Why hockey players eat mustard during games

During a Halifax Mooseheads game, Zachary L'Heureux grabbed a mustard packet on the bench and drank it straight. Fans went crazy. The internet buzzed for days. So why do hockey players eat mustard? The answer is pretty straightforward: muscle cramps hit hard during intense games, and mustard gives quick relief. This weird remedy has become normal across hockey leagues, from the QMJHL to the NHL.

The cramp problem in hockey

Hockey demands everything from your body. Long shifts, explosive movements, and physical battles drain muscles fast. When cramps hit mid-game, a player either toughs it out or leaves the ice. Either way, performance suffers. Coaches and athletic trainers needed a fast solution that actually worked. Waiting for fluids or electrolytes wasn't enough (trust me, players don't have time to sit around). Teams started looking for instant fixes right on the sidelines.

How mustard actually works

Mustard contains acetic acid, the same compound you find in pickle juice. Here's the important part: acetic acid doesn't replenish electrolytes like sodium or potassium. Instead, it triggers nerve receptors in your mouth and stomach. These receptors signal your brain to stop the cramping. A 2014 study in the Journal of Athletic Training confirmed this nerve-based mechanism. Players typically use 1.5 to 3 packets of yellow mustard for quick results. The effect comes fast, often within seconds (which matters when you're on the ice).

What hockey teams are doing about it

The Ottawa Charge of the PWHL literally tapes mustard packets to their benches.Players grab one when cramps strike without thinking.The QMJHL normalized the practice years ago.Even NHL teams keep mustard available during games now.Runners and cyclists adopted the same strategy.Mustard went from kitchen condiment to legitimate sports tool across multiple leagues and sports.

The real takeaway

Mustard works for many players, though scientific evidence remains mixed. It's not a replacement for hydration or proper nutrition. Think of it as a backup tool for when cramps attack during crucial moments. Small amounts are safe. Most players develop tolerance quickly. In competitive hockey, where every shift matters, a simple mustard packet on the bench makes real sense. Players trust it. Teams support it. The practice continues to spread.