First hang-outs with a new friend or a date with a new romantic interest can be super daunting. They are filled with uncertainties and the fear of awkward silences. However, when it comes to breaking the ice and feeling that instant click, attending an ice hockey game is more than perfect.
I remember my very first ice hockey game was with a girl I had just met in my Comparative Literature section. She and I had a couple exchanges and had great impressions of each other. I was really looking forward to hanging out with her outside of class. But, as a first year going through her first quarter, I had no clue what I should do, where I should go. She also lives, very conveniently, on the other side of the campus.
It was as if she could read my mind: I had always wanted to attend an ice hockey game after watching all the University of Michigan hockey player edits on TikTok. This new friend of mine invited me to Ice in Paradise near the Camino Real Marketplace to watch the UCSB club ice hockey team. Little did I know that this unfamiliar territory would become a place where I started to bond with some of my now closest friends. By the end of that first game, I was hooked.
Ice hockey is an extremely fast-paced sport with a lot of action, so there is always something happening. The long breaks between each period when they resurface the ice is also a good time for you and the person you’re with to have a conversation of the perfect length. The time constraints of the breaks keep the conversations concise and engaging, allowing you the time to get to know each other.
And, here comes the romantic part: the chilly ice rink is a perfect excuse to sit a little closer together to cozy up and share body warmth. Whether it’s sharing a blanket or simply huddling close for comfort, it would be a cute little moment for you and your date!
The best part of ice hockey games are arguably the occasional fights on the rink. While no one encourages violence, the conflicts intensify the atmosphere and keep the game entertaining. This is also a great opportunity, for those with a romantic interest, to observe your date’s reaction that can provide insights into their temperament. We are, indeed, getting analytical here. This is the moment to gauge how they handle conflicts and where any red flags or violent tendencies emerge — always good to know when starting a new relationship!
It is also amazing that we have a female player on our UCSB hockey team. This opens up the chance to discuss feminist values and attitudes towards gender equality. Again, getting a little analytical with your observations, you can look for valuable insights into their views on inclusivity and support for women in traditionally male-dominated spaces.
If the date goes well and the chemistry is palpable, consider extending the evening with a second date idea. A college night skating session, weekly on Tuesdays, could be the perfect follow-up, allowing the both of you to continue enjoying the ice in a more casual and relaxed setting.
In the event that the date doesn’t go as planned, there’s always the silver lining of being surrounded by the talented and cute hockey players. You can easily shift the focus onto the players and the game itself, turning a potentially awkward situation into an enjoyable one.
On top of all these highlights, the bus ride to and from the rink are also great bonding opportunities. After the game, a spontaneous trip to the nearby Target for snacks can add an extra layer of fun to the date.
Choosing an ice hockey game for a first date, whether aiming for a platonic connection or exploring romantic possibilities, is evidently a great choice. The combination of the fast-paced game, strategic period breaks, chilly environment, and various opportunities for conversation create the ultimate setting for masterminds like me and you, who are always looking to build more meaningful relationships.