Hockey isn’t just a sport—it’s a way of life. For those who live and breathe the game, the rink isn’t just a place to play; it’s home. If you find yourself constantly thinking about tape jobs, stick curves, or the perfect sauce pass, you might just be a hockey addict. Whether you’re a weekend warrior or a dedicated rink rat, the signs are unmistakable. Here are some undeniable clues that hockey has completely taken over your life.

1. Your Living Room Doubles as a Shooting Gallery

If you’ve ever set up makeshift nets, aimed wrist shots at couch cushions, or dented the walls with a few too many clappers, you’re definitely hooked. Bonus points if you’ve had to apologize to family members for stray pucks or if your dog has learned to chase down rebounds.

And let’s not forget the infamous “broken lamp incident.” Every true hockey addict has at least one story of a slap shot gone wrong, resulting in shattered glass, a dented wall, or a scuffed-up ceiling. It’s all part of the game!

2. Your Stick Collection Rivals a Pro Shop

One or two sticks? Not enough. If you’ve got an arsenal of twigs with different flexes, curves, and grip styles for every possible game scenario, you might have a problem (or just great taste). You’ve probably tested every curve imaginable and still have a couple of trusted backups that you refuse to get rid of.

You know the exact specs of your favorite stick—curve, flex, grip type, and kick point—and you get weirdly excited when a new model comes out, even if your current one is in perfect shape.

And let’s be honest, if you’ve ever had a moment of panic because you thought your backup stick wasn’t in your bag, you’re in deep.

3. You See the World in Hockey Terms

Driving down the street? You picture yourself weaving through traffic like you’re dangling around defenders. Walking on ice? Instinctively, you widen your stance like you’re battling on the boards. Any time you hear the word “power play” in a business meeting, your mind immediately goes to the man advantage.

You’ve probably even compared non-hockey things to hockey situations. A tough exam? “It’s like trying to get through a solid defensive zone trap.” A slow-moving checkout line? “This guy’s clogging up the neutral zone.”

Your brain just operates in hockey mode 24/7.

4. You Tape and Retape Your Stick for No Reason

Even when you’re not on the ice, you’re working on your perfect tape job. Whether it’s a fresh white heel-to-toe wrap or a classic black grip, you take pride in your handiwork. And let’s be real—there’s nothing quite like that first shot with a newly taped twig.

You’ve probably spent more time than you’d like to admit experimenting with different styles—thin vs. thick tape, long vs. short blade wraps, different knob styles. And if you’ve ever judged someone for a bad tape job… yeah, you’re definitely a hockey addict.

5. Your Wardrobe is 90% Hockey Gear

You’ve got jerseys from your favorite teams, hoodies from tournaments, and maybe even a lucky pair of socks that you refuse to wash during playoffs. Your everyday outfits probably include a mix of Bauer, CCM, and ABHS apparel, and you wouldn’t be caught dead without a hat from your favorite team.

Let’s not forget the signature post-game look—slides with socks. Only a true hockey addict rocks that style like it’s high fashion.

6. You Drop a ‘Let’s Go!’ at the Smallest Victory

Whether it’s winning a game of pickup, beating someone in rock-paper-scissors, or just finding a parking spot in a crowded lot, you celebrate like you just scored an overtime winner. The competitive spirit never turns off.

And if you’ve ever fist-pumped after throwing something into the trash can from across the room, you already know—you were born to snipe.

7. You Know the Smell… and You’ve Accepted It

Hockey bag stench? That’s just the scent of dedication. You know that no amount of dryer sheets or sprays will fully erase the aroma of hard work, and you’ve learned to embrace it—at least until your gear gets a well-earned wash.

Your car has probably carried around your bag a few too many times, and let’s be real, it still smells like a locker room.

8. You Think ‘Off-Season’ is Just a Myth

The season might end, but that doesn’t mean you stop training. Whether you’re hitting the gym, playing summer league, or firing pucks in the driveway, hockey never really stops. Your off-season training regimen is just as serious as your game-day routine.

And if you’ve ever booked early morning ice time in the summer just to keep your hands fresh, you’re officially a lifer.

9. You’ve Used Hockey Lingo in Everyday Conversations

You’ve told someone to “keep their head up” in a non-hockey setting. You’ve described a tight space as “no room to dangle.” And if someone makes a mistake, they “just whiffed on an open net.”

You’ve probably even confused non-hockey fans with your terminology. “Wait, why did you just call that guy a ‘beauty’?”

10. Your Dream Shopping Spree Involves New Twigs and Gear

Forget fancy clothing stores—your idea of heaven is walking into a hockey shop, testing out sticks, checking out new gloves, and trying on the latest skates. If you’ve ever spent hours debating between a AB28 and a AB92 curve, you know the struggle is real.

And if you’ve ever checked your bank account and thought, “I shouldn’t buy another stick…but I probably will,” you’re past the point of no return.

11. You Play Through Any Injury (Even When You Shouldn’t)

A little bruise? No problem. Tweaked ankle? Tape it up and keep going. Hockey addicts have a tough-it-out mentality, sometimes to a fault.

You’ve probably had teammates tell you to sit out, but deep down, you know you’re lacing up anyway. The only thing that could truly keep you off the ice is a broken leg—or maybe not even that.

Final Verdict? You’re Hooked.

If you found yourself nodding along to most (or all) of these, congratulations—you’re officially a hockey addict. But let’s be honest, there’s no cure, and you wouldn’t want one anyway.

The love of the game is in your blood, and there’s nothing else quite like it. Now, go tape up your stick, throw on your favorite jersey, and get back on the ice.

#HockeyLife #HockeyAddict #GameOn #PuckLife