Do NHL Players Chew Tobacco?

Alright, let’s talk about something that’s been a staple of hockey culture for decades—chewing tobacco. If you've ever watched a game, you might have noticed players with large wads of tobacco in their cheeks, or maybe you’ve heard about it through the grapevine (pun intended). But seriously, do NHL players chew tobacco? And if so, why?

The Short Answer: Yes, Some NHL Players Do Chew Tobacco

The image of hockey players chewing tobacco is almost as iconic as their slapshots. From old-school legends to current superstars, tobacco use has been a part of the sport’s culture for a long time. You’ve probably seen players spitting into bottles or pausing to readjust their chew mid-game. But it's not just an aesthetic choice or some kind of old-school habit—there's a bit more to it.

Back in the day, chewing tobacco was seen as a kind of “tradition” in hockey. Players often used it as a way to calm their nerves, increase their focus, and get that quick hit of energy before or during a game. It’s also said to help players with the long hours of travel and the mental toll of a grueling season. Let’s face it, the lifestyle of a pro athlete, especially in the NHL, can be stressful. And, well, chewing tobacco became one of the ways to cope.

But Does Everyone Do It?

Not everyone, no. In fact, many players today are steering away from tobacco, mainly because of the serious health risks associated with it. In recent years, the NHL has even stepped up its efforts to discourage tobacco use. There's been a cultural shift, especially with younger players who are more health-conscious and aware of the dangers of nicotine and its link to cancer and gum disease.

Take, for example, a guy like Sidney Crosby. You won’t catch him with a dip in his mouth during a game. In fact, he’s spoken out about the importance of clean living and being a role model to younger fans. More and more NHL players are opting for healthier alternatives like chewing gum or mints instead of tobacco.

The Health Risks Behind the Chew

While the image of a player spitting into a bottle mid-play might seem harmless or even “cool” to some fans, there are some serious health risks tied to the habit. Chewing tobacco is addictive due to the nicotine, and it’s linked to various health issues, such as gum disease, tooth loss, and even cancer of the mouth, throat, and pancreas.

Now, let me be honest here. I’ve heard from friends in sports circles who’ve worked with athletes that tobacco use isn't just for the game—it can become a lifestyle choice, too. But the longer someone chews, the harder it can be to quit, and for NHL players who have long careers and need to maintain their physical health, that’s a huge issue. So, while it’s still common, it’s a much more controversial topic than it used to be.

The Influence of Sponsorships and Culture

Historically, tobacco companies were major sponsors of sports, including hockey. You might have seen tobacco brands plastered on banners, TV ads, and even players’ jerseys back in the day. These sponsorships, combined with the macho, rough-and-tumble image of hockey, helped cement tobacco as part of the sport’s image. It was, unfortunately, a normal part of the locker room culture.

But thankfully, that’s starting to change. In 2006, the NHL banned tobacco sponsorships, and tobacco advertising on team uniforms became a thing of the past. As awareness of the health risks grew, the league and the players’ union (NHLPA) started pushing for tobacco-free initiatives. But you still hear stories about players sneaking a chew during intermissions or between shifts.

Are There Alternatives to Chewing Tobacco?

Absolutely! And trust me, not everyone who wants a little "boost" before a game resorts to tobacco. Some players use nicotine pouches, which are tobacco-free but still provide the stimulant effect. Others prefer chewing gum (it’s less likely to ruin your teeth) or sucking on mints to keep their focus sharp during high-pressure moments. Some even opt for herbal supplements or natural energy boosters that aren’t as harmful.

There’s also a growing trend of players investing in their overall health with a focus on mental wellness, fitness, and recovery. Nutritionists, psychologists, and trainers are all part of the modern NHL, and they work with players to ensure they’re using better methods to stay focused, energized, and on top of their game.

Why Do Some Still Chew?

It’s easy to write off the tradition of chewing tobacco as something old-fashioned or unhealthy. And in many ways, it is. But there’s something about that ritual—something ingrained in the culture—that makes it hard to shake for some players. The idea of chewing during a long road trip or before the big game almost becomes a part of their pre-game routine, like stretching or lacing up their skates. It's a comfort, a routine, and for some, it might just help them get in the right mindset for the grind of a long season.

That said, the tide is changing. With increasing health awareness and a push for clean living in sports, the number of players who chew tobacco is definitely on the decline.

Conclusion: A Tradition in Transition

So, do NHL players chew tobacco? Yes, but fewer and fewer of them do. It’s a habit that’s deeply tied to the sport’s past, but as the league evolves and as players look for better ways to maintain their health and performance, we’re likely to see less of it in the future. If you’re a fan, it’s okay to appreciate the roughness and tradition of the game, but it’s also important to recognize that better, healthier alternatives are on the horizon.

As we look forward, let’s hope that the next generation of players continues to make informed choices about their health and sets an example for the younger fans who look up to them. After all, the future of the game should be as healthy as it is thrilling to watch.

Is 165 cm normal for a 15 year old?

The predicted height for a female, based on your parents heights, is 155 to 165cm. Most 15 year old girls are nearly done growing. I was too. It's a very normal height for a girl.

Is 160 cm too tall for a 12 year old?

How Tall Should a 12 Year Old Be? We can only speak to national average heights here in North America, whereby, a 12 year old girl would be between 137 cm to 162 cm tall (4-1/2 to 5-1/3 feet). A 12 year old boy should be between 137 cm to 160 cm tall (4-1/2 to 5-1/4 feet).

How tall is a average 15 year old?

Average Height to Weight for Teenage Boys - 13 to 20 Years

How to get taller at 18?

Staying physically active is even more essential from childhood to grow and improve overall health. But taking it up even in adulthood can help you add a few inches to your height. Strength-building exercises, yoga, jumping rope, and biking all can help to increase your flexibility and grow a few inches taller.

Is 5.7 a good height for a 15 year old boy?

Generally speaking, the average height for 15 year olds girls is 62.9 inches (or 159.7 cm). On the other hand, teen boys at the age of 15 have a much higher average height, which is 67.0 inches (or 170.1 cm).

Can you grow between 16 and 18?

Most girls stop growing taller by age 14 or 15. However, after their early teenage growth spurt, boys continue gaining height at a gradual pace until around 18. Note that some kids will stop growing earlier and others may keep growing a year or two more.

Can you grow 1 cm after 17?

Even with a healthy diet, most people's height won't increase after age 18 to 20. The graph below shows the rate of growth from birth to age 20. As you can see, the growth lines fall to zero between ages 18 and 20 ( 7 , 8 ). The reason why your height stops increasing is your bones, specifically your growth plates.