Hockey Tickets for Others: How to Buy, Gift, and Transfer Without Hassle

Got a buddy who loves hockey but can’t snag a seat? Or maybe you want to surprise a family member with a game night. Buying tickets for someone else sounds easy, but there are tricks that keep you from headaches. Below are the steps that work every time.

Pick the Right Platform

Start with a site you trust. Official team stores, the league’s own ticket portal, and big resale sites like Ticketmaster, StubHub, or SeatGeek all let you send a ticket directly to another email. Avoid fringe pages that ask for cash or personal info – they’re the ones that end up in a scam pile.

When you use an official source, you’ll get a digital ticket with a unique barcode. Most of these can be forwarded as a PDF or an app link. The receiver just opens it on their phone and scans at the gate. No need to print anything unless the venue still wants a paper ticket.

How to Gift a Ticket Properly

Step one: buy the ticket in your own name. Step two: look for a ‘gift’ or ‘transfer’ button. If the site doesn’t have one, you can still forward the confirmation email, but make sure the barcode isn’t tied to your account. Some platforms lock the ticket to the purchaser, so the new owner must log in to claim it.

Clear communication matters. Tell the person when the game is, where the seats are, and any special entry rules (like COVID checks or age limits). A quick text with the seat row and number saves them from searching for it later.

Pro tip: add a personal note. Most ticket sites let you include a short message. A simple “Enjoy the game, Tom!” makes the gift feel extra special.

Transferring Tickets After Purchase

If you bought a ticket but can’t make it, most services let you transfer it up to 24 hours before kick‑off. Open the order, hit ‘Transfer’, and enter the new owner’s email. The system sends a fresh barcode that works just like the original.

Watch the deadline. Some venues cut off transfers earlier than the game start – check the fine print. Missing that window means you’ll need to sell the ticket instead.

Reselling Safely

When you can’t find a taker to accept a direct transfer, resale is your backup. List the ticket at a price close to face value; overpricing scares buyers, underpricing costs you. Use the same reputable site you bought from – it offers buyer protection and guarantees the ticket will be valid.

Keep the transaction inside the platform. Paying via PayPal, Venmo, or cash outside can lead to fraud. If the buyer asks for a discount, weigh the risk – a small cut is usually better than losing the ticket entirely.

Avoiding Common Scams

Never click a link from an unknown email that promises “free” tickets. Scammers copy team logos and ask for personal info. Real ticket sellers never ask for your password or credit‑card number in a reply email.

Check the barcode before you hand it over. Open the PDF on your phone and compare the number with the one on the seller’s page. If anything looks off, cancel the purchase and report it.

Finally, keep records. Screenshot the confirmation, note the transaction ID, and save the receipt. If the gate staff says the barcode won’t work, you have proof to get a refund quickly.

With these steps, buying hockey tickets for someone else is as easy as a quick tap on your phone. You’ll avoid scams, keep the gifting experience fun, and make sure the other fan gets to enjoy the game without a hitch.