Pre-Season Checklist: Getting Ready to Track This Year's Stats

The season is starting. New team, new uniforms, fresh energy. Before the first game, take an hour to set yourself up for success—stat tracking edition.

The Gear Checklist

Phone with good battery: You'll log stats on your phone. Make sure it's charged. Consider a portable charger for multi-game weekends.
Small notebook & pen: Keep in your pocket for quick stat notes during games.
Layers & blankets: Rinks are cold. Even in summer, the building is frigid. Bring more than you think you need.
Snacks & water: For you and your kid. Rink food is expensive and slow.
Camera (your phone counts): You'll take game photos. Make sure you have storage and battery.

The Admin Checklist

Get the schedule: Ask your coach or check TeamSnap if your league uses it. Screenshot or print it. Don't rely on email.
Know the opponent names: For the first month, you'll log games with unfamiliar teams. Write down which teams you face and when. Makes stat logging faster.
Set up your stat app: Whether it's a spreadsheet or Pull My Card, open it now. Test it. Make sure you know how to use it under pressure.
Pre-fill team names: Add your kid's team, the opponent names, dates. Reduce friction before game one.
Pick your stats to track: Decide now what you'll log. 3–5 stats, not 10. Keep it simple for the first month.

The Mindset Checklist

Commit to consistency: Log stats after every game for the first 4 weeks. Build the habit. After a month, it's automatic.
Set a goal: "This season, I'll track every game and create a season card." Simple. Achievable. Motivating.
Manage expectations: Your kid might not score in game one. Stats are a full-season picture. Don't panic about early slumps.
Plan the season-end ritual: Mark your calendar for the last game. That's when you'll create the season card and have the reflection conversation.

The League Checklist

Different sports, different setups:

Hockey

Check USA Hockey or Hockey Canada for age divisions and rules. Know your kid's level (U12, U14, U16, etc.). Understand the stat categories—skaters vs. goalies are tracked differently.

Basketball, Soccer, Lacrosse

Check your local league website or rec department. Understand the rules and stat conventions. Some leagues track different stats than others.

You're Ready

Check all these boxes and you're set. No stress. No surprises. Just show up to game one, log a few stats, and watch your kid play.

See you on opening night.