Beer League Etiquette: The Unwritten Rules Every Player Should Know

Beer league hockey is a beautiful, chaotic, sweat-filled world. It’s where adults trade spreadsheets for slapshots, deadlines for dekes, and responsibilities for ridiculous post-game stories. But here’s the thing: as much as it’s fun, beer league hockey comes with its own code.

Yes, we’re talking about beer league etiquette — the unwritten rules every player should know if they want to survive, thrive, and earn respect on and off the ice. Ignore them, and you’ll quickly become that player who’s “fun but a little much” or “why is he on this team again?”

Let’s break it down.

1. Respect the Goalie — Always

Rule #1 is simple: the goalie is sacred.

• Don’t take cheap shots at the net when the goalie isn’t looking.

• Don’t chirp them mid-save.

• Don’t leave your stick lying across the crease.

• Never blame the goalie for every single goal — yes, even if it’s totally their fault.

Goalies are the most valuable, underappreciated, and often sleep-deprived teammates on your squad. Treat them right, and they’ll bail your team out more times than you can count.

2. Show Up On Time

Showing up late is the quickest way to earn a locker room death stare.

• Give yourself enough time to tie skates, tape sticks, and take care of pre-game rituals.

• If you’re running late, text your captain. It’s just common courtesy.

• Late arrivals throw off line rotations, power play units, and the mood of the team.

Pro tip: if you’re consistently late, expect to get chirped... politely, but relentlessly.

3. Respect the Rink

You’re a guest in that rink, not the king of it.

• Pick up your trash.

• Don’t slam doors.

• Keep your gear contained to your bench or locker.

• If there’s a Zamboni coming on ice, step off politely.

No one likes the guy leaving a trail of Gatorade cups, tape, and used towels from the dressing room to the ice.

4. Communicate With Your Team

Beer league hockey is chaotic, but it doesn’t have to be chaotic for no reason.

• Call for the puck.

• Let teammates know when you’re switching lines.

• Share info about injuries, cramps, or ice conditions.

• And yes — chirps count as communication too, but only the funny, harmless ones.

The better you communicate, the smoother the game — and your friendships — will go.

5. Don’t Hog the Puck

Yes, you love handling the puck. No, you’re not Sidney Crosby.

• Pass when your teammate has a better shot.

• Don’t dangle forever on a 2-on-0.

• Avoid shooting every time you get the puck at the blue line.

The goal is to make your team better, not to make highlight reels... unless you’re really, really good at it.

6. Keep the Chirping Fun, Not Personal

Chirping is beer league culture. It’s expected. It’s hilarious. It’s bonding. But like all good things, it has limits.

• Don’t go after sensitive topics (family, health, finances).

• Avoid insults that cross personal boundaries.

• Make sure everyone is in on the joke.

A team that can chirp without hurting feelings is a happy team — and a team that will want to play with you for seasons.

7. Respect the Ref

Adult recreational leagues don’t have the benefit of NHL-quality officiating.

• Yes, calls can be questionable.

• No, yelling at the ref doesn’t make the call better.

• Keep your chirping playful and avoid personal attacks.

Respecting the ref keeps the game fun, and it keeps the league from throwing unnecessary suspensions or fines your way.

8. Keep the Bench Organized

• Don’t leave sticks scattered all over the bench.

• Don’t step over teammates’ gear.

• Keep water bottles in one area, and don’t slosh Gatorade everywhere.

A well-organized bench = smoother line changes = fewer headaches for everyone.

9. Respect the Late-Night Game Slump

If your game is late at night, expect fatigue. And expect others to be tired too.

• Don’t complain if someone isn’t sprinting full ice every shift.

• Understand that energy dips happen.

• Keep morale high — it’s better to chirp in fun than groan in annoyance.

A little patience goes a long way.

10. Don’t Trash Talk Outside the Rink

Sure, inside the rink, some good-natured chirping is expected. But adult hockey etiquette says:

• Don’t bad-mouth your teammates on social media.

• Don’t post embarrassing videos without permission.

• Don’t tell other teams your team’s secrets or strategies.

Locker-room loyalty keeps everyone feeling safe and connected.

11. Respect Goalie Rentals and Subs

Some leagues let you rent a goalie or pick up a sub. Respect those players:

• Give them instructions politely.

• Don’t assume they know every team play.

• Don’t blame them for losses.

• Thank them sincerely after the game.

Goalie rentals and subs are lifesavers — treat them like MVPs.

12. Don’t Be That Player Who Skates Out of Control

We all have that friend who’s overly aggressive with body checks, puck battles, or breakaways.

• Respect the skill levels of everyone on the ice.

• No cheap hits, especially against beginners.

• Play hard, but play safe.

Adult hockey is about fun AND injury prevention. Stay safe, stay smart.

13. Respect the Post-Game Rituals

Post-game traditions — whether it’s a cold beer, a group photo, or celebratory high-fives — are sacred.

• Don’t leave without saying goodbye.

• Don’t skip the handshake line.

• Respect the team’s bonding time.

It’s how memories are made, stories get told, and camaraderie grows.

14. Celebrate the Wins, Console the Losses

Beer league hockey isn’t all about the scoreboard, but etiquette demands:

• Be gracious in victory.

• Don’t gloat.

• Celebrate together — everyone contributed.

• Console teammates after tough losses.

Showing respect for your team regardless of outcome keeps everyone coming back.

15. Have Fun — Above All Else

This may be the most important rule: remember why you play.

• Hockey is supposed to be fun.

• Laugh at mistakes.

• Enjoy the chaos.

• Appreciate the friendships.

• And, most importantly, enjoy the beer... responsibly.

A player who knows the rules of etiquette but forgets the rule of fun is missing the point entirely.

Final Thoughts on Beer League Etiquette

Beer league hockey is a delicate balance of skill, social interaction, and shared chaos. Following these unwritten rules ensures everyone has a good time, injuries are minimized, friendships grow stronger, and the league thrives.

Treat the goalie like royalty, respect your teammates, communicate clearly, and keep the fun alive — that’s the blueprint for being a respected beer leaguer.

Remember: nobody’s perfect, but knowing and following beer league etiquette is a sign of respect — for the game, the rink, and the people who make it unforgettable.

Keep Your Team Running Smoothly With MyPuck

Whether it’s organizing line rotations, managing late-night games, or coordinating goalie rentals, MyPuck helps teams focus on what really matters: having fun and building friendships.