The 7 Types of Parents in the Youth Hockey Family

If you’ve been around a youth hockey rink long enough, you know that it’s not just the kids who are entertaining. The parents are often just as interesting (and sometimes more so) than the game on the ice. Every hockey family is unique, but let's be honest, we’ve all met a few of these ‘classic’ hockey parent types. Let’s have a little fun poking at ourselves and each other, because who doesn’t love a good laugh between periods?

1.The Superfan Parent
Decked out in full team gear, this parent doesn’t just watch the game—they LIVE it. Custom jerseys, bedazzled team hats, and matching Stanley Cups (the tumbler, not the trophy) are their go-to look. You’ll find them pacing the rink, cheering like they’re at the NHL finals, and knowing every stat for every player on the team...and the opposing team...and the team three towns over.

Fun Fact: I may or may not have bedazzled a denim jacket for this season.

2. The "I Could’ve Gone Pro" Parent
This parent is quick to remind everyone that they almost made it to the NHL—back in high school. They’ll share detailed stories of their glory days and just how close they were to going pro. They’ll also coach their kid (and probably yours) from the stands, certain they know better than the guy behind the bench. Their favorite phrase? “If only I hadn’t blown out my knee…”

Fun Fact: They’re always ready to “show you how it’s done” in the post-game shootout.

3. The Silent-but-Judgy Parent
You won’t hear a peep from this parent during the game—no cheering, no yelling, just silent observation. But don't be fooled, they’re silently analyzing every play, every shift, and every missed pass with laser precision. Once the game’s over, they’ll quietly let their kid know exactly what went wrong and how they could have done it better. It’s like they have a mental playbook running at all times.

Fun Fact: They won’t say it, but they’re silently judging your coaching advice from the stands too.

4. The Overly Intense Parent
This parent takes the phrase “living vicariously” to a whole new level. They are ALL-IN, screaming like they’re on the bench, pumping up their kid, and ready to argue with refs, coaches, and even other parents at a moment’s notice. They have no problem pacing up and down the glass, banging on it for dramatic effect. Win or lose, the emotional rollercoaster is real with this one.

Fun Fact: They’ve probably been asked to “tone it down” more than once, but we all know that’s not happening.

5. The Snack Parent
This parent never shows up without a cooler full of snacks. Need an energy bar between periods? They’ve got it. Thirsty for a Gatorade? They’ve got three flavors. They’re practically the team’s personal snack bar, and their cooler is always fully stocked with oranges, granola bars, and probably a few adult beverages (for “later”). Not only do they keep their kid fueled, but they’re also handing out snacks like Oprah.

Fun Fact: They’re the real MVP when you forget to pack snacks at a 7 AM game.

6. The Always Late Parent
This parent operates in their own time zone—one that is consistently five minutes behind everyone else. Every practice, every game, they’re the ones running in with their kid half-dressed, holding a skate in one hand and a helmet in the other. You’ll see them frantically tying skates in the lobby while the Zamboni’s already halfway done. They’re always late, but somehow, they make it work.

Fun Fact: You’ll always see them sprinting through the parking lot, coffee in hand, trying to beat the puck drop.

7. The Social Butterfly Parent
This parent knows EVERYONE, and I mean everyone. They don’t watch the game as much as they watch the stands, chatting it up with every parent, grandparent, and sibling they meet. They’re the team’s unofficial social coordinator, organizing team dinners, post-game get-togethers, and probably already planning next season’s team bonding trip. Their kid could be on the ice or the bench, but they’re too busy swapping stories to notice.

Fun Fact: They’re usually the first to know all the latest hockey gossip—on and off the ice.



So, which one are you? 😂 No judgment here, we’ve all got a little of each in us! Whether you’re the Superfan or the Snack Parent, the rink wouldn’t be the same without you. At the end of the day, we’re all just trying to survive the hockey parenting life, support our kids, and have a few laughs along the way. Keep doing you, hockey parents—we’ve got this! 💪