If you love hockey, there’s a high chance you’d love lacrosse too. In fact, many of the greatest hockey players in history, including Wayne Gretzky, credit lacrosse for helping develop their skills on the ice. But why are these two sports so similar, and why should hockey players consider adding lacrosse to their training routine?
The Shared DNA of Hockey and Lacrosse
At first glance, hockey and lacrosse might seem like two very different sports. One is played on ice with skates, while the other is played on a field or in a box with sneakers or cleats. However, when you look deeper, the similarities are striking:
Whether you’re threading a pass through traffic in a hockey game or setting up a cutting teammate in lacrosse, both sports demand elite vision and awareness of movement patterns.
Hand-Eye Coordination & Stick Skills
Both sports require precise stick handling, passing, and shooting techniques. Whether you’re cradling a lacrosse ball or stickhandling a hockey puck, the coordination developed in one sport translates seamlessly to the other.
Speed & Agility
Lacrosse and hockey are both fast-paced sports that demand quick footwork, rapid decision-making, and explosive speed. Playing lacrosse in the off-season helps hockey players stay sharp and agile.
Physicality & Toughness
Both sports involve body contact, requiring players to develop resilience, balance, and the ability to absorb and deliver hits effectively.
Vision & Playmaking
Whether you’re threading a pass through traffic in a hockey game or setting up a cutting teammate in lacrosse, both sports demand elite vision and awareness of movement patterns.
What the Greats Say About Lacrosse & Hockey
Many top hockey players have played lacrosse, and they believe it gave them an edge. Wayne Gretzky, the greatest hockey player of all time, has spoken about how lacrosse improved his creativity and ability to read the game:
“I played lacrosse every summer growing up. It taught me creativity. You see plays develop before they happen. That helped me in hockey.”
Other NHL stars, including John Tavares (whose uncle is one of the greatest lacrosse players of all time) and Steve Stamkos, have also played lacrosse and credit it for developing their hockey skills.
Why Hockey Players Should Play Lacrosse
If you’re serious about improving as a hockey player, playing lacrosse is one of the best ways to gain an edge. Here’s why:
Year-Round Skill Development: Instead of taking the summer off, you continue to work on your hand-eye coordination, reaction speed, and conditioning.
Enhanced Stick Handling: Learning how to move and control the ball with a lacrosse stick strengthens the same fine motor skills needed for elite puck handling.
Increased Creativity: Lacrosse fosters dynamic, unpredictable plays that help players become more creative on the ice.
Better Conditioning & Stamina: The nonstop action of lacrosse improves endurance, which directly benefits hockey performance.
Enhanced Stick Handling: Learning how to move and control the ball with a lacrosse stick strengthens the same fine motor skills needed for elite puck handling.
How to Get Started
If you’re a hockey player looking to try lacrosse, here are a few simple steps to get started:
- Get in touch with us – you can either join our practices any time during the year and see for yourself or we can even set up a special training session for your team.
- Get the Right Gear – You’ll need a lacrosse stick, gloves, helmet, and pads – but we have enough spare ones for you if you are just getting started.
- Start Practicing with us – Work on cradling, passing, and shooting just like you would with a hockey puck.
Final Thoughts
Lacrosse and hockey are a perfect match, and playing both sports can make you a better all-around athlete. If you’re a hockey player looking to elevate your game, stepping onto the lacrosse field might be one of the best decisions you’ll ever make.
Ready to give lacrosse a try? Get in touch with us!
Some more articles about Lacrosse & Hockey:
NHL: Lacrosse helps players develop skill on ice – Sports Illustrated
The Undeniable Link: Why Hockey Players Should Play Lacrosse
