Lipstick asked:
I have to write a story for my creative writing class on something I know nothing about – hockey. I did extensive research on positions but I can’t seem to find out anything on the months that actually make up the NHL hockey season. Also I would like to know how long they train in the off season. Plus, any extra info on hockey you could give me would be so appreciated My story center’s around one of the wingers. Thank you!
Pre Season:
Mid September – Early October
———————————————
Season:
Early October – Mid April
——————————————–
Playoffs:
Mid April – Early/Mid June
NHL Important Dates -> Season 2011-12:
——————————————–
Sep. 19 Opening of 2011 Exibition Games
Oct. 6: First day of Regular Seasone
Nov. 12: Hall of Fame Game (Ottawa @ Toronto)
Nov. 14: Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony
Dec. 1: Signing deadline for Group II free agents, 5pm et/2pm pt
Dec. 19-27: Holiday Roster Freeze in effect
Dec. 26-Jan. 5: 2012 World Juniors in Edmonton/Calgary
Jan. 2, 2012: NHL Winter Classic (New York @ Philadelphia)
Jan. 28-29: All-Star Weekend in Ottawa
Feb. 27: NHL Trading Deadline, 3pm et/Noon pt
Apr. 7: Last day of regular season
May 28-June 12: 2012 Draft NHL Combine
June 15: Last possible date of Stanley Cup Final
June 20: 2012 NHL Awards Night
June 22-23: 2012 NHL Entry Draft
July 1: Free Agency period begins
Luc D. pretty much summed up all the key days. In the offseason though. Players take time to go back home and visit with their famaily. However, while they do that, they have to maintain a healthy diet and work out as much as they can to stay in shape for training camp and the following season.
The preseason typically begins mid-September (this year, the first games were September 19) and ends early October.
The regular season began this year on October 6 and will go to April 7, 2012.
The playoffs typically begin a few days after that and are best-of-seven series that typically last two weeks each. So if the Stanley Cup Finals go seven games, the last game will typically be mid-June.
As Luc pointed out, there is also an All-Star weekend in which no games are played except for the All-Star game.
As for offseason training, while the guys do take time to visit their families (especially the European players), they have to keep a good workout regimen and try to eat healthy all year round.
regular season is October through April