How Accurate Are Hockey Scenes In Hockey Romance Books?

As someone who grew up playing hockey and later fell in love with romance novels, I have a pretty strong opinion on this. The accuracy of hockey scenes in hockey romance books varies wildly. Some authors clearly do their homework—describing the speed of the game, the physicality, and even the locker room dynamics with precision. Books like 'Heated Rivalry' by Rachel Reid nail the on-ice action and the emotional highs and lows of the sport. Others, though, feel like they just slapped some hockey jargon onto a generic romance. I’ve cringed at scenes where the gameplay is unrealistic or the terminology is off. If you want authenticity, look for authors who either played or deeply researched the sport.

I’ve read dozens of hockey romance books, and the portrayal of hockey scenes runs the gamut from spot-on to laughably inaccurate. Some authors, like Sarina Bowen in her 'Brooklyn Bruisers' series, clearly understand the sport. They capture the adrenaline of a breakaway, the strategic timeouts, and the grueling travel schedule of professional players. The way Bowen writes about injuries and comebacks feels authentic because she’s done her research.

On the other hand, some books treat hockey as a vague backdrop. I’ve seen scenes where players 'score a home run' (yikes) or the pacing of the game is completely unrealistic. It’s jarring for anyone who knows the sport. Even small details, like how equipment is handled or the way players talk during a game, can make or break the immersion. For readers who care about accuracy, it’s worth checking reviews or author notes to see how much effort was put into the hockey aspects.

That said, not every reader prioritizes realism. Some just want the tension and camaraderie that hockey settings provide. Books like 'The Deal' by Elle Kennedy use hockey as a framework for character growth, even if the on-ice details aren’t perfect. It’s a trade-off between authenticity and storytelling, and different books strike that balance differently.

I’m a casual hockey fan who picked up hockey romance books out of curiosity, and the accuracy of the hockey scenes has been a mixed bag. Some books, like 'Icebreaker' by Hannah Grace, manage to blend the romance with believable hockey moments. The descriptions of practice drills and team dynamics felt genuine, even if they weren’t hyper-detailed.

Others, though, stretch believability. I’ve read scenes where the protagonist is a rookie who somehow becomes the team’s star overnight, or where the games are resolved in overly dramatic ways that wouldn’t happen in real life. It doesn’t ruin the story for me, but it does take me out of the moment. If you’re looking for realism, stick to authors who either have firsthand experience or a reputation for thorough research. Otherwise, treat the hockey elements as part of the fantasy.