Hockey nights have become as much a popular modern national Canadian tradition as Thanksgiving, poutine and online blackjack.
From coast to coast, it’s now a common custom for our families and friends to gather round screens to watch the puck drop.
We know it’s more than sport – watching hockey is now part of our culture, our communities, and it can be the most fun we Canadians can have without snowshoes on.
Whether it’s the tension of NHL playoffs or a regular Saturday game, home hockey watchalongs have become a modern Canadian ritual.
Usually it involves the living room turning into an arena while the kitchen becomes the snack bar/food kiosk. And just like a mini arena, all the voices rise with every hit and mad cheers erupt with every goal.
Watching the hockey with friends isn’t just about the hockey of course – it strengthens bonds and creates memories. And you don’t need much to make a simple match into the most memorable party.
There’s no need to overthink it: get lots of nibbles and snacks, then simply gather a deck of cards, your phone, a pen and paper, maybe some tokens or drinks. Easy games can make the hockey even better.
We love hockey, we love games. Mix the two together, and you’ve got definite fun.
So here are some of the easiest games to play with friends during your next great hockey watchalong.
Games within the game
Goal predictions
It’s simple: everyone predicts which player will score first. Get it right and you win a point.
Then have another round after each period. Keep a scoreboard and the final winner gets bragging rights – or a free snack or drink.
Penalty picks
You each pick one player who you think will be penalised during the match. If they are, you score.
There are bonus points if you guess the type of penalty – and maybe an outright win if you get both the player and a severe crime like headbutting or slashing.
Shot counter challenge
Pick one of the teams and count their total shots on goal. Whoever gets closest by the end of a period wins.
Make it a new challenge every period and then see how it keeps all eyes glued on the action.
Drinking game
We obviously won’t encourage you to drink irresponsibly BUT you could set rules to encourage the sense of fun, like: have a drink when there’s a faceoff, drink when the coach yells, or best of all, drink when any Canadian scores.
Player tracker
Each person picks a player to follow and you get one point for a shot, two for a hit, three for a goal. At the end, the top tracker is your winner.
Sudden death
When the game goes to overtime, so does your game night. Everyone picks who will win and the victory method: goal scorer, shootout or OT snipe – and the closest guess takes the final prize.
Games around the game
Commercial break quizzes
During the ads, host mini hockey quizzes. Mix in things like current stats, past Stanley Cup winners and favorite famous players.
Trash talk challenge
Friendly banter is part of the game isn’t it? So allow everyone at the party to vote on what has been said and award a point to the best comment in each period.
Side games
Intermissions and pre-game chat can be slow. That’s where side games come in.
Console sports games are a solid option with NHL 24 as the obvious choice. Quick 1v1 matches between periods work well.
Keep it short: Winners stay on, losers grab snacks.
Other sporty video games like FIFA or NBA 2K also fit while the real game resets.
Offline classics like poker can always be a sports night hit. A few quick hands of Texas Hold’em during the first intermission can work as long as there are no big stakes and you use snacks as tokens.
Blackjack is even easier. One person deals and the hands are over in minutes.
If you’ve got space, mini stick hockey or hallway shootout challenges bring the action off-screen and into your home. Perhaps it’s best to use foam pucks to protect the family treasures.
Whatever the game, keep it simple with easy rules and super quick rounds. It’s light and fun and nobody needs major distractions from the main event.
The key is laughter, involvement and keeping the atmosphere buzzing during the slow moments. Hockey brings people together and these games can keep them all smiling.
Hockey nights are already great – but adding a few simple games like these can make them even better.
Remember, you don’t need apps, downloads or any expensive gear to have a great night. Just laughs, guesses… and a lot of yelling at the screen.
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