body to support physical performance, focus, and recovery. In hockey, where sweat loss is high and shifts are intense, staying hydrated is critical before, during, and after games.
How does it work?
Hydration keeps the body’s systems running smoothly:
- Water Regulates Temperature: Prevents overheating during high-effort shifts.
- Fluids Support Muscles and Joints: Hydrated tissues perform better and fatigue slower.
- Electrolytes Maintain Balance: Sodium, potassium, and other minerals help retain fluid and keep nerves and muscles firing correctly.
- Timing Matters: Hydration starts hours before the game and continues steadily through warmups, periods, and recovery.
- Dehydration Hurts Performance: Any hydration deficits can reduce reaction time, speed, and decision-making.
How do you make good decisions with it?
- Start Early: Begin hydrating well before arriving at the rink, not during warmup.
- Sip Consistently: Take regular sips rather than chugging all at once.
- Use Electrolytes Wisely: Add them during long practices, tournaments, or hot conditions.
- Monitor Yourself: Light-colored urine is a good sign you’re hydrated; dark means you need more fluids.
- Avoid Excess Sugar or Caffeine: They can dehydrate or cause energy crashes mid-game.
How do you master it?
Mastering hydration takes routine and awareness. Players develop habits around pre-game water intake, in-game bottle breaks, and post-game replenishment. Over time, good hydration becomes automatic.
What does it look like when done right?
Proper hydration looks steady and sustainable. Players maintain their energy, recover between shifts, and avoid the heavy legs and fuzzy focus that dehydration brings.
Commentator’s Corner
Jim’s Take
Good hydration is like sharpening your skates. You don’t always notice it when it’s perfect, but when it’s off, you feel it immediately.
Parent Tip
Pack a dedicated water bottle and remind players to start drinking early. Hydration is easier to maintain than to catch up on.
Player Tip
Treat water like part of your gear. If your bottle’s still full after practice, you probably didn’t drink enough.
A Final Thought
Hydration might not be flashy, but it’s a quiet game-changer. Master it, and your body will have the stamina, clarity, and resilience to perform shift after shift.
