Hockey again at last: what you need at home or in the arena
29/8/2025
Translation: machine translated
The wait is over. The professional ice hockey leagues in Switzerland and Germany start the new season on 9 September. To mark the start, I have selected suitable products for all skaters and those who want to become one.
Hardy fans can't take much to summer holidays, sunshine and heat: all unmistakable signs that the fastest team sport has taken a break and the ice has thawed in the arenas. Fortunately, that will soon be over. On 9 September, the first competitive games await the teams in the two professional leagues «National League» and «German Ice Hockey League». You can find a little help from our range in this article.
Ice hockey on TV
Live ice hockey broadcasts are an exception on free-to-air TV. If you want to watch all National League or DEL games from the comfort of your couch, you need a plan with Magenta Sport (DEL) or MySports (National League). Also a fast internet connection. A streaming box saves you fiddling with cables to get the picture from your laptop to the TV.
As an Apple fanboy, the only option for me was an Apple TV. Before you decide on a device, it's best to check the streaming provider's website to see which boxes it supports.
Extra tip: Read a few reviews in the app stores afterwards. Just because an app is available doesn't mean it's fun to use.
For your visit to an arena
I had my first encounter with ice hockey when I was five years old at skating school. And since then, my enthusiasm has never left me. I try to pass it on and enjoy taking other people to games
And then it comes. The question of the right clothing. Always.
What you wear depends entirely on which club you're going to. Many professional matches now take place in air-conditioned multi-arenas. Even if you get cold easily, a sweatshirt will suffice here.
The situation is different in traditional ice rinks or semi-open venues. Ice hockey is a winter sport. To make sure you survive the two to three hours unscathed, you should reach for a stadium jacket.
Such jackets are also available as soft-shell versions, i.e. several jackets in one. Without a thick jacket, you'll be frozen to death after an hour at «my» Hamburg Crocodiles. Fans from Switzerland may still remember the away games in the old arena in Ambri, where there was always a draught.
If you have a standing area near the ice, warm soles in your shoes will also help in a cold arena. You don't need them in a multi-arena.
If you want to take children to the game, I would advise you to buy hearing protection. A hall like this can get really, really loud.
If you've only ever heard the word "Hexenkessel" in theory, you'll understand what it means when you visit the Iserlohn Roosters. When the fans cheer on their team, you no longer understand your own words. And at the Berlin Polar Bears, a small firework display is part of the run-in show. So better protect your children's sensitive ears.
Playing ice hockey on a small scale
Would you like to try out skating without ice at home? You can. And all year round, of course. Playmobil has an ice rink with two outfield players and two goalkeepers. The parts are quickly put together. We have played countless family duels on this «ice rink» here. And it still looks almost as good as new.
In case you're wondering about the small number of playing pieces: The Playmobil version is turn-based and takes up the game principle of «Tipp-Kick». Playmobil has also thought of a small addition. You don't need it for the game, but the mini Zamboni (ice cream machine) looks cute.
The table game from Stiga is an absolute classic. The mechanics have remained unchanged for decades. If you take good care of it, you should be able to enjoy it for many years to come. My game has been in use for 10 years.
Stiga is similar to a foosball table. However, the movement sequences are different. It's definitely great fun for two people. However, if more people crowd around the small area, it gets a bit cramped.
Tournaments are even organised with the Stiga game.
The NHL series from EA is a classic for anyone who wants to play ice hockey on their computer or console. The gameplay is now (barely) visually distinguishable from the television broadcast.
If you play the simulation at the highest level of realism, you will need to bring time with you in career mode. Just like the pros, you get your ice time, but you have to wait for your turn. Just like the pros.
I've been playing this game since the first versions. They really made my PC sweat back then.
You want to know more about the game
Did you enjoy your first visit or would you just like to know more in preparation?
Michael Schulze gives you a concise overview of the basic rules. This will also help you understand why in some situations the goalie leaves his goal in a hurry, but the game continues.
Rick Goldmann's book is more about the fascination of the sport and its history. Rick was a defender in professional leagues and the national team for many years. And is now a sought-after TV pundit. The man is a friend of clear words. On TV and in his book «Why ice hockey is the hottest sport in the world».
A real reading recommendation and a great gift, even for people who have been involved in ice hockey for a long time.
Finally, I would have liked to present you with a few fan articles from my favourite clubs, but unfortunately we don't have anything in the shop. This book at least conveys a little of the fascination for the Berlin Eisbären:
What tips do you have for the start of the season? Let us know in the comments!
Header image: Andy Hall, Unsplash
Hamburg local, bookworm, and ice hockey fan. Dad and granddad. Constantly tinkering around with my smart home setup. I love DIY, the outdoors, fashion, and cosmetics.
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