Most hockey gift lists are written for fans: logos, jerseys, mugs. This one is for the kid who actually plays. The one who is up before sunrise for a 6 a.m. ice slot, whose bag can be smelled from the driveway, and who can tell you every goal they scored this year and who made the pass.
The best gifts for a young hockey player mark what they did on the ice. Here is what fits, from the first goal to the last game of the year.
The Season, Hockey: a whole year on one print
The Season, Hockey sets up to six season numbers big, then lists every game with the date, opponent, result and the player's line, along with the team's record and finish. It works for high school, travel, club and college players. From $45.
Pick the six numbers that fit the player:
- Forwards: goals, assists, points, shots, power-play goals, game-winning goals.
- Defense: assists, points, plus/minus, blocked shots, games played, and goals if they have a shot from the point.
- Goalies: saves, save percentage, goals-against average, wins, shutouts, games started.
Leave penalty minutes off unless the player wants them there; a few will. For the youngest age groups, where some leagues don't keep standings or official stats, use the numbers your family tracked, like goals, assists and games played.
Most travel and high school teams post stats on a league site or team app. Save totals can be spotty in youth hockey, so check a goalie's numbers against the game sheets if you can get them.
Milestone Certificate, for the first goal or first shutout
A first goal is a big night in a young player's life, and so is a first hat trick or a goalie's first shutout. The Milestone Certificate records it: their name, the date, the place, the details and the witnesses. Write down the period, who assisted and the final score that night before the details fade, and ask the coach to grab the puck. From $24.
Player Card for the bedroom wall
The Player Card is a trading card blown up to poster size: name, number, position, team, season, up to six stats and a highlight from the season. Younger skaters especially like seeing their own name and numbers laid out on a card of their own. From $24.
Team pieces when the season ends
The Team Season Poster lists the team name, season and level, the record, every player's name and number, the results and the coaches in your team colors. Hockey teams spend a lot of hours together in cold rinks and long drives, and a poster with every name on it is something each family can keep. Order an extra for the coach. From $39.
Many hockey seasons build toward a weekend tournament or a playoff run. The Tournament Run shows every game from pool play to the title game as a climb, each opponent and score, the finish with a brass trophy, the record and the roster with your player highlighted. From $45.
Gifts in the middle of the season
Hockey is one of the few youth sports in full swing at Christmas. That makes the Team Ornament an easy coach-to-player or team-parent gift: a clear acrylic ornament with a round badge carrying their number or your own club logo, their name, and the school and sport. From $24.
Team Stickers fill the same role for less: round vinyl stickers with their number or your logo and their name, made for water bottles, laptops and helmets. From $11. Teams ordering ornaments or stickers for every player get 30% off, according to the listings.
Tips for buying for a hockey player
- Don't surprise them with equipment. Skates and pads are fitted to the player, and stick length, flex and curve are personal. A pro shop gift card is safer.
- Respect the routine. Plenty of players have a pregame ritual and a favorite way of taping a stick. Ask before you replace anything.
- Double-check the number. Players often switch numbers between teams. Use the one from the season you're celebrating.
- Wait for the last game. Order a season print after the final whistle so the record and finish are settled.
Shop this guide
The Season, HockeyFrom $45
Milestone CertificateFrom $24
Player CardFrom $24
Team Season PosterFrom $39
The Tournament RunFrom $45
Team OrnamentFrom $24
Team StickersFrom $11
Ordering
Personalize each piece on its product page. Every order is checked by hand, and you'll see a proof to approve before anything prints. Allow about two weeks from order to delivery.