Going to your first hockey game: tickets, seats and what to watch for

Buying tickets

• Start with official sources. The team's own website or app, or the official ticketing partner it links to, is the safest place to buy. Most teams also run an official resale exchange where season-ticket holders sell seats they cannot use.
• Be careful with unofficial sellers. Screenshots of tickets, pressure to pay by bank transfer and prices that seem too good to be true are all warning signs. Most NHL tickets are now mobile tickets tied to an app, so a screenshot will often not scan.
• Compare games. Prices vary a lot depending on the opponent, the day of the week and how the season is going. A midweek game against a less popular opponent is usually the cheapest way in.
• Consider a minor league or junior game. These are cheaper, closer to the ice and a good introduction if you just want to see what hockey is like live.

Choosing seats

• Lower bowl near the blue lines gives a great sense of speed and physical play.
• Higher up in the centre lets you see the whole rink, the shape of the teams and passing lanes develop, which many experienced fans prefer.
• Behind the goal is good for watching goaltenders, though the far end of the rink can be hard to judge.
• Right against the glass is exciting for hits but you can lose sight of play along the near boards.

Before you go

1. Check the arena's bag policy. Many arenas only allow small or clear bags, and the rules differ from venue to venue.
2. Make sure your mobile ticket is loaded on your phone and that your phone is charged.
3. Arrive early to watch the warm-up, when players skate, stretch and take shots close to the glass. Fans often bring signs and stand by the boards.
4. Wear layers. The concourse is warm but rinkside seats can be cool.

Game structure

• An NHL game has three 20-minute periods of playing time with two intermissions. Because the clock stops often, a game typically lasts around two and a half hours.
• If the score is level after regulation in the regular season, there is a five-minute three-on-three overtime and then a shootout. In the playoffs, overtime continues with full periods until someone scores.
• Intermissions are the time to queue for food, so leave a minute or two early or wait for the period to start again to avoid the rush.

What to watch for

• The puck is only part of the story. Try watching the players away from it, especially how the defence covers the front of the net.
• Line changes. Notice how often players hop over the boards and how quickly fresh legs arrive.
• Power plays. When a player is in the box, watch the team with the advantage set up and pass around the zone.
• Goaltenders. Live, you see how much they move and talk to their defence.

Arena etiquette and safety

• Pucks fly into the crowd. Netting protects the seats behind the goals, but elsewhere stay alert, especially in the lower bowl.
• Stand for the national anthems.
• Try not to walk to and from your seat while play is going on. Many arenas ask fans to wait at the top of the aisle until a stoppage.
• When a player scores three goals, a hat-trick, some fans throw hats on to the ice. You do not have to join in.