When you think of the NHL, you picture speed, grit, and incredible endurance. But behind every explosive shift and game-winning play is a dialled-in nutrition plan—one that fuels players through intense practices, long travel days, and an 82-game regular season. Among the many components of a pro hockey diet, lean, high-quality meat protein stands out as one of the most essential. But what exactly is the chosen meat protein for many NHL athletes?
While every player has personal preferences, a few proteins consistently rise to the top for performance, recovery, and overall wellness. Let’s break down the most popular meat choices among NHL players and why they matter.
Chicken: The All-Around Favourite
If there’s one protein you’ll find in almost every NHL locker room meal plan, it’s lean chicken breast. Chicken hits the sweet spot for pro athletes because it’s:
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High in protein
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Low in saturated fat
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Easy to digest
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Extremely versatile
Many players opt for grilled chicken breast or skinless chicken thighs as their primary daily protein because chicken supports muscle repair without weighing them down. Nutritionists working with NHL teams often recommend chicken for pre-game meals due to its lean profile and consistent energy delivery.
Why chicken wins:
Its amino acid profile supports muscle recovery, and it pairs well with the carbs hockey players rely on for fuel—rice, pasta, potatoes, and veggies.
Beef: The Power Protein for Strength and Recovery
Hockey demands strength, explosiveness, and resilience. For that reason, beef is another favourite among NHL athletes, especially grass-fed beef, which many players prefer for its nutritional density.
Beef provides:
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Higher iron levels
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Creatine (naturally occurring)
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Zinc
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Vitamin B12
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Rich, satiating protein
Players looking to build or maintain muscle mass—especially defencemen and power forwards—often incorporate lean steaks, ground beef, or roast cuts into their weekly meals. Iron is crucial for oxygen transport, and B12 helps with energy production, both essential for athletes logging heavy minutes every night.
Why beef stands out:
It’s unmatched when players need stamina, strength, and dense micronutrient support. Many players also report better muscle fullness and post-game recovery when beef is part of their regular rotation.
Turkey: The Underrated Recovery Weapon
While chicken and beef dominate most menus, turkey is gaining popularity across the league. Nutritionists appreciate turkey for its combination of lean protein and natural tryptophan, which may support better sleep—a major performance factor during road trips and back-to-back games.
Popular cuts include:
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Turkey breast
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Ground turkey
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Roasted turkey thighs
Turkey is often featured in post-game meals or recovery-focused lunches since it’s lower in fat but still rich in high-quality protein.
Why turkey is on the rise:
Its lighter profile makes it ideal for mid-season recovery when players want protein without heaviness. Teams looking to rotate proteins for variety often feature turkey bowls, turkey burgers, or sliced turkey in wraps.
Fish: A Close Contender for Top Protein
While not technically “meat,” fish is one of the most consumed proteins in the NHL—especially salmon, cod, and tuna.
Salmon, in particular, is celebrated for:
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Omega-3 fatty acids
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Anti-inflammatory benefits
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Heart health support
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High-quality protein
Because hockey players deal with constant inflammation—from collisions, blocked shots, and fatigue—nutrition teams lean heavily on omega-3-rich proteins to help with recovery.
Why fish is vital:
It reduces inflammation, supports joint health, and promotes cardiovascular wellness. Many players eat salmon at least once or twice per week for sustained recovery benefits.
So What’s the Most Chosen Meat Protein in the NHL?
While NHL athletes include a variety of proteins in their diet, chicken remains the most consistently chosen meat protein, with beef following closely behind. Chicken’s versatility, digestibility, and lean profile make it ideal for daily fuelling, while beef provides essential muscle-building nutrients that support peak physical performance.
Players typically rotate:
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Chicken for daily meals and pre-game fuel
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Beef for strength and recovery days
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Turkey for lighter meals and sleep-supporting nutrition
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Fish for inflammation control and long-term wellness
This balance helps them stay strong, fast, and resilient over the longest season in professional sports.
