A Routine for Every Game
Weekly Player of the Game Awards
Choose a winner, explain one specific contribution and present the award after the game. Keep a simple record and repeat the routine at your next game.
A Simple Routine After Each Game
- Before the game: Confirm what the award recognizes and who will choose the winner.
- During the game: Notice key plays, effort and support for teammates.
- After the game: Name the winner and explain one contribution that earned the award.
- Before leaving: Record the result. If the award rotates, confirm who brings it back.
Use this routine after each game, even when your schedule includes more than one game per week.
Decide Whether the Winner Keeps the Award
A Puck to Keep
Prepare a fresh puck for each recipient. Add the player, date and opponent so the award records that game.
One Rotating Award
Pass a puck, hat, belt or trophy between recipients. Assign someone to bring it to the next game.
A Shared Trophy and Keepsake
Use a team item during the presentation, then give the winner a labelled puck to take home.
Still choosing an item? Compare Player of the Game award ideas.
Player of the Game 20 Pack
Prepare Your Weekly Award Pucks
Premium, professionally printed Player of the Game stickers with space for the player’s name, date and opponent.
20 stickers per pack. 2.74 inch diameter.
Apply one to a clean, dry puck and fill in the details with a permanent marker.
Stickers only. Hockey pucks and markers are not included. Canada delivery only.
Set Clear Award Criteria
Overall Impact
Consider saves, defensive plays, assists, goals and decisions that helped the team.
Effort
Notice puck battles, backchecking and persistence through difficult shifts.
Teamwork & Progress
Recognize encouragement, unselfish play and improvement in a specific skill or habit.
A coach can choose, the team can vote, or the previous winner can nominate the next recipient. Pick one method and explain it to the team.
Keep the meaning of the award consistent. If you alternate between performance and effort awards, tell players which category is being recognized.
Keep a Winner Log
Record the date, opponent, player and reason. Use the notes to remember contributions at the end of the season, rather than relying only on the number of awards won.
| Game | Player | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| Oct 10, 2026 Vancouver |
Liam S. | A backcheck that prevented a scoring chance. |
| Oct 24, 2026 Calgary |
Mason K. | Strong defensive coverage and support for teammates. |
Presentation Example
“Liam is our Player of the Game. His backcheck in the second period stopped a scoring chance, and he kept working through the final shift.”
Adjust the Routine to Your Team
Youth Hockey
Keep recognition positive and specific. Notice effort, improvement and teamwork as well as scoring.
Beer League
Choose a serious or lighthearted award the team enjoys. Keep jokes welcome to the recipient.
Tournaments
Decide whether to present an award after each game or at the end of the event. Bring enough supplies for the schedule.
Explore hockey awards for kids, browse beer league award ideas or plan tournament awards.
Choose Your Award Pack
Player of the Game
Use one consistent design for game recognition. Shop the Player of the Game 20 Pack.
Heart & Hustle
Choose a distinct award for effort and determination. Shop Heart & Hustle.
Mixed Hockey Awards
Use six designs for different achievements, including Brick Wall, Game Changer and My First Goal. Shop Mixed Awards.
Each pack contains 20 stickers. Compare the hockey puck sticker collection.
Need a Personalized Physical Puck?
For a separate gift or team keepsake, The Puck Drop includes a real hockey puck with your message around the edge. Choose from the available designs.
The award sticker packs contain prepared designs with fields you fill in yourself. They do not include custom printed messages or hockey pucks.
Related Hockey Guides
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Player of the Game Award Ideas
Choose a puck, hat, chain or other award.
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Hockey Awards for Kids
Explore 25 award ideas for effort, milestones and youth teams.
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Hockey Team Traditions
Build a routine your team can repeat.
-
Hard Hat Awards
Recognize hard work and effort.
-
End of Season Awards
Use your notes to recognize season achievements.
-
Hockey Awards Guide
Find awards for different contributions.
-
Hockey Hub
Browse all hockey resources.
Weekly Awards FAQs
Should we give an award every week or every game?
Choose a schedule that fits your team. An award after every game records individual performances. If you give one weekly award across several games, explain that scope to the players.
Who should choose the winner?
A coach, captain, team vote or previous recipient can choose. Agree on the method and criteria before starting the tradition.
Can the same player win again?
Yes. Use the same criteria and recognize a specific contribution. Keep noticing different kinds of impact, not just scoring.
Can each winner keep their puck?
Yes. Prepare a new puck for each award. A 20 pack of stickers supplies 20 award labels, and you supply the pucks and marker.
How many packs do we need?
Count the awards you plan to give, allowing for tournament games and extra recipients. One pack contains 20 stickers. For 24 separate puck awards, you would need two packs and 24 pucks.
Do the sticker packs include hockey pucks?
No. They contain stickers only. Hockey pucks and markers are not included. Sticker packs are available for Canada delivery only.
What if our rotating award goes missing?
Assign a coach, manager or captain to track it. Record who has it and confirm its return before the next game.
Should we take a photo every time?
A photo is optional. The award and a clear explanation are enough. Follow your team’s photo permissions before sharing images, especially of youth players.