The importance of a hockey player’s diet is often under-emphasized by coaches and under-appreciated by player’s and their parents.

Check out this article from The Hockey News written by Gary Roberts, 21-year NHL veteran, Stanley Cup Champion (1989 – Calgary Flames), and lifestyle coach of the Dallas Stars, about the importance of nutrition in hockey and how it directly affects a player’s on-ice performance.

Below are five nutrition tips Gary offers:

1.  Feed the machine

Eat three meals per day plus snacks to maintain a high metabolism and energy level. Although this is difficult when travelling to games, NHLPA players know, it pays off in the end.

 
2.  Pre-game

Eat a high-carb, high-calorie meal to last throughout the game. Avoid heavy meals like steak as they will only slow players down. Try spaghetti and meat sauce, chicken or salmon and rice before a big game.

 
3.  Post-game or workout

After practice, a game or a workout, athletes need to eat within the hour to restore the calories lost on the ice. Flax and essential oils, vegetables, carbs and protein provide critical benefits.

 
4.  Off-season

Healthy eating, like exercise, is still important in the off-season. Add more fruit and an occasional treat to your diet.

 
5.  Get motivated

Nutrition has become a vital part of the modern hockey game. Today we have a greater knowledge of the affects different nutrients have on the body and mind and that means young hockey stars have a chance to improve their game in another way.

Get After It.