Why NHL players warm up with soccer: A ritual with risks

Before NHL games, including high-stakes Stanley Cup Final matchups, players often gather in arena hallways for a different kind of sport. This pregame routine, frequently called "sewer ball" or "two-touch," has become a staple across the league.

Players in sneakers form a circle and volley a soccer ball, aiming to keep it in play. Typically, a maximum of two consecutive touches is allowed; if the ball hits the floor or a player exceeds the touch limit, they are eliminated. Athletes describe this as a vital mental reset that helps them relax before the intensity of a professional hockey game.

While players value the ritual for fostering team unity and loosening their bodies, it comes with significant injury risks. Throughout the years, NHL players have suffered broken ankles, concussions, and severe hamstring tears while participating in these warmups. Despite the dangers, the tradition remains a beloved part of the daily routine for many players across the league.