The best way to stay in the game a long time is to play it safe! Here are 7 keys to help you get the most out of your game. 1. Be the Best Skater You Can Be! – Strong skating skills will: • Help you keep your balance when you make contact with someone else • Help you develop a strong body, particularly your core, so you can handle body contact • Improve your confidence and decision making when moving around the ice • Give you opportunities to play at higher levels of hockey 2. Head Up – Head on a Swivel! - Keep your head up. This will let you: • See everyone and everything around you, so you can take action to avoid accidental contact • See where your teammates are and help them keep their heads on a swivel • See where your opponents are so you can avoid making poor decisions 3. Always From in Front, Hands Below the Shoulders! - Bodycheck with your hands and stick down, in a face-to-face position with your opponent. It shows: • Respect for your opponent’s physical well- being • You know that bodychecks from behind and to the head are dangerous • You understand and respect the rules of the game • You know how to play hockey safely 4. Know the Danger Zones! - This means you: • Are aware that there are dangerous areas when bodychecking • Know to keep your head up and on a swivel when near or in those zones • Approach these zones in a safe way 5. Angle, Angle, Angle! - Approach the boards on an angle. This helps you: • Make safe contact with your opponent to take the puck away and stay with the play • Keep your head up and on a swivel, because your field of view is much larger • Keep skating before; during and after you’ve retrieved the puck 6. Be Ready for Contact! - Always be prepared for physical contact. This will: • Let you play at ease with loose muscles • Keep your head up and on a swivel in anticipation of contact • Help you communicate with your teammates so everyone is ready for contact 7. Arms Up! - Get your arms up when going into the boards. This lets you: • Absorb the impact of hitting the boards • Avoid going head first into the boards • Keep your head up and on a swivel