When it comes to youth hockey tournaments, parents often face the decision of whether to travel the night before or the morning of the event. This decision can significantly impact a player's performance, and while saving money by skipping an extra night in a hotel might be tempting, I believe traveling the night before provides the best preparation for young athletes. Let’s explore both options, looking at the pros and cons, and why I think arriving the night before is the better choice.

Pros of Traveling the Night Before

1. The Gift of Time

One of the main advantages of traveling the night before is ensuring your child gets a full night of sleep. Tournaments can be exhausting, with multiple games in one day. Having the chance to settle into the hotel, unwind, and sleep well sets the stage for a strong performance. Compare this with waking up early after a short night’s rest, and it’s easy to see why a well-rested player will perform better on the ice.

One of the biggest benefits of arriving early is that you have time to settle in and get organized without the rush of game day. When we travel the night before, we can unpack, lay out the gear, and even check out the rink ahead of time. This gives us more time to relax and focus on the important things, like sleep.

2. Ample Time for Breakfast

A good pre-game meal is key to providing the energy needed for hours of competition. When you’ve already arrived the night before, you have time to find a proper breakfast or prepare one yourself, ensuring your child is fueled up and ready to go. In contrast, when you’re on the road early in the morning, breakfast is often rushed, or skipped entirely, which could leave your child under prepared physically.

3. Less Stress and Uncertainty

Traveling the night before eliminates many of the potential stressors that come with early morning travel. Road delays, accidents, or bad weather can all cause anxiety, especially when you’re racing against the clock to make it to the rink. Arriving the day before gives you peace of mind—you know you’re there, and your child can focus on the game rather than the journey.

4. Exploring the Local Area

Another perk of arriving early is the chance to explore. Instead of spending the morning stuck in the car, we’ve had the opportunity to make the most of the extra time. I’ll never forget the time we prepared extra time to visit the Utah Aquarium and Ikea. Ikea especially ended up being such a memorable experience with Rykker. He hated it. The trip does not always have to be about hockey, but about learning and family bonding.

Cons of Traveling the Night Before

1. Added Expenses

Of course, traveling the night before isn’t without its downsides. The biggest downside of arriving the night before is the cost. Hotel stays, meals, and other travel-related expenses can add up, particularly during a busy tournament season. For families on a tight budget, this may not always be feasible, and the extra night’s stay might feel like an unnecessary luxury. However, it’s worth weighing this cost against the benefits of better preparation for the games.

2. Time Away from Home

Leaving early means more time spent away from home, which can disrupt normal routines. Packing for an additional night and adjusting work or school schedules can add complexity to your weekend. However, for those dedicated to supporting their young athletes, this extra time away can be a worthwhile trade-off.

Pros of Traveling the Morning Of

1. Saving Money

Skipping the extra night in a hotel is the most significant advantage of traveling the morning of the tournament. For families attending several tournaments throughout the season, saving on these costs can make a big difference.

2. More Time in Your Own Space

For some families, staying home the extra night provides a sense of comfort and stability. Your child can sleep in their own bed and stick to familiar routines, which might be more relaxing than packing up and heading out the night before.

Cons of Traveling the Morning Of

1. Early Start and Fatigue

Waking up early to hit the road can lead to tired, groggy players who haven’t had enough rest. Sitting in the car for hours isn’t an ideal way to prepare for a game, and many kids may not sleep well in a moving vehicle. Upon arrival, your child may feel stiff, low on energy, and less focused, putting them at a disadvantage right from the start.

2. Rushed Preparation

When you travel the morning of the tournament, the time crunch makes it harder to eat a solid breakfast, properly hydrate, and mentally prepare for the game. Rushing straight from the car to the rink leaves little time for stretching, warming up, or simply getting into the right mindset for a competitive game.

3. Unpredictability of Travel

Early morning travel introduces potential problems, from traffic delays to weather challenges. If something goes wrong, you could end up running late, adding unnecessary stress and cutting into your warm-up time.

My Preference: The Night Before

While every family’s situation is different, I strongly believe that traveling the night before a tournament offers the best preparation for your child. Yes, there are extra costs and logistical challenges, but the advantages—better rest, proper nutrition, reduced stress—outweigh the drawbacks. In the end, arriving the night before ensures your child is rested, energized, and fully ready to hit the ice and play their best.

Ultimately, the decision depends on your family’s needs, but if the goal is to help your young athlete perform well, traveling the night before the tournament sets them up for success.

I’d love to hear youor thoughts! Do you travel te night before or the morning of? What has worked best for your family? Share your experiences in the comments.