Now that the regular hockey season is coming to a close, many players will seek out ways to avoid hockey withdrawal and keep the rust off the blades. Pickup is a great way to enjoy the game, since there are few constraints or expectations. This does not mean, however, that there are zero expectations. Here are some basic pickup etiquette that all players should abide by to keep it fun for all:

1. Don’t hog ice time. Everyone paid to play, not to watch you play.

2. Share the puck. A goal resulting from a great passing combination will be appreciated more than repeated coast-to-coast attempts. If you really want to demonstrate your skill, then work to set up the worst player on the ice for an easy goal.

3. Keep the showboating to a minimum. There’s nothing wrong with skilled players occasionally showing off some slick moves or sniper shots; and pickup should be a place to try moves you might never attempt in a league game. But like a good joke, tell it well once or twice. It gets stale after a few repeats.

4. Adjust to the talent level. Oftentimes there is disparity in the level of talent on the ice. Allow players with limited skills some opportunity to stickhandle and get involved in the play. Don’t be a spoiler of fun. Dial up your efforts against players of equal or better skill than you.

5. If the game is lopsided, offer to even up the teams. Lopsided games become boring and do little to improve your game.

At the end of the day, it’s about having fun. Let’s all do our part to make it so.