420 Hockey Dog Names for Hockey Fans and Their MVP Pup

Updated on
Home » Dog Names » Hockey Inspired Dog Names
Photo of author
Written By Ramis Kalkan

I'm on a mission to help pet owners discover the best pet-friendly locations through IsItPetFriendly.com

Get ready to unleash the spirit of the rink with hockey dog names, an article designed for hockey enthusiasts who want to name their canine companions after their favorite sport. We cover a range of dog names inspired by hockey legends, terms, mascots, teams, and more, ensuring every dog can have a name as dynamic as the game itself.

Hockey Male Dog Names

  • Puck
  • Slapshot
  • Zamboni
  • Gretzky
  • Orr
  • Crosby
  • Maverick
  • Ranger
  • Goalie
  • Helm
  • Stanley (as in Stanley Cup)
  • Icer
  • Howe
  • Datsyuk
  • Jagr
  • Lemieux
  • Ovechkin
  • Thornton
  • Tazer (after Jonathan Toews)
  • Rocket (after Maurice Richard)

Hockey Female Dog Names

  • Pucky
  • Winger
  • Blade
  • Rink
  • Biscuit (as in “put the biscuit in the basket”)
  • Zambina (feminine for Zamboni)
  • Selly (short for celebration)
  • Fleury
  • Queen (as in penalty box)
  • Skates
  • Checkers
  • Jersey
  • Power (as in power play)
  • Lacey (lace-up skates)
  • Hat Trick
  • Swift (like a swift player)
  • Vezina (after the Vezina Trophy)
  • Striker
  • Whistle
  • Maple (as in Maple Leafs)

Advertisements


Hockey Mascot Inspired Dog Names

  • Fin (Vancouver Canucks)
  • Gnash (Nashville Predators)
  • Stormy (Carolina Hurricanes)
  • Bailey (Los Angeles Kings)
  • Wildwing (Anaheim Ducks)
  • Iceburgh (Pittsburgh Penguins)
  • Howler (Arizona Coyotes)
  • Bernie (Colorado Avalanche)
  • Youppi (Montreal Canadiens)
  • Louie (St. Louis Blues)
  • Slapshot (Washington Capitals)
  • Carlton (Toronto Maple Leafs)
  • Spartacat (Ottawa Senators)
  • NJ Devil (New Jersey Devils)
  • Tommy Hawk (Chicago Blackhawks)
  • Thunderbug (Tampa Bay Lightning)
  • Sabretooth (Buffalo Sabres)
  • Victor E. Green (Dallas Stars)
  • Harvey the Hound (Calgary Flames)
  • Mick E. Moose (Winnipeg Jets)

Hockey Inspired Dog Names

  • Zamboni
  • Puckster
  • Slapshot
  • Icer
  • Rink
  • Goalie
  • Stick
  • Skater
  • Checker
  • Dasher (as in dasher boards)
  • Puck
  • Netter
  • Deke
  • Sniper
  • Bender (slang for a bad skater)
  • Biscuit (as in “put the biscuit in the basket”)
  • Hattrick
  • Dangle
  • Enforcer
  • Breakaway

Hockey Legends Inspired Dog Names

  • Gretzky (Wayne Gretzky)
  • Orr (Bobby Orr)
  • Lemieux (Mario Lemieux)
  • Howe (Gordie Howe)
  • Hull (Bobby Hull)
  • Bossy (Mike Bossy)
  • Bourque (Ray Bourque)
  • Sakic (Joe Sakic)
  • Yzerman (Steve Yzerman)
  • Messier (Mark Messier)
  • Roy (Patrick Roy)
  • Jagr (Jaromir Jagr)
  • Esposito (Phil Esposito)
  • Clarke (Bobby Clarke)
  • Lidstrom (Nicklas Lidstrom)
  • Lafleur (Guy Lafleur)
  • Brodeur (Martin Brodeur)
  • Mikita (Stan Mikita)
  • Beliveau (Jean Beliveau)
  • Robinson (Larry Robinson)

Advertisements


a dog playing ice hockey

NHL Hockey Team Inspired Dog Names

Montreal Canadiens Dog Names

  • Hab
  • Carey (after Carey Price)
  • Rocket (after Maurice Richard)
  • Beliveau
  • Dryden
  • Gilmore
  • Lafleur
  • Pacioretty
  • Gainey
  • Gallagher
  • Chelios
  • Koivu
  • Roy
  • Weber
  • Plante
  • Subban
  • Markov
  • Chara
  • Kovalev
  • Gallagher

Toronto Maple Leafs Dog Names

  • Leaf
  • Auston (after Auston Matthews)
  • Sundin
  • Keon
  • Bower
  • Marner
  • Dougie (after Doug Gilmour)
  • Wendel (after Wendel Clark)
  • Kaberle
  • Kessel
  • Horton
  • Sittler
  • Dion (after Dion Phaneuf)
  • Nylander
  • Reimer
  • Mo (as in Morgan Rielly)
  • Felix (after Felix Potvin)
  • Tucker
  • McCabe
  • Armstrong

Chicago Blackhawks Dog Names

  • Hawk
  • Toews (Jonathan Toews)
  • Kane (Patrick Kane)
  • Hossa
  • Mikita
  • Bobby (after Bobby Hull)
  • Belfour
  • Chelios
  • Esposito
  • Keith (Duncan Keith)
  • Seabrook
  • Roenick
  • Savard
  • Sharp
  • Crawford
  • Amonte
  • Larmer
  • Hall (Glenn Hall)
  • Pilote
  • Stapleton

Advertisements


Boston Bruins Dog Names

  • Bruin
  • Bergeron (Patrice Bergeron)
  • Chara (Zdeno Chara)
  • Orr (Bobby Orr)
  • Esposito (Phil Esposito)
  • Neely (Cam Neely)
  • Bourque (Ray Bourque)
  • Marchand (Brad Marchand)
  • Rask (Tuukka Rask)
  • Timmy (after Tim Thomas)
  • O’Reilly
  • Bucyk (Johnny Bucyk)
  • Middleton
  • Cheevers
  • Park (Brad Park)
  • Shore (Eddie Shore)
  • Wheeler
  • Krejci
  • Cassidy
  • Lucic

Colorado Avalanche Dog Names

  • Rocky (after Rocky Mountains)
  • Avalanche
  • Denver
  • Mack (after Nathan MacKinnon)
  • Sakic (after Joe Sakic)
  • Puck
  • Blizzard
  • Frosty
  • Summit
  • Rantanen (after Mikko Rantanen)
  • Landy (after Gabriel Landeskog)
  • Yeti
  • Peak
  • Ice
  • Foote (after Adam Foote)
  • Burgundy
  • Roy (after Patrick Roy)
  • Semyon (after Semyon Varlamov)
  • Stastny (after Paul Stastny)
  • Hejduk (after Milan Hejduk)

Detroit Red Wings Dog Names

  • Wing
  • Gordie (after Gordie Howe)
  • Yzerman (Steve Yzerman)
  • Datsyuk (Pavel Datsyuk)
  • Lidstrom (Nicklas Lidstrom)
  • Zetterberg (Henrik Zetterberg)
  • Chelios (Chris Chelios)
  • Abel (Sid Abel)
  • Delvecchio
  • Sawchuk (Terry Sawchuk)
  • Shanahan (Brendan Shanahan)
  • Fedorov (Sergei Fedorov)
  • Larkin (Dylan Larkin)
  • Mrazek (Petr Mrazek)
  • Kronwall (Niklas Kronwall)
  • Tatar (Tomas Tatar)
  • Mantha (Anthony Mantha)
  • Franzen (Johan Franzen)
  • Holmstrom (Tomas Holmstrom)
  • Coffey (Paul Coffey)

Advertisements


Pittsburgh Penguins Dog Names

  • Penguin
  • Crosby (Sidney Crosby)
  • Malkin (Evgeni Malkin)
  • Fleury (Marc-Andre Fleury)
  • Lemieux (Mario Lemieux)
  • Jagr (Jaromir Jagr)
  • Kessel (Phil Kessel)
  • Letang (Kris Letang)
  • Murray (Matt Murray)
  • Barrasso (Tom Barrasso)
  • Recchi (Mark Recchi)
  • Francis (Ron Francis)
  • Gonchar (Sergei Gonchar)
  • Sprong (Daniel Sprong)
  • Maatta (Olli Maatta)
  • Guentzel (Jake Guentzel)
  • Schultz (Justin Schultz)
  • Rust (Bryan Rust)
  • Dumoulin (Brian Dumoulin)
  • Cooke (Matt Cooke)

New York Rangers Dog Names

  • Ranger
  • Henrik (after Henrik Lundqvist)
  • Messier (Mark Messier)
  • Richter (Mike Richter)
  • Leetch (Brian Leetch)
  • Gaborik (Marian Gaborik)
  • Zuccarello (Mats Zuccarello)
  • Graves (Adam Graves)
  • Jagr (Jaromir Jagr)
  • Kreider (Chris Kreider)
  • Rupp (Mike Rupp)
  • Zubov (Sergei Zubov)
  • Nash (Rick Nash)
  • Vanbiesbrouck (John Vanbiesbrouck)
  • McDonagh (Ryan McDonagh)
  • Staal (Marc Staal)
  • Girardi (Dan Girardi)
  • Callahan (Ryan Callahan)
  • Panarin (Artemi Panarin)
  • Fox (Adam Fox)

Washington Capitals Dog Names

  • Capital
  • Ovi (Alex Ovechkin)
  • Backstrom (Nicklas Backstrom)
  • Holtby (Braden Holtby)
  • Langway (Rod Langway)
  • Kolzig (Olaf Kolzig)
  • Bondra (Peter Bondra)
  • Carlson (John Carlson)
  • Kuznetsov (Evgeny Kuznetsov)
  • Wilson (Tom Wilson)
  • Alzner (Karl Alzner)
  • Pivonka (Michal Pivonka)
  • Oshie (T.J. Oshie)
  • Green (Mike Green)
  • Johansson (Marcus Johansson)
  • Hunter (Dale Hunter)
  • Vrana (Jakub Vrana)
  • Gartner (Mike Gartner)
  • Eller (Lars Eller)
  • Iafrate (Al Iafrate)

Advertisements


Philadelphia Flyers Dog Names

  • Flyer
  • Giroux (Claude Giroux)
  • Lindros (Eric Lindros)
  • Clarke (Bobby Clarke)
  • Parent (Bernie Parent)
  • Voracek (Jakub Voracek)
  • Hextall (Ron Hextall)
  • LeClair (John LeClair)
  • Briere (Danny Briere)
  • Simmonds (Wayne Simmonds)
  • Gagne (Simon Gagne)
  • Propp (Brian Propp)
  • Recchi (Mark Recchi)
  • Desjardins (Eric Desjardins)
  • Schultz (Dave Schultz)
  • Forsberg (Peter Forsberg)
  • Roenick (Jeremy Roenick)
  • Timonen (Kimmo Timonen)
  • Carter (Jeff Carter)
  • Hartnell (Scott Hartnell)

St. Louis Blues Dog Names

  • Blue
  • Tarasenko (Vladimir Tarasenko)
  • Hull (Brett Hull)
  • O’Reilly (Ryan O’Reilly)
  • Pietrangelo (Alex Pietrangelo)
  • MacInnis (Al MacInnis)
  • Pronger (Chris Pronger)
  • Berenson (Red Berenson)
  • Unger (Garry Unger)
  • Tkachuk (Keith Tkachuk)
  • Plager (Bob Plager)
  • Steen (Alexander Steen)
  • Bennet (Curt Bennett)
  • Sutter (Brian Sutter)
  • Federko (Bernie Federko)
  • Joseph (Curtis Joseph)
  • Fuhr (Grant Fuhr)
  • Demitra (Pavol Demitra)
  • Parayko (Colton Parayko)
  • Schwartz (Jaden Schwartz)

Edmonton Oilers Dog Names

  • Oiler
  • Gretzky (Wayne Gretzky)
  • McDavid (Connor McDavid)
  • Messier (Mark Messier)
  • Kurri (Jari Kurri)
  • Coffey (Paul Coffey)
  • Fuhr (Grant Fuhr)
  • Smyth (Ryan Smyth)
  • Hall (Taylor Hall)
  • Eberle (Jordan Eberle)
  • Hemsky (Ales Hemsky)
  • Nugent-Hopkins (Ryan Nugent-Hopkins)
  • Draisaitl (Leon Draisaitl)
  • Nurse (Darnell Nurse)
  • Tikkanen (Esa Tikkanen)
  • Lowe (Kevin Lowe)
  • Anderson (Glenn Anderson)
  • Moog (Andy Moog)
  • Gagner (Sam Gagner)
  • Khabibulin (Nikolai Khabibulin)

Vancouver Canucks Dog Names

  • Canuck
  • Sedin (Henrik and Daniel Sedin)
  • Bure (Pavel Bure)
  • Luongo (Roberto Luongo)
  • Naslund (Markus Naslund)
  • Kesler (Ryan Kesler)
  • Linden (Trevor Linden)
  • Burrows (Alex Burrows)
  • Horvat (Bo Horvat)
  • Miller (Ryan Miller)
  • Tanev (Chris Tanev)
  • Boeser (Brock Boeser)
  • Pettersson (Elias Pettersson)
  • Hughes (Quinn Hughes)
  • Salo (Sami Salo)
  • Edler (Alexander Edler)
  • Demko (Thatcher Demko)
  • Virtanen (Jake Virtanen)
  • Snepsts (Harold Snepsts)
  • Ohlund (Mattias Ohlund)

Los Angeles Kings Dog Names

  • King
  • Kopitar (Anze Kopitar)
  • Gretzky (Wayne Gretzky)
  • Quick (Jonathan Quick)
  • Doughty (Drew Doughty)
  • Robitaille (Luc Robitaille)
  • Dionne (Marcel Dionne)
  • Brown (Dustin Brown)
  • Carter (Jeff Carter)
  • Blake (Rob Blake)
  • Hrudey (Kelly Hrudey)
  • Simmer (Charlie Simmer)
  • Goring (Butch Goring)
  • Nicholls (Bernie Nicholls)
  • Taylor (Dave Taylor)
  • Vachon (Rogie Vachon)
  • Frolov (Alexander Frolov)
  • Norstrom (Mattias Norstrom)
  • Moller (Oscar Moller)
  • Hickey (Thomas Hickey)

New Jersey Devils Dog Names

  • Devil
  • Brodeur (Martin Brodeur)
  • Stevens (Scott Stevens)
  • Elias (Patrik Elias)
  • Niedermayer (Scott Niedermayer)
  • Kovalchuk (Ilya Kovalchuk)
  • Parise (Zach Parise)
  • Zajac (Travis Zajac)
  • Daneyko (Ken Daneyko)
  • Gomez (Scott Gomez)
  • Schneider (Cory Schneider)
  • Henrique (Adam Henrique)
  • Langenbrunner (Jamie Langenbrunner)
  • Zubrus (Dainius Zubrus)
  • Hischier (Nico Hischier)
  • Butcher (Will Butcher)
  • Coleman (Blake Coleman)
  • Severson (Damon Severson)
  • Greene (Andy Greene)
  • Palmieri (Kyle Palmieri)

Nashville Predators Dog Names

  • Predator
  • Rinne (Pekka Rinne)
  • Weber (Shea Weber)
  • Forsberg (Filip Forsberg)
  • Subban (P.K. Subban)
  • Fisher (Mike Fisher)
  • Josi (Roman Josi)
  • Arvidsson (Viktor Arvidsson)
  • Saros (Juuse Saros)
  • Ekholm (Mattias Ekholm)
  • Smith (Craig Smith)
  • Hartnell (Scott Hartnell)
  • Dumont (J.P. Dumont)
  • Suter (Ryan Suter)
  • Legwand (David Legwand)
  • Erat (Martin Erat)
  • Tootoo (Jordin Tootoo)
  • Radulov (Alexander Radulov)
  • Ellis (Ryan Ellis)
  • Klein (Kevin Klein)

Tampa Bay Lightning Dog Names

  • Bolt
  • Stamkos (Steven Stamkos)
  • Kucherov (Nikita Kucherov)
  • Hedman (Victor Hedman)
  • St. Louis (Martin St. Louis)
  • Vasilevskiy (Andrei Vasilevskiy)
  • Point (Brayden Point)
  • Palat (Ondrej Palat)
  • Johnson (Tyler Johnson)
  • Richards (Brad Richards)
  • Lecavalier (Vincent Lecavalier)
  • Gourde (Yanni Gourde)
  • Killorn (Alex Killorn)
  • Bishop (Ben Bishop)
  • Boyle (Brian Boyle)
  • Cirelli (Anthony Cirelli)
  • Callahan (Ryan Callahan)
  • Khabibulin (Nikolai

These names provide a wide array of options for hockey fans, ensuring their furry friends have a name that represents their love for the game and their favorite teams. Each name in this guide is a nod to the thrilling world of hockey, perfect for a pet who shares your passion for the ice.

 a dog watching ice hockey

Choosing the Perfect Name for Your Hockey-Loving Pup

Selecting a name for your new four-legged family member is an exciting yet crucial part of pet ownership, especially for hockey enthusiasts who want their dog’s name to reflect their passion. Here are some tailored tips to help you pick a name that’s not only meaningful but also beneficial for your MVP (Most Valuable Pup).

1. Simplicity in Syllables

Aim for brevity and clarity when naming your dog. Names with one or two syllables are ideal as they are easy to pronounce and quick to grab your dog’s attention. This is particularly useful during training sessions or when you’re calling them in a crowded dog park. Think of names like “Puck,” “Zamboni,” or “Duke” – short, snappy, and unmistakably clear.

2. Command Clarity

Ensure the name you choose doesn’t resemble common dog commands. Dogs can easily get mixed signals if their names sound too similar to instructions like ‘sit’, ‘stay’, or ‘come’. For instance, a name like “Ray” might be too close to “Stay,” potentially leading to confusion during training. Opt for names that stand out from commands, perhaps inspired by your favorite hockey players or terms, like “Ovi” (after Alex Ovechkin) or “Icer.”

3. Positive Associations

Names carry weight, so it’s important to avoid those with negative connotations. Your dog’s name will be a reflection of its identity and character, and you want it to resonate positively with both your pup and those around it. Consider names that evoke strength, agility, or even the playful spirit of the game, like “Slapshot” or “Mitts.”

4. Unleash Uniqueness

Your dog is one-of-a-kind, and its name should be too. Draw inspiration from unique aspects of hockey – famous arenas, legendary plays, or iconic equipment. A name like “Gretzky” (after Wayne Gretzky) or “Stanley” (as in the Stanley Cup) can be a great conversation starter and a nod to your favorite sport.

5. Canine-Friendly Sounds

Research suggests that dogs respond well to certain sounds. Names with sharp, clear phonetics are easier for them to distinguish. Consider names that have a crisp sound to them, which can make it easier for your dog to recognize and respond. Names like “Puck,” “Dash,” or “Chip” can be both hockey-themed and dog-friendly.

6. Distinctiveness Matters

Choose a name that’s distinct from those of your other pets or family members to avoid confusion. This distinctiveness will help your dog understand when it’s being addressed, ensuring smoother communication and training.

7. The Sound Test

Before finalizing the name, try calling it out loud. This ‘sound test’ helps you understand how it feels to say the name repeatedly and if it rolls off the tongue easily. Imagine calling your dog at a busy dog park – will the name stand out?

8. Steer Clear of Controversy

It’s wise to avoid names that might be deemed controversial or offensive. Remember, you’ll be calling this name out in public spaces, and it should be something that you’re comfortable sharing with others.

9. Personality Plays a Part

Consider your dog’s unique personality and physical traits. Is your pup fast and agile like a skilled winger? Or strong and steady like a defenseman? Names like “Sprint” or “Guard” could be fitting choices.

10. Hockey Heritage

Finally, as a hockey fan, infuse your love for the game into the name. Whether it’s a tribute to a hockey legend, a term from the sport, or something inspired by your favorite team, let your passion for hockey shine through in your dog’s name.

Incorporating these tips will not only make the naming process fun but also ensure that your dog’s name is a perfect match for its personality and your hockey passion. Remember, the name you choose will be a significant part of your dog’s identity and your bond with them, so take your time and enjoy the process!

Tips for Training Your Dog to Respond to Their Hockey Name

Choosing a hockey-themed name for your dog is just the first step. The next, and perhaps more crucial, is training your dog to respond to their new name. Here are some practical tips to ensure your furry friend not only recognizes but also loves responding to their hockey-inspired moniker:

1. Embrace Positive Reinforcement

When your dog isn’t looking at you, call them by their new name in a cheerful, encouraging tone. As soon as they turn their attention towards you, acknowledge this behavior with a clicker sound or a verbal marker like “yes” or “good.” Immediately follow this with a treat. This positive reinforcement helps your dog associate their name with something enjoyable, reinforcing their response to it.

2. Steer Clear of Negative Associations

It’s crucial to avoid using your dog’s name in a negative context. Don’t combine their name with reprimands or negative words. Doing so can create a negative association with their name, leading to reluctance or fear in responding. Always keep the name associated with positive, happy experiences.

3. Consistent Practice is Key

Dedicate a few minutes each day to practice the name recognition exercise. Aim for three to five minutes per session, using positive reinforcements like treats or their favorite toy. Consistency in these short, focused sessions can significantly enhance their response to their name.

4. Avoid Overusing the Name

Be cautious not to repeat the name excessively. Overuse can dilute its importance, making it less effective as a tool for gaining your dog’s attention. Use their name thoughtfully and sparingly to maintain its impact.

5. Gradually Introduce Distractions

Once your dog reliably responds to their name in the familiar, distraction-free environment of your home, start practicing in different locations. Gradually introduce more distractions. This could mean practicing in a park, during walks, or in other pet-friendly areas. The goal is to have your dog respond to their name reliably, regardless of the environment or distractions present.

By following these tips and maintaining consistency in your approach, you can effectively train your dog to respond to their unique hockey-themed name. This not only strengthens your bond but also ensures their safety, as a dog that responds well to its name is easier to manage in various situations.

Exploring the Intersection of Hockey Culture and Dog Ownership

In the vibrant world of hockey, the love for the sport often extends beyond the rink, intertwining with personal aspects of players’ and fans’ lives, including their affection for dogs. This unique blend of hockey culture and dog ownership not only influences pet naming trends but also reflects a deeper connection between the sport and everyday life.

The Bond Between NHL Stars and Their Dogs

Many NHL players, such as Connor McDavid, Lenard (Lenny), and Halle Wilson, share a special bond with their dogs, a side of them that fans rarely see on the ice.

These athletes frequently turn to social media to share moments with their pets, offering fans a glimpse into their off-rink lives. These posts, ranging from playful interactions to relaxed downtime, reveal a tender relationship between these players and their furry companions, highlighting a softer, more relatable side of these hockey professionals.

Hockey’s Influence on Naming Man’s Best Friend

The impact of hockey on pet naming is particularly noticeable among the sport’s enthusiasts. Names like Darrel the Sports Dog and Hailey, inspired by NHL teams and players, are not just mere labels but heartfelt tributes to beloved aspects of the sport. These names symbolize the merging of personal affection and sporting allegiance, illustrating how deeply hockey is ingrained in the lives of its fans.

Active Lifestyles: The Synergy Between Hockey Families and Dogs

Owning a dog often promotes a more active lifestyle, a characteristic that resonates with many in the hockey community. Research indicates that children from dog-owning families tend to engage more in physical activities. This active nature of dog ownership complements the physicality of hockey, fostering a healthy, dynamic lifestyle for players and their families.

Dogs in the NHL: Fostering Community Connections

NHL teams frequently involve their canine friends in community outreach programs. For instance, the Arizona Coyotes’ canine crew participates in various events, including International Dog Day, using these opportunities to strengthen community ties. These initiatives underscore the role of dogs in building a sense of unity and engagement between hockey teams and their fans.

Canine Companions as Social Media Sensations

The dogs of NHL players have carved out their own niche on social media platforms like Instagram. Accounts such as @rookiethesenspup and @enzotheweimar have amassed significant followings, turning these pets into bona fide influencers. These profiles offer a unique window into the players’ lives away from the spotlight, further endearing them to their fanbase.