A Tradition That Transcends the Ice
When the lights dim in the locker rooms of the New Jersey Devils, the Pittsburgh Penguins, the Anaheim Ducks and dozens of other franchises, a different kind of warm‑up begins. Players gather around a single soccer ball, forming a loose circle and taking turns to keep it off the ground with their feet. The drill, colloquially called ‘sewer ball’ or ‘two‑touch’, is as much a mental reset as it is a physical stretch.
The rules are simple: a player who lets the ball touch the turf is eliminated, and the game continues until only one remains. What starts as a light‑hearted contest quickly becomes a test of balance, agility and concentration, preparing the athletes for the high‑speed collisions that await them on the ice.
Veterans such as Brenden Dillon of the Vegas Golden Knights and Nick Bonino of the Carolina Hurricanes speak of the ritual as a moment of clarity before the grind of the season. ‘It’s a chance to breathe, to reset my mind,’ Dillon says, while Bonino adds that the camaraderie it creates is ‘something you look forward to every night.’ Yet not every player embraces the tradition; Calgary Flames forward Ryan Strome has publicly opted out, citing personal preference.
The practice is not confined to the NHL. Junior teams across North America have adopted the same circle‑kick format, spreading the ritual through the developmental pipeline. From the Bismarck Bobcats in North Dakota to the Tampa Bay Lightning’s prospects in Florida, the game serves as a rite of passage, fostering rivalries and personal routines that linger long after the final whistle.
While the activity undeniably unites squads, it also carries a shadow of risk. Ankle fractures, concussions and other injuries have been reported, prompting some coaches to question its safety. Still, the allure of a shared experience — one that blends competition with levity — keeps the tradition alive, even as the league continues to monitor its impact.
As the season progresses, the soccer circle remains a constant in an otherwise volatile sport. Whether it’s a quick five‑minute kick‑around or a full‑scale elimination game, the ritual endures, reminding players that sometimes the best preparation is a simple, collective moment of play.