How to organize a guys' night for a hockey game

A successful hockey night takes three things: a good game, a great group of friends, and food that is generously easy to share. No need to spend the night in front of the stove! With a little preparation and some frozen products from Aliments DKL, you can enjoy every period without missing a beat.

1. Set up the living room like a small VIP zone 🏒

Before the guests arrive:

• Place enough chairs around the TV.
• Clear off the coffee table for food platters.
• Prepare a cooler or a tub filled with ice for drinks.
• Set out napkins, small plates, and several bowls.
• Check your connection and start the game broadcast ahead of time.
• Ask everyone to wear their favorite team's colors.

Pro tip: set up a separate corner for food so no one blocks the screen during a big offensive play.

2. Prepare a menu worthy of the playoffs 🍔

The best hockey menu is easy to eat, shareable, and requires minimal cleanup.

Flank steak burgers

Aliments DKL’s flank steak burger patties are perfect for making juicy, generous burgers. Set up a burger bar with:

• Toasted buns
• Cheese
• Bacon
• Lettuce and tomatoes
• Pickles
• Onions
• Homemade sauce
• Jalapeño peppers

This way, each guest can build their own burger.

Fried chicken wings or tenders

Fried chicken is a sports night staple. Serve it with several sauces:

• Smoky BBQ
• Honey garlic
• Buffalo
• Ranch
• Maple sriracha

For a practical presentation, serve the chicken in large baskets lined with parchment paper.

Whisky ribs

To impress the group, add some whisky ribs. Cut them into individual portions after heating and place them in the center of the table with wet wipes nearby.

Fried pickles and crispy bites

Fried pickles add a crunchy option that usually disappears very quickly. You can also serve chicken nuggets or breaded calamari with various dips.

Third-period nachos

Prepare a large platter with:

• Corn tortilla chips
• Seasoned ground beef
• Shredded cheese
• Bell peppers
• Red onions
• Jalapeños

After baking, top with salsa, sour cream, and guacamole. Put the tray in the oven during the intermission so you can serve them hot at the start of the third period.

3. Planning the right quantities

To ensure you don't run out of food, generally plan per adult:

• 1 burger or 3 to 4 pieces of chicken
• 4 to 6 bites or appetizers
• ½ to 1 portion of nachos
• 1 small side dish portion
• 2 to 4 drinks for the night

If the game is during dinner time, increase the quantities slightly. A combination of two main dishes and three sides is usually enough.

4. Serving simple sides

Complete the menu with easy-to-prep foods:

• Fries or potato wedges
• Onion rings
• Coleslaw
• Veggie platter and dip
• Seasoned popcorn
• Mixed nuts
• Olives and pickles
• Individual potato gratins

Also plan for a few less spicy options to satisfy all guests.

5. Organizing the night around the three periods

Before the game

Welcome guests with drinks, chips, veggie platters, and a few finger foods.

First period

Serve the burgers, fried chicken, or ribs.

Second period

Put the nachos in the center of the table and organize a small prediction contest for the third period.

After the game

Finish with muffins, brownies, cookies, or a frozen dessert.

6. Add some friendly games

To make the night even more fun:

• Predict the final score
• Guess the first goal scorer
• Vote for the player of the game
• Prepare a small hockey quiz
• Award a prize to the person wearing the best jersey
• Create a humorous trophy for the best couch commentator

Keep the challenges simple so the game remains the main event.

7. Simplify preparation with Aliments DKL

Frozen, portioned, and often vacuum-sealed products make it easy to prepare just the amount you need. You can plan your menu in advance, keep the products in the freezer, and start cooking just before the group arrives.

Aliments DKL offers flank steak burgers, fried chicken, whisky ribs, fried pickles, chicken nuggets, and many other products perfect for a sports night.

Delivery is available throughout Quebec, with no contracts and a satisfaction guarantee.

👉 Discover the products at www.alimentsdkl.com .

The winning combination

For a simple night for six people, prepare:

• 6 flank steak burgers
• 12 to 18 pieces of chicken
• 1 large tray of nachos
• 1 basket of fried pickles
• Veggie platter and dip
• Drinks and dessert

Prepare the toppings before the game starts, synchronize your cooking with the intermissions, and always keep napkins within reach. Now just sit back with the guys and cheer on your team! 🏒🍔🔥