Your child has barely strapped on their first pair of skates, and already, it’s time to plan for those upcoming hockey tournaments. For young players, this is huge—a moment they look forward to all year.

But if you don't plan carefully, this exciting weekend can quickly become a huge source of stress for both parents and kids. The logistical challenges are real: accommodation, meal prep, managing equipment, and finding time for fun.

Here are a few tips to transform this sports weekend into an enjoyable and memorable trip for the entire family.

Accommodation: book fast and smart

The first step is to book accommodation as soon as the tournament dates and location are announced. Tournaments often draw large crowds of players and their families, so the best spots fill up fast.

By booking early, you can choose a place that fits your needs and is ideally located near the rink. If you wait too long, you might find yourself far from the action or stuck in a location that isn't ideal for your family.

Besides being close to the tournament venue, choose accommodation based on your family’s specific needs. For example, to save on food costs, you might want a place with a kitchenette. Or consider sharing a larger rental residence with another family from the team.

Set a realistic budget—and stick to it

To ensure you don’t let your wallet explode, it’s smart to set a budget beforehand, including a buffer for unexpected costs. A tournament involves several expenses, including gas, meals, accommodation, activities, and souvenirs. Carpooling, preparing snacks and light meals at home, and sharing accommodation with another family are great strategies to reduce costs. Beyond being economical, carpooling and shared lodging are excellent ways for players and families to bond.

Gear check: be ready for anything

A few days before the tournament, make sure to check all equipment to ensure it’s all there and it’s still safe. To avoid a stressful dash to the store and unnecessary costs, plan to have backup items like laces, hockey socks, and stick tape.

While these might seem like small details, they can quickly make the difference between a relaxing family moment and a stressful sprint to the sporting goods store right before a game. This is also a fantastic way to stick to your budget, as last-minute purchases are certainly costly.

Discovery, relaxation, and fun

While the weekend revolves around hockey, it’s also an opportunity for the whole family to take a trip. Do a little research on the host city and involve your family in choosing activities that interest them.

If the rest of the family feels invested in the trip, they’ll see it as a family vacation rather than just a hockey tournament. In addition to museums, kids' amusement centers, and attractions, low-cost activities like hiking trails or exploring new parks can easily please everyone.

Just be careful not to overschedule these few days, which will likely be busy enough already. However, these planned small activities will provide a welcome break from hockey and allow you to enjoy your time away from home.

It’s also important not to neglect moments of relaxation during the trip. Intense schedules, high-stakes games, and performance expectations can quickly create tension.

Bring your best sportsmanship

These kinds of sporting events can be intense for both the players and the parents. Make sure you set a good example by respecting opponents and prioritizing sportsmanship and teamwork.

As a parent, it is important to encourage the players, respect the referees, and manage your reactions by avoiding negativity and criticism.

To support your child and their teammates, celebrate their teamwork and effort. In the event of a loss, remind the kids that learning and having fun come before winning, and help them see losses as opportunities for growth.

In short, remind your children—and the other parents—that hockey is a game first, and that respect, self-improvement, and enjoyment are more important than the scoreboard.

With a little foresight and planning, every family can transform this logistical challenge into a wonderful sports and family adventure. The most important thing is to enjoy the experience and savor these unique moments that will become precious memories for your children and your family.