Hockey kids Playing Spring Sports: A Necessary Break or Just Killing Time Until the Ice Returns?

Spring rolls around, and suddenly, the hockey schedule slows down, well, kind of. There’s still the odd skills session, maybe a public stick time, but for the most part, our kids are left with something dangerous: free time.

So, like good parents, we encourage them to try something different. Baseball? Sure. Flag football ? Why not? Lacrosse? Okay, it’s basically hockey on land, good enough. We sign them up, buy the gear, and cheer from the sidelines, but deep down, we all know the truth: they’re just waiting for hockey season to come back.

“It’s Good to Try New Things” (I Say While They’re Watching Hockey Clips)

There are plenty of good reasons for hockey kids to try other sports. Cross-training is great for athletic development, playing a non-contact sport might give their bruises a break, and honestly, it’s nice to see them in the sun instead of freezing in another rink. Plus, I love the idea of them broadening their interests.

But then I watch my kid standing in left field, completely uninterested, using his glove as a makeshift blocker and pretending to make saves. Or my other one playing soccer, angling his body like he’s about to check an opponent into the boards. One of them literally asked, “How many periods are in baseball?”

They try. They really do. But at the end of the day, their hearts belong to hockey.

Spring Sports Are Just Hockey Training in Disguise

Let’s be real, everything they do in another sport somehow circles back to hockey.

• Soccer: “It helps with footwork and conditioning.”

• Baseball: “It improves hand-eye coordination.”

• Lacrosse: “It’s basically hockey, just with more running.”

• Track and Field: “It keeps their legs strong for skating.”

• Tennis: “Quick reflexes! Great for goalies!”

We’ll justify it however we need to, but the truth is, if it’s not hockey, they’re only half in.

How Can I Say No to More Hockey?

At some point in spring, a familiar conversation happens.

Kid: “Can I do spring hockey?”

Me: “I thought you were playing flag football .”

Kid: “Yeah, but can I still do hockey?”

I want to say no. I really do. My pocketbook could use the break. We should take a break. We should embrace variety. But how do you say no when their entire passion is wrapped up in the sport? When their fun is shooting pucks in the driveway for hours, watching NHL highlights, and begging to get back on the ice?

The answer? You don’t.

Spring sports are great, and we’ll keep signing them up. They might even enjoy them for a while. But when that inevitable request for another hockey camp, stick-and-puck session, or any ice time comes up, I’ll sigh, shake my head, and say, “Fine. Go play hockey.”

Because really, who am I to say no?