Travel Hacks Every Hockey Parent Should Know
Travel hockey is one of the most exciting parts of the youth hockey experience—new cities, new rinks, and new memories every season. But for parents, it can also mean a lot of gear, schedules, and hotel stays to manage. With a few smart strategies, though, your family can hit the road like seasoned pros and make every tournament trip a smooth one.
1. Pack Smart and Stay Organized
Most travel teams already provide gear bags, but how you pack makes all the difference. Use mesh laundry bags to separate wet gear from clean clothes, and bring a few large ziplock bags for smaller items like tape, laces, and mouthguards. Rolling your clothes instead of folding them saves space and keeps uniforms from wrinkling. A small travel-sized spray bottle of vinegar and water can help deodorize gear between games, and a collapsible drying rack or portable boot dryer keeps equipment fresh and ready for the next faceoff.
2. Save Money on the Road
Tournament weekends can get expensive fast, but a little planning goes a long way. Book early to take advantage of team hotel blocks or loyalty rewards programs. Pack a cooler with drinks, fruit, and sandwiches to cut down on arena snack bar costs, and consider bringing a small electric lunchbox for quick warm meals between games. Families can save big by carpooling or sharing rides to the airport, and splitting baggage fees for sticks and gear bags. Every dollar saved is another one that can go toward the next big tournament trip!
3. Make It a Mini Vacation
The beauty of playing for a Las Vegas Ice Center travel team is that hockey can take you to some amazing places. Whether your player’s team is heading to Southern California, Arizona, or even across the country, take time to explore each new destination. Visit local attractions, check out a fun restaurant with teammates, or find a rink souvenir shop to grab a collectible puck. Make it a tradition to take a team photo at every stop—those snapshots will become priceless memories down the road.
4. Embrace the Chaos—It’s Part of the Journey
Between early morning warmups, hotel breakfast scrambles, and long drives home, travel hockey can feel like a blur. But those moments—late-night pizza in the lobby, cheering in packed rinks, and bonding on the bus—are what make youth hockey so special. At Las Vegas Ice Center, we believe these experiences build more than just better players—they build lifelong friendships and unforgettable memories. Years from now, your player won’t remember every score, but they’ll always remember the journey that started here.
