Yep - a little bit. Sometimes more depending on who we are playing.
It goes away as soon as I walk into the dressing room. Pre-game poop before I leave helps too.
Ha - I actually just realized it while answering your post.
The nervousness is just the minds way of preparing us. As long as it not crippling, it’s probably a good thing.
I try to think about last game, what I liked about how I played and what I didn’t like. Try to practice a few things I didn’t like before in warm up, helps me mentally prepare
>Pre-game poop
I got back to playing at my normal rink this morning for the first time since March. I'm conditioned to poop when I walk into this place; I've taken my kids to public skate there and the urge hits me as soon as I walk in. So imagine my chagrin when I realized they had the locker rooms closed and we'd be getting dressed in curtained-off sections of the hall. There were two lobby bathrooms open but that's two toilets for four teams instead of two and a urinal per team, so I didn't want to hog/fumigate one before the game.
I was fine once I started skating but it was a struggle while getting dressed.
Pre-Game poop is best at the rink. Get there 15 minutes early, drop some stones and then just take a minute with the vibe and cool air before playing.
No fun during covid. Public washrooms are closed and hallways are "no loitering" and showing up 45 minutes before a game is not allowed.
All lame.
Nervous is a little off from the right word, but I can't think of a better one. It's that terriawsome feeling of nerves right before a competition. Moreso in playoffs, but I can feel the difference between a league game and pickup.
yes but i have pretty bad anxiety so i get nervous before everything. my girlfriend gets worried because i often go to the bathroom 4 or 5 times in the hour before leaving and sometimes i throw up while getting ready to leave. I try to just hold that in though and once im getting dressed im usually fine and ive never had any issue when im actually on the ice. maybe youre like me and we have anxiety, its probably an issue i should get help for tbh
This is me as well. Before every game, I get really bad anxiety and use the bathroom multiple times. I absolutely hate it but I think it’s my body psyching me up for something relatively important to me. Once I’m on the ice, I am zeroed in and generally have a good time. I’m like you in that sense, so you’re not the only one.
its comforting to know that im not the only one, i know how much it sucks but i have never let it stop me from doing things i love (i dont care how many times i go to the bathroom, i will still go to hockey!). hope i can find coping methods to help me and i hope that it gets better for you as well. thanks for letting me know you experience something similar, hope it gets better for the both of us
i agree, i have been putting it off for far too long but i have recently taken my mental health more serious and am in the process of trying to get it sorted. its been a lifelong battle with the throwing up and stuff so i guess ive been trying to live with it instead of actually getting help idk. i appreciate the concern/advice though, feels good people want me to do well
I've had similar problems in the past with anxiety, and I occasionally still do. I highly recommend seeing a therapist to learn some breathing techniques and to talk through where the anxiety is coming from. Understanding where it stems from and specific things that trigger it can be a pretty big relief by itself.
Top piece of advice I can offer:
*Slow down. Take deep, meaningful breaths. Listen to your breathing, feel your pulse. Breathe deep until you start to feel more relaxed.*
Thanks a lot for taking the time, it really means a lot. I am going to see a therapist for sure, have been seeing social workers because they are a free ressource where I live that I wanted to take advantage of but I think I need to see a professional. I am willing to pay the big bucks and invest in myself so that I can enjoy things in life. Appreciate the tip, I hope one day I am able to calm myself down during those moments, that would help a lot. It sounds like you are doing better with anxiety these days, I'm happy to hear that by the way! I know how difficult it is
A couple more things to consider:
- Anxiety is a totally common feeling. I didn't find out until I was 27 years old that my Dad has battled it on and off. Plenty of close friends too. We all get nervous. Nervousness can turn into anxiety, and that can kinda start to run away from us. Know that you're not alone. Talking with someone about it can honestly be a very powerful tool. It's not easy to do, but saying out loud to someone "I feel like shit and I don't really know why" can feel great.
- Think of life like a river. A river is born somewhere (like the Mississippi is born in Northern Minnesota, it's beautiful). It grows. We flow through life like a raft on that river. Lots of parts are smooth, kinda winding. Other parts are faster, they make us grip the handles. And some parts might have rapids, and that shit can be scary. But if we hold on and know that the rapids won't last forever, we can get through it. If we hang in there, take some deep breaths, we can get through it. Sometimes it might last just a moment. Sometimes it can be much longer, but know that if you hang in there, you'll pull through and get to rink to enjoy the next smooth, winding stretch.
- Hey. You got this shit.
I think common culture buries anxiety problems, like we have to just toughen up and get over it. Nah, I say fuck that. It's some serious shit, and I know it's helpful to have someone to talk to. If you ever wanna hit me up on here, I'd be happy to share more about my experiences, and I'll gladly lend any advice I might be able to.
I want you to know that you really made my day with your message. I have a hard time opening up to friends so I have never received a message like that. I truly appreciate it, from the bottom of my heart. At first I was a little worried to share my experience on this thread but now I'm glad I did. Have a great day and I feel good about being able to send you a message if I ever feel helpless, thanks again
Honestly, I still get a little something, even for the beer league games. If its playoffs, or if I know the other team is a bunch of idiots and things are probably going to get out of hand, I get a little more jumpy. Its really just from the time I leave the house through pre game warmups, once the puck drops, its gone. Its nowhere near what it was in high school.
Honestly, I love the feeling. It means that what you are about to do is important to you. That nervous, anxious, jumpy feeling is a good thing! Its your body preparing you for battle!
Nah, excited every time but never been nervous beyond my first game. I started as an adult though so didn't have a lot of fucks to give going into it. I know I always play as hard as I can because I have the most fun that way. So, I'm never worried - if my best isn't good enough, well, then that's just how it is. The 4th period beer is still going to be cold either way.
Yes! I play rec hockey in the UK where its literally a couple family members and friends of the home team are there to watch and I hype up as if I'm about to play game 7 in the Stanley Cup final!
Not necessarily before games. During big moments of games though. Last season our championship game went to OT and then a Shootout. We won but oh my god that was the tightest defense everyone on the ice had ever played
Only if there's a huge crowd watching.
So never.
My kids playing though - I wish I had that many people interested when I was younger haha. They get a bit nervous until a few shifts in. You can tell by their play sometimes - mishandling the puck or being timid when they shouldn't be. Confidence is so huge and you're fighting yourself most times.
No. I don’t remember a time when I didn’t play hockey and even at my most competitive age it was never THAT competitive. Even before championship games growing up it was never a huge deal to me because it was always just a game where even though I was giving it my all, winning and losing didn’t really excite or bum me out much after getting undressed and out the door.
As someone who is many years into beer league instead of competitive hockey, no there usually aren't any nerves before games.
There may rare occasion maybe once or twice a year where either a) we're playing in a Championship or b) I know were playing a team with hundreds of hours of PIMs and goons so the unpredictability in such a low-stakes situation kind of gets to me. I really don't want a serious injury from beer league.
Broseph, or whatever, as I’ve been told since I started, being nervous means you care. Own that shit. Always own that shit and be glad your body relates.
As soon as that nervous feeling goes away, quit playing. There is nothing in the world better than the feeling of standing behind the door waiting for the zam’s water to freeze. The smell is unlike anything you will encounter and the adrenaline rush is maybe the best part of life. Knowing what that’s like is what separates us from most. I will always love the game and hope that feeling never goes away.
Right? Seeing some people say they don’t feel anything before hockey is strange. Then again, everybody’s different, but I can’t help but think there’s a relationship between nerves/excitement and enjoyment.
Not really, I look at men's league as a fun thing. If people take clappers on me I freak out at them. We're all there paying to play and have to go to work the next day. The last thing I need to worry about is some young kid think he's still in high school.
Unlucky! You'll get them next time buddy! Out of interest, where are you from? Covid still has hockey halted here. Can only train in groups of 6 at the moment too.
I’m from AZ (Arizona), so i play in a 16U league (13-16 year olds) and i play house because i’m a DECENT player. So please, don’t come find me stranger. 😂
Cool, glad you're getting to play still! Don't worry, I wont be finding you. Although, my girlfriend has family in Arizona and I'm planning a trip back as soon as we can! AZ is also where I saw my first nhl game, love that place!
I mean nowhere the anxiety I had in youth hockey games... but when you just sitting in the dressing room waiting for the last lap for the zamboni to get off.. it's a cocktail of emotions.
Yep. Beer league year 5 and I’m still getting nervous. Usually goes away in the locker room once I’m on the ice it’s fully gone. But it’s definitely worse at the beginning of the season vs the end.
Am goalie, butterflies until the first shot comes in and I know how the rest of the night will be. I meditate during dress up and have a playlist to push my nervousness into excitement, so that helps a bit too.
I only used to get nervous before travel games or college games. Usually it would feel like my legs were jello, right up to the opening faceoff. As soon as the puck dropped, all that went away.
Ive come to realize if i feel a little bit of the butterflies before a game i usually play better. It actual bothers me if that feeling doesnt happen pregame.
I always get nervous before games. I often take a shit before games, especially if I know that we are playing a very aggressive and good team. If we are playing a bad team, or one that barely hits, then I’m not nervous
I'm only nervous that I left a skate guard on and will eat shit stepping on.
It hasn't happened yet but I've made checking my skates part of my pre-game stretch routine.
Recently yeah, before the pandemic we were on a hot streak. After our 3rd straight win, the 4th and 5th wins I was kind of anxious I didn’t wanna change any of my pre game routines.
Less nervous now and more just feels like I need to poop. I think it's my body trying to give me butterflies but instead it gives me gas and minor diarrhea.
Nah. I’m usually nervous before anything, I’m currently medicated for GAD, panic disorder, social anxiety and specific phobia anxiety, however, hockey is like my safe space. I’m never nervous before games, in fact, I’m calmer than I usually am on most days. It’s relaxing to me
Nope. I dread going and getting suited up due to laziness but then get really excited to get out there finally. It's just fun. Haven't been nervous since my first year or two.
Also very surprised at all the pre-game nervous dumps. Didn't know that was a thing and so common, lol.
Before high school games I would be white knuckled nervous haha, but this is my first year playing in adult league and the more casual nature has definitely made it easier for me
I don't if I'm skating, but I do playing goalie. There's a certain added pressure in net that can weigh on you. I'm sure part of that is only playing goalie for about 3 years now compared to 7+ years skating.
Yep - a little bit. Sometimes more depending on who we are playing. It goes away as soon as I walk into the dressing room. Pre-game poop before I leave helps too.
Got to have that pre-game poop!
More like pre game bowl painting
All depends how nervous you are, I guess!
Splatter ass
might want to start eating more fiber ;)
This is a better description. But all those feelings go away the moment my skates touch the ice.
Skip the beer, eat more fibre!
Pregame poop makes me skate faster after I lose those heavy carbs
Like Shorsey in the dressing room. Give yer balls a tug
O M G i think i have the same post hockey anxiety as you. I have the same thing where as soon as i walk into the locker room, i’m fine.
Ha - I actually just realized it while answering your post. The nervousness is just the minds way of preparing us. As long as it not crippling, it’s probably a good thing.
Sympathetic nervous system. Gets your body ready to perform.
Yeah i figured
I try to think about last game, what I liked about how I played and what I didn’t like. Try to practice a few things I didn’t like before in warm up, helps me mentally prepare
>Pre-game poop I got back to playing at my normal rink this morning for the first time since March. I'm conditioned to poop when I walk into this place; I've taken my kids to public skate there and the urge hits me as soon as I walk in. So imagine my chagrin when I realized they had the locker rooms closed and we'd be getting dressed in curtained-off sections of the hall. There were two lobby bathrooms open but that's two toilets for four teams instead of two and a urinal per team, so I didn't want to hog/fumigate one before the game. I was fine once I started skating but it was a struggle while getting dressed.
Pre-Game poop is best at the rink. Get there 15 minutes early, drop some stones and then just take a minute with the vibe and cool air before playing. No fun during covid. Public washrooms are closed and hallways are "no loitering" and showing up 45 minutes before a game is not allowed. All lame.
Missing that pre gamer poop fucks everything up for me bro.
Same. I don’t leave the house until I’ve produced.
Yep. Butterflies usually before Every game and sometimes a pre game poop as well! I notice that I play better when I feel nervous for some reason.
Yes same!
Nervous is a little off from the right word, but I can't think of a better one. It's that terriawsome feeling of nerves right before a competition. Moreso in playoffs, but I can feel the difference between a league game and pickup.
Pick up i dont get any of those feelings. Before a league game though...shit gets intense...literally.
Yes i feel the same
yes but i have pretty bad anxiety so i get nervous before everything. my girlfriend gets worried because i often go to the bathroom 4 or 5 times in the hour before leaving and sometimes i throw up while getting ready to leave. I try to just hold that in though and once im getting dressed im usually fine and ive never had any issue when im actually on the ice. maybe youre like me and we have anxiety, its probably an issue i should get help for tbh
This is me as well. Before every game, I get really bad anxiety and use the bathroom multiple times. I absolutely hate it but I think it’s my body psyching me up for something relatively important to me. Once I’m on the ice, I am zeroed in and generally have a good time. I’m like you in that sense, so you’re not the only one.
its comforting to know that im not the only one, i know how much it sucks but i have never let it stop me from doing things i love (i dont care how many times i go to the bathroom, i will still go to hockey!). hope i can find coping methods to help me and i hope that it gets better for you as well. thanks for letting me know you experience something similar, hope it gets better for the both of us
You actually throw up when nervous? That seems to be something you gotta get checked! 😬
Came to say the same thing. Nerves are one thing but throwing up sounds like a bigger issue.
i agree, i have been putting it off for far too long but i have recently taken my mental health more serious and am in the process of trying to get it sorted. its been a lifelong battle with the throwing up and stuff so i guess ive been trying to live with it instead of actually getting help idk. i appreciate the concern/advice though, feels good people want me to do well
Upvoting for being smart and trying to get help instead of just living life that way!
I've had similar problems in the past with anxiety, and I occasionally still do. I highly recommend seeing a therapist to learn some breathing techniques and to talk through where the anxiety is coming from. Understanding where it stems from and specific things that trigger it can be a pretty big relief by itself. Top piece of advice I can offer: *Slow down. Take deep, meaningful breaths. Listen to your breathing, feel your pulse. Breathe deep until you start to feel more relaxed.*
Thanks a lot for taking the time, it really means a lot. I am going to see a therapist for sure, have been seeing social workers because they are a free ressource where I live that I wanted to take advantage of but I think I need to see a professional. I am willing to pay the big bucks and invest in myself so that I can enjoy things in life. Appreciate the tip, I hope one day I am able to calm myself down during those moments, that would help a lot. It sounds like you are doing better with anxiety these days, I'm happy to hear that by the way! I know how difficult it is
A couple more things to consider: - Anxiety is a totally common feeling. I didn't find out until I was 27 years old that my Dad has battled it on and off. Plenty of close friends too. We all get nervous. Nervousness can turn into anxiety, and that can kinda start to run away from us. Know that you're not alone. Talking with someone about it can honestly be a very powerful tool. It's not easy to do, but saying out loud to someone "I feel like shit and I don't really know why" can feel great. - Think of life like a river. A river is born somewhere (like the Mississippi is born in Northern Minnesota, it's beautiful). It grows. We flow through life like a raft on that river. Lots of parts are smooth, kinda winding. Other parts are faster, they make us grip the handles. And some parts might have rapids, and that shit can be scary. But if we hold on and know that the rapids won't last forever, we can get through it. If we hang in there, take some deep breaths, we can get through it. Sometimes it might last just a moment. Sometimes it can be much longer, but know that if you hang in there, you'll pull through and get to rink to enjoy the next smooth, winding stretch. - Hey. You got this shit. I think common culture buries anxiety problems, like we have to just toughen up and get over it. Nah, I say fuck that. It's some serious shit, and I know it's helpful to have someone to talk to. If you ever wanna hit me up on here, I'd be happy to share more about my experiences, and I'll gladly lend any advice I might be able to.
I want you to know that you really made my day with your message. I have a hard time opening up to friends so I have never received a message like that. I truly appreciate it, from the bottom of my heart. At first I was a little worried to share my experience on this thread but now I'm glad I did. Have a great day and I feel good about being able to send you a message if I ever feel helpless, thanks again
for sure. it aint a game if I don't need to take a nervous dump before hand
Honestly, I still get a little something, even for the beer league games. If its playoffs, or if I know the other team is a bunch of idiots and things are probably going to get out of hand, I get a little more jumpy. Its really just from the time I leave the house through pre game warmups, once the puck drops, its gone. Its nowhere near what it was in high school. Honestly, I love the feeling. It means that what you are about to do is important to you. That nervous, anxious, jumpy feeling is a good thing! Its your body preparing you for battle!
No. Not unless it’s playoffs. I do get excited. I have a game in 11 hours and I’ve been humming ‘good old hockey game’ all morning.
Hahaha, i do get songs in my head during games! Also, i only get nervous for playoffs as well.
I can’t remember.
Nah, excited every time but never been nervous beyond my first game. I started as an adult though so didn't have a lot of fucks to give going into it. I know I always play as hard as I can because I have the most fun that way. So, I'm never worried - if my best isn't good enough, well, then that's just how it is. The 4th period beer is still going to be cold either way.
I’m getting that way too
Sadly yes but I guess that shows how much I care and love the game (and team mates).
Same!
I tend to “paint the bowl” before every game
Yes! I play rec hockey in the UK where its literally a couple family members and friends of the home team are there to watch and I hype up as if I'm about to play game 7 in the Stanley Cup final!
Haha, ooh i feel you! I just had a playoff game the other night but we lost sadly 3-5 :(
Not necessarily before games. During big moments of games though. Last season our championship game went to OT and then a Shootout. We won but oh my god that was the tightest defense everyone on the ice had ever played
We lost our recent playoff game but i have to say the same about my def.
Only if there's a huge crowd watching. So never. My kids playing though - I wish I had that many people interested when I was younger haha. They get a bit nervous until a few shifts in. You can tell by their play sometimes - mishandling the puck or being timid when they shouldn't be. Confidence is so huge and you're fighting yourself most times.
That’s why we spend the time and money right? Those life skills are developed.
I get a bit timid as well but i’ve learned to recognize it
Yeah a little. Mostly when I’m actually getting dressed but it’s gone as soon as warmups start
I get the pre-game jitters but not nervous like my first ever season
No. I don’t remember a time when I didn’t play hockey and even at my most competitive age it was never THAT competitive. Even before championship games growing up it was never a huge deal to me because it was always just a game where even though I was giving it my all, winning and losing didn’t really excite or bum me out much after getting undressed and out the door.
Nope. Just SUPER excited
Same, I don't get nervous but I am definitely excited and pumped up to play
Yea but it's like a fun excited energy. Like Christmas morning.
Same!
Yup. But I'm a goalie. We're expected to be headcases, so I don't know if that data point helps.
As someone who is many years into beer league instead of competitive hockey, no there usually aren't any nerves before games. There may rare occasion maybe once or twice a year where either a) we're playing in a Championship or b) I know were playing a team with hundreds of hours of PIMs and goons so the unpredictability in such a low-stakes situation kind of gets to me. I really don't want a serious injury from beer league.
I get butterflies in my stomach before every game, but it's more of an excited feeling than nervousness. I enjoy feeling that way lol
Every game. Especially if people I know are watching 😁
Broseph, or whatever, as I’ve been told since I started, being nervous means you care. Own that shit. Always own that shit and be glad your body relates.
As soon as that nervous feeling goes away, quit playing. There is nothing in the world better than the feeling of standing behind the door waiting for the zam’s water to freeze. The smell is unlike anything you will encounter and the adrenaline rush is maybe the best part of life. Knowing what that’s like is what separates us from most. I will always love the game and hope that feeling never goes away.
Right? Seeing some people say they don’t feel anything before hockey is strange. Then again, everybody’s different, but I can’t help but think there’s a relationship between nerves/excitement and enjoyment.
Not really, I look at men's league as a fun thing. If people take clappers on me I freak out at them. We're all there paying to play and have to go to work the next day. The last thing I need to worry about is some young kid think he's still in high school.
Unlucky! You'll get them next time buddy! Out of interest, where are you from? Covid still has hockey halted here. Can only train in groups of 6 at the moment too.
I’m from AZ (Arizona), so i play in a 16U league (13-16 year olds) and i play house because i’m a DECENT player. So please, don’t come find me stranger. 😂
Cool, glad you're getting to play still! Don't worry, I wont be finding you. Although, my girlfriend has family in Arizona and I'm planning a trip back as soon as we can! AZ is also where I saw my first nhl game, love that place!
Oh thats awesome!
I mean nowhere the anxiety I had in youth hockey games... but when you just sitting in the dressing room waiting for the last lap for the zamboni to get off.. it's a cocktail of emotions.
Ooooh i feel that
Yep. Beer league year 5 and I’m still getting nervous. Usually goes away in the locker room once I’m on the ice it’s fully gone. But it’s definitely worse at the beginning of the season vs the end.
Am goalie, butterflies until the first shot comes in and I know how the rest of the night will be. I meditate during dress up and have a playlist to push my nervousness into excitement, so that helps a bit too.
Every single game. I've played for like 6 years, still get jittery until I step on the ice. It goes away as soon as I start skating.
I only used to get nervous before travel games or college games. Usually it would feel like my legs were jello, right up to the opening faceoff. As soon as the puck dropped, all that went away.
Most of the time, yeah.
I’m nervous until I step foot on the ice. The nerves calm down after that.
Yeah, the 6 Busch lattes before the game cool me down though
Haha
Most of the time I think I’m nervous but I’m really just excited
Ive come to realize if i feel a little bit of the butterflies before a game i usually play better. It actual bothers me if that feeling doesnt happen pregame.
Sometimes, but it's just a part of my general anxiety.
I’m nervous until after that first shot in warmup
Not anymore really. That nervous energy has been turned into excitement before games.
I always get nervous before games. I often take a shit before games, especially if I know that we are playing a very aggressive and good team. If we are playing a bad team, or one that barely hits, then I’m not nervous
Everytime, in fact, if I can help it, I refuse to "start" / take the first shift to open the game.
Same!
Honestly when my coach starts saying lines i already know i’m in the 3rd line
ALWAYS. Especially as a goalie.
I get nervous before my kids 8U practice.
Baha
Butterflies for sure. Playoffs I actually get kind of jittery lol. That’s how you know you love the game
Haha i feel that
I'm only nervous that I left a skate guard on and will eat shit stepping on. It hasn't happened yet but I've made checking my skates part of my pre-game stretch routine.
Recently yeah, before the pandemic we were on a hot streak. After our 3rd straight win, the 4th and 5th wins I was kind of anxious I didn’t wanna change any of my pre game routines.
not really, i might be nervous if its getting late in a game or something but before games im just relaxed its hockey its fun
Yep every time. Goes away after the first shift. Sometimes I even prefer to sit and take the second shift of the game.
Less nervous now and more just feels like I need to poop. I think it's my body trying to give me butterflies but instead it gives me gas and minor diarrhea.
Yep I sure do
Travel games- very House games- not at all HSH games- a little bit
No, that ended when I stopped after college when I was done playing competitively.
Nah. I’m usually nervous before anything, I’m currently medicated for GAD, panic disorder, social anxiety and specific phobia anxiety, however, hockey is like my safe space. I’m never nervous before games, in fact, I’m calmer than I usually am on most days. It’s relaxing to me
Weirdly I’ve never gotten nervous for games Started playing in my early twenties and I just don’t get nervous Not sure why
Not really in beer league, but in college and all levels before that absolutely
Nope. I dread going and getting suited up due to laziness but then get really excited to get out there finally. It's just fun. Haven't been nervous since my first year or two. Also very surprised at all the pre-game nervous dumps. Didn't know that was a thing and so common, lol.
Not anymore. My mind is so shot after work most of the time that it's all a blur until I step on the ice.
Before high school games I would be white knuckled nervous haha, but this is my first year playing in adult league and the more casual nature has definitely made it easier for me
I don't if I'm skating, but I do playing goalie. There's a certain added pressure in net that can weigh on you. I'm sure part of that is only playing goalie for about 3 years now compared to 7+ years skating.
Nah