Smell Ya Later: Why Drying and Organizing Your Hockey Gear Actually Matters

If you’ve ever opened your hockey bag after a long weekend and immediately regretted it… you’re not alone. Every hockey player has experienced that funk. But keeping your gear dry and organized isn’t just about saving your nose — it’s about staying healthy, playing better, and making your gear last. Here’s why every player (and parent!) should make drying and organizing hockey gear a priority:

1. Prevent Bacteria and Fungal Infections

Let’s get real — hockey gear gets gross fast. When you don’t air out your gear, you’re basically creating a sweaty, dark, bacteria-friendly swamp inside your bag. This can lead to skin infections like staph, ringworm, and the ever-dreaded “hockey rash.” Dry gear equals fewer health issues, plain and simple.

Tip: After each skate, lay out your gear in a well-ventilated space, or better yet, use a drying rack. Don’t forget the gloves and skates — they’re some of the worst offenders.

2. Make Your Gear Last Longer

Letting your gear marinate in moisture can break down materials, foam, and stitching way faster than normal. That means you’re spending more money replacing expensive equipment that should’ve lasted seasons. Moisture leads to mildew, and mildew leads to cracked pads and ruined gloves.

Tip: Store your gear in a breathable bag or open shelving — avoid stuffing it all in the trunk overnight!

3. Be Game-Ready, Not Scrambling

There’s nothing worse than digging through your bag 10 minutes before puck drop looking for your elbow pad or missing sock. When your gear is organized, you’re mentally and physically ready to go. You focus on the game — not the mess.

Tip: Use labeled compartments or a checklist system. Some players lay gear out in order of how they put it on. Less stress, more focus.

4. Stay on Coach’s Good Side (and Everyone Else’s Nose)

Let’s be honest — no one wants to sit next to the player who smells like a biology experiment. Coaches, teammates, and carpool parents all appreciate someone who takes care of their stuff. Respect the game, respect the locker room.

Tip: Occasionally wash your gear. Most pads can go in the washer (just not the dryer), and there are sprays made to kill odor-causing bacteria.

Final Whistle

Taking five extra minutes after practice to dry and organize your gear isn’t just about being neat — it’s about performance, hygiene, and respect for the game. Your future self (and your teammates) will thank you.

Best Hockey Lockers For Peak Organization : https://followthepuck.com/2025/05/15/5-of-the-best-hockey-lockers-to-stay-organized-for-effortless-gear-management/

Best Hockey Drying Racks: https://followthepuck.com/2025/04/08/best-hockey-gear-drying-rack-for-efficient-equipment-ventilation-in-2025/