Anytime you are playing hockey near the boards
It is important to know where your opponents are; keep your head up at all times; get up against the boards when fighting for the puck and always go to the boards on an angle, rather than straight on.
It is a good idea as a player to make sure you carry a few other important items
In your hockey bag besides your equipment. Items such as the following are examples of things you just never know when you will need them:
• A small towel specifically for drying your skates.
• A small screwdriver to tighten the screws on your face mask.
• A few extra screws and nuts for your helmet should you lose one.
• A pair of skate laces.
• An extra roll or two for your stick.
• An extra pair of socks in case your one pair gets wet.