With the Stanley Cup finals underway (and may even be finished before this weekend), the dreaded hockey summer drought is almost upon us. This is the part of the year that hockey fans hate the most, because you are stuck watching sports that may not interest you just to pass the time, when all you really want is to watch hockey. However, there are things that you can do to keep the hockey spirit alive during these warm summer months, and we are here to help guide you along.
Here are some things that you can do this off season to help prepare you for the 2014-2015 NHL season.
1. Watch The NHL Entry Draft
A great way to prepare for the future NHL season is to watch the future stars of the NHL enter the league. The NHL entry draft takes place in Philadelphia on June 27-28, and will showcase the new young talent that will either be making an immediate impact in the league, or develop into future stars.
And you need to know who your team drafts.
This is a great way to keep up to speed on your teams roster for next season, as well as your future prospects. Don’t forget about trades, either! Many trades seem to take place on draft day as teams try to move up in the draft to get the player they want. It’s a great way to get (or stay) hyped for the upcoming season, especially if you are a fan of one of the teams who draft in the top 5 and will be getting an impact player for the near future rather then down the road.
2. Upgrade Your Wardrobe
Did your team pick up a superstar in the off season? How about your favorite player or a new young star who is slated to be a big time player? Are you still rocking that Mats Sundin jersey from that time he played for the Canucks?
It’s time for a wardrobe upgrade!
Head out to your local sports store and get a new jersey to show your support for your team of the future! If you can’t afford a jersey or just don’t want to put money into that kind of investment, then grab a shirt, sweater, hat, anything. Trust me, you will feel way better when you head to a game or to a bar when you’re wearing team apparel.
3. Buy Tickets For The Games You Want To See
Once tickets go on sale (and provided you don’t live in a city where they cost as much as a month’s rent) you should scoop up tickets to the games you really want to see.
An easy way to get hyped for the upcoming season is to be able to see exactly when you will be heading to the arena to catch some live games. Personally, I try and get to at least one game per month. However, I live in Vancouver, and ticket prices are astronomically high. If I lived in a city where tickets were decently priced, I would be a season ticket holder for sure. There’s no better way to watch a hockey game then to be in the arena itself, so make sure you get to see your team at least a handful of times!
4. Follow Your Team On Facebook / Twitter
Summer can be boring for hockey fans because, well, nothing really happens. However, if you follow your favorite teams via social media, there is always tidbits of information, media releases, and updates available. The best way to keep up to speed on your teams off season is to hear it right from the team themselves, and there is no better way then with social media.
You can follow James on Twitter: @hashtagswag604
