Protein and carbohydrates typically take most of the playing time in conversations about nutrition. That doesn’t mean healthy fats are any less important though.
In fact, essential fatty acids (EFAs) play a vital role in supporting overall health, increasing nutrient absorption and the proper development of the brain and nervous system, all of which are important to hockey players. "Essential" refers to the fact that our bodies cannot produce these fatty acids on their own. They must be obtained through diet or as a second option, through supplementation.