Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

Index of questions

Tuck Puck divides its membership into several categories so that players of ALL skill levels can participate.  Even if you've never ice skated before, you'll get the guidance you need to play.  If you play with the Tripods then you'll know that you're playing with others of your same ability.  In fact, most Tripods have never touched a hockey stick before arriving at Tuck and many have never skated.

Our teams (A, B, and Tripod) are created through a process of self-selection.  Join the division where you feel comfortable that your skill level matches that of other players.  Tripods are divided into several teams.  After the THL (Tuck Hockey League) draft, your captain will send you an e-mail so that you know who your teammates are.  

Tuck Puck will not provide you with equipment.  We are only facilitators in the process of scheduling ice time, providing refs for games, and handling other administrative matters.  Therefore, all players must bring their own equipment.  In order to play ice hockey, you'll need the following gear: ice hockey skates, helmet (with cage or shield), stick, gloves, shin pads, hockey pants, elbow pads, and shoulder pads.  Other miscellaneous items that we wear are: hockey socks, garter belts or tape (to hold up the socks), protective cup, and mouthguard (optional).  View our equipment page.

Used equipment can run you anywhere from $150-$300.  It depends on the quality and the age of the gear that you purchase.  More expensive padding tends to be lighter and offers better protection against impact.  Some of the most respected gear in hockey is made by brands such as: Bauer, CCM, and Jofa. The Tuck hockey teams organize a well-publicized used hockey gear sale in the fall and also arrange a discount sale for new equipment through TuckStuff, a student business.  Equipment in Canada tends to run cheaper so buy it there if you have the opportunity.

You can do this but be mindful of the drawbacks.  Scheduling conflicts may cause you to miss games if the other player needs his/her equipment or if you cannot contact that player in time for your game.  Also be aware that hockey equipment can start to smell very bad, a stench powerful enough to make playing uncomfortable.  You'd want this equipment washed regularly.  We also highly recommend Febreeze --an odor-reducing natural spray that can be found in any grocery store or supermarket in the laundry section.  Most importantly, make sure that your skates and helmet fit properly.  In fact, we recommend that you do not share skates unless you have the EXACT same foot size and shape.  Skates are the most important piece of equipment and must be an exact fit in order to avoid injury, discomfort, and performance hurdles.  Your helmet MUST also fit snug.  Normally, the only way to adjust your helmet size is with a pair of screwdrivers.  Bauer makes a helmet (5000 model) that can be adjusted on-the-fly, with the simple snap of clips on the side.

Unfortunately, we have only been successful at obtaining later ice times for our games and practices.  This means you'll be playing after your study groups meet in the evening (anywhere from 9:00 pm to 12:30 am).  Naturally, attendance to all our games is optional, but we've never had a problem with turnout at these hours.  Tuckies are quite the work-hard-play-hard bunch.

Our games usually take place at either Thompson Arena (located southeast of campus, near Alumni Gym, across the street from the Leverone Field House) or Campion Rink (just behind the Sachem soccer fields).  In the winter, students send out Blitzmails to invite classmates to pickup games at Occum Pond (near the Hanover Golf Course, behind the Dartmouth Outing Club).  View our local rinks page.

Absolutely not.  We realize that we are all "weekend warriors" and that allowing full body contact to take place would endanger our physical health and scare away new players.  No violence of any kind, such as fighting or bullying, will be tolerated on or off the ice.  Furthermore, Tuck Tripods are required to wear full face protection, including cages or shields.  Eye protection is required at the B Team level, and it is optional at the A Team level.  Just keep your head up at all times and you will lower your chances of a concussion tenfold.  In the 100+ games that were played this year, there were no concussions or serious injuries.

Well be holding various clinics and practices to give Tripods a further opportunity to learn:

1.  The year starts with general practices run by A Team members to give Tripods a chance to learn some drills and technique. 

2. There will be a "chalk talk" session to give Tripods an overview of the game's basic rules and positions.  

3. We will be running lunchtime ice skating clinics at Thompson Arena to give you some basic pointers on ice skating ($1 for students, $3 for others).

If you're new to hockey, chances are the biggest no-no you'll be committing is going "offsides."  Newer players also tend to "ice" the puck a lot.  When in doubt, ask your team captains for clarification on the rules.  

Refer to the following link for a quick-and-easy list of the most common rules: http://www.caneshockey.com/hockeyu/rules.asp