The Transferable Skills: How Lacrosse Prepares Players for Hockey

In the township of Clearview, Hockey reigns supreme when it comes to youth minor sports. We spend our winters traveling from rink to rink to watch our kids play the sport they love. But when the ice melts and the warmer weather hits, how can we ensure our kids continue honing the skills they spent the winter building?

Give Lacrosse a try!

Lacrosse and hockey share numerous similarities, making lacrosse players well-equipped to transition into hockey. In fact, NHL players like Connor McDavid, John Tavares,  Jonathan Toews and even Wayne Gretzky all played the game of lacrosse in their off seasons growing up. 

 Here are some key transferable skills and benefits:

1. Hand-Eye Coordination
Both sports require exceptional hand-eye coordination. Lacrosse players develop precise stick-handling and shooting abilities, which directly translate to hockey, where controlling the puck and making accurate passes are crucial.

2. Agility and Footwork
Lacrosse demands quick changes of direction, speed, and balance, which are essential for navigating the ice in hockey. This agility helps players evade opponents, maintain puck control, and improve defensive maneuvers.

3. Teamwork and Communication
Lacrosse emphasizes team strategies and constant communication on the field. In hockey, this skill is equally important, as players must work together to execute plays and maintain defensive coverage.

4. Mental Toughness
Both sports require players to stay focused under pressure, whether it's a fast break in lacrosse or a breakaway in hockey. Lacrosse players often develop resilience and the ability to stay composed during intense moments, a trait valuable on the ice.

5. Physical Conditioning
Lacrosse players are accustomed to high-intensity physical exertion, stamina, and endurance, all of which benefit hockey players during fast-paced games.

In conclusion, the crossover of skills between lacrosse and hockey helps players seamlessly transition between the two sports.

If you are curious on if lacrosse is right for your family, join the Stayner Hitmen this March and April for FREE 'Try it' sessions at the Collingwood YMCA. For more information on these sessions or to register, click the link here.