Best Music to Pump You Up Before an Ice Hockey Game

Getting ready for a hockey game is more than just lacing up skates and checking the locker room. The right songs can fire up your mind, sharpen your focus, and give you that extra push on the ice. In this guide we break down why music matters, what kind of beats work best, and give you a ready‑to‑use playlist that fits any pre‑game routine.

Why Music Matters Before a Game

When you hit play, your brain releases dopamine – the feel‑good chemical that helps you stay sharp and confident. A steady beat can also sync with your breathing, making you feel more in control. For hockey players, who need quick bursts of speed and precise timing, a fast‑paced track can cue your body to get ready for those rapid shifts and sprints.

Studies on athletes show that music with a tempo of 120‑140 beats per minute (BPM) improves reaction time and reduces perceived effort. In plain terms, if a song feels like it’s moving fast enough to match a sprint, it can make your warm‑up feel easier and more effective.

Another plus is mental focus. A good pre‑game track drowns out the noise of the crowd, the locker room chatter, and any anxiety you might be feeling. Instead of worrying about the opponent, you get a mental tunnel that locks you into the game plan.

Top Tracks to Fire Up Your Team

Here’s a quick list that hits the sweet spot for tempo, energy, and hype. All these songs sit around 125‑135 BPM, have strong beats, and lyrics that pump you up without being distracting.

• "Eye of the Tiger" – Survivor
• "Can't Hold Us" – Macklemore & Ryan Lewis
• "Thunderstruck" – AC/DC
• "Lose Yourself" – Eminem
• "Power" – Kanye West
• "Blitzkrieg Bop" – Ramones
• "Jump" – Van Halen
• "Remember the Name" – Fort Minor
• "All I Do Is Win" – DJ Khaled
• "Stronger" – Kelly Clarkson

Mix these songs into a 30‑minute playlist and press play while you’re lacing up, stretching, or doing a quick on‑ice warm‑up. If you prefer instrumentals, swap in the same songs’ instrumental versions – the beat stays the same, and you avoid lyrics that might pull your attention away.

Experiment with the order too. Start with a slower track to get you in the zone, then ramp up to the fastest songs right before you hit the bench. This climb mirrors the adrenaline spike you feel when the whistle blows.

Don’t forget volume. Keep it loud enough to feel the beat, but not so high that you can’t hear your teammates or the coach’s instructions. A good rule is to set the volume so you can still catch a shout from the bench without turning up the dial.

Finally, make the playlist yours. Add a hometown anthem or a song that reminds you of a big win. Personal meaning gives the music extra power, turning a routine warm‑up into a memorable moment.

Grab your headphones, hit play, and walk onto the ice with confidence. The right music can be the difference between a shaky start and a strong, focused performance. Give these tracks a try and feel the change in your game.