What do I have to do to become an equipment manager?

Some people have asked me what you have to do to become an equipment manager. Is there a school somewhere to attend?

No. There is no school. Here in Sweden there is an course than you can take, but to be honest. It sucks. I didn´t learn anything there.

But here is some things that is good if you can or are willing to do.

Laundry.
There will be laundry. A lot of laundry. Just embrace it.

Sewing.
There is always something that needs fixing. Either by hand or maschine.

Be creative.
You will be faced with situations you didn´t plan for. And it will always happen when you have the least amount of time. So quick thinking is good.

Patiens
Hockey players are hockey players. There will be ticks. Special needs and things they have to do before a game. You will develop your own. I promise.

Waiting
Well. I´m an equipment manager for a woman team. So I can´t be running in locker room as I wan´t. Have to wait. But it works. You can always get coffee.

Sharpening skates
Yes. You can learn all you wan´t about sharpening the skates. And the basics are good. But there will ALWAYS be players that wan´t something different. You will learn. The players will complain if it doesn´t feel right. And you will adapt.

Filling water bottles
There will be some water running. Some players does not drink at all during the periods. And some drink a lot. Also something to adapt to.

But the most important things to learn is to listen to your players. What do they wan´t. When do they wan´t it. And what do they NOT wan´t. Some players wan´t you to lace the skates or put tape on their sticks. And some do not wan´t you to do it. Or they will let you do it before practice but not before games. Learn. Adapt. Be creative.

But above all. Love the game and listen to the players. THEY make the magic.

And what you do. NEVER EVER FORGET the janitors at the rink are your god. They are the law. They make the rules! However silly they sometimes appears!