The RinkFor the not so ready for prime-time players, coaches, referees, and the people that have to live with them. Discuss experiences in local leagues, coaching tips, equipment, and training.
I'll be working on my skating again tonight at the local public skate but was thinking about maybe picking up some hockey gloves or elbow pads since I'm going to try and learn how to stop and may be falling a lot. I haven't seen anyone wearing any kind of gear or pads at the public skates except for the younger kids that just bomb around doing full hockey stops and skating backwards. Everyone else is just casually skating laps. Would it be strange if I just wore arm gear at a public skate?
I don't think anyone would look twice. I still wear my gloves and elbow pads at open skates, cause falling hurts. If I wasn't so self concious, I'd wear my breezers too, for the tailbone protection.
I don't usually notice what people are wearing at public skate. I'm usually more focused on demonstrating my skating talents for the attractive womenfolk.
Seriously, nobody's gonna care, and if they do, screw em.
I notice what people are wearing at public skate...if they're NOT wearing protection. I don't want people to get hurt! Especially since I know how much a new skater will fall down. Or at stick and puck where there are 20 skaters sometimes on a half-size rink, and there will be some new guy who probably thinks he would look silly wearing the gear and there are pucks flying everywhere, and I'm just thinking this guy is going to get killed out here! Wear your gear, trust me, nobody is going to judge you for wearing it, but they might if you don't!
A lot of people who should be wearing protective gear in public skates aren't wearing them. This is not recommended. My buddy who just started skating a few weeks ago had a minor whiplash injury to his neck because he landed on the back of his head, thankfully no concussion.
No matter how good I get, if I'm going to practice my skating skills I will be wearing protective gear because when you're pushing yourself (which is how you improve), there's a greater chance of hurting yourself from a fall or crash.
Unfortunately, I have a really ghetto helmetcam, and for some reason youtube destroyed the FPS of the video (anyone know how to fix that?).
So I picked up hockey in November, and I've been playing once a week since. Except for the first 10 seconds, I'm playing LW. People call me "Wheels" because I'm pretty quick compared to the rest of the field haha.
Nothing really happens in the video until 4:25, where I skate down the ice and score. Sadly, I never look where the puck is, but I guess that's good because my head is up!
Today was an interesting day to say the least. I had my first instructional class for hockey and while I thought teens and adults would be split up from the kids, we were all mixed in together. We did some skating and stickhandling drills and then played a scrimmage using the width of the ice with the entire class divided into 2 teams.
It was pretty much a mess so I stayed back on defense not really wanting to hurt the kids being 200 pounds and a lot taller than them. Unfortunately, one kid and I both went into the boards to get a puck. I got ahold of it and passed it out to a teammate, trying to keep out of the way of the 12 year old behind me. I thought I'd made it out okay without causing any damage but I turned around and saw the kid on his back in pain. I know it's hockey and the sport can be dangerous but I still feel bad since it really isn't fair playing with the younger kids. In short, our team won 3-1 even after our instructor coming in for the other team.
As soon as I got changed I went over to the pro shop and finally got a cage for my helmet. All of these kids are new to hockey and usually don't think too much about where their stick is in relation to other people. I nearly got my teeth knocked out by one kid and whacked on the head by another during the scrimmage. Honestly, I feel safer in my Wednesday pickup games playing against A and B level players than out there with other new hockey players.
All in all though, I had a blast as usual and will probably go crazy while on Spring Break this week since I'll miss my Wednesday game.
Justin - the cage is a smart move! I know I've gotten a stick to the cage a bunch of times already.
The coach that I take lessons with and I are setting up a Women's Skills Clinic in April. I'm really excited about it, he keeps telling me that I'm going to be surprised at how good it is. I know that he's an awesome coach one-on-one, so I'm curious to see how this goes! My biggest complaint about the adult class that I took before was that there was too much standing around and I was bored, and he assures me that this one's going to be much better. I will keep you all posted on how it goes! http://www.shaunmillerhockey.com
Next saturday is our big fundraiser exhibition games night. Our hockey club has already sold over $4000 in ticket pre-sales, so I think it's going to be a little nuts! If anyone is in the Seattle area, they should come watch! There's beer, even! I'm playing in the first game at 8:15pm. http://www.swhc.org
I'm 39 and in Northern California. My 9 year old has been involved in hockey, first with classes and now an in-house team, for maybe 3 years. My 6 year old daughter is now into figure skating. I swear the kids were having so much fun that I put skates on for the first time last summer. This lead to a "learn to play hockey class" that I started in September. The idea being that you can join a bronze (lowest level) team in the adult league when you've completed the class. The class is something like 22 weeks.
I love it, the best thing I've done in years. Very frustrating. I absolutely hate cross overs, and anything to do with outside edges. However, it is one of those things that is frustrating because I can't get it so I keep trying it over and over again trying to get more comfortable.
I've never played hockey but I think I'd like to try. One of these days I might. I'll be 41 in June, but I do know how to skate (at least a little!).
I started speedskating (short track) when I was 32. I had just done my first competition when I found out I was pregnant, back in 2004. That was the end of that! I've been back on the ice a few times since then, but the rink is a bit of a drive and my skates don't fit my feet all that well. I also hated crossovers - it took me FOREVER to learn how to do them, and I never felt totally confident. Of course, I can only do them in one direction since speedskaters never need to go the opposite way!
A few weeks ago there was an event where you could skate on the ice at the Coyotes' arena. I took my skates and did some laps - had a blast! It reminded me of how much I loved getting on the ice. I used to go 3-4 times a week, it was a big part of my life.
Maybe I'll give it a shot in the fall. My husband is going to be a SAHD, so I'll have a little more time to myself. I haven't even looked at a schedule, but perhaps a class for adult beginners would be good. I have no idea how much of the speedskating would transfer over to hockey skates, I know the blades are quite different.
I've never played hockey but I think I'd like to try. One of these days I might. I'll be 41 in June, but I do know how to skate (at least a little!).
I started speedskating (short track) when I was 32. I had just done my first competition when I found out I was pregnant, back in 2004. That was the end of that! I've been back on the ice a few times since then, but the rink is a bit of a drive and my skates don't fit my feet all that well. I also hated crossovers - it took me FOREVER to learn how to do them, and I never felt totally confident. Of course, I can only do them in one direction since speedskaters never need to go the opposite way!
A few weeks ago there was an event where you could skate on the ice at the Coyotes' arena. I took my skates and did some laps - had a blast! It reminded me of how much I loved getting on the ice. I used to go 3-4 times a week, it was a big part of my life.
Maybe I'll give it a shot in the fall. My husband is going to be a SAHD, so I'll have a little more time to myself. I haven't even looked at a schedule, but perhaps a class for adult beginners would be good. I have no idea how much of the speedskating would transfer over to hockey skates, I know the blades are quite different.
If you have an adult recreational skating class and an adult beginners hockey class, do both. It is money well spent and the skills you learn in the rec skating class will grow by leaps and bounds once you have full equipment on (after all, its much easier to get over the mental hurdle of falling when it simply doesn't hurt!)
I've never played hockey but I think I'd like to try. One of these days I might. I'll be 41 in June, but I do know how to skate (at least a little!).
Do it! I started when I was 41! And you've already got a head start on what I had at that time. The hockey skates are going to be very different, but I imagine you'll figure them out quick since you've already got the balance in your legs. There should be lots of classes you can take over the summer before next season starts, and just start collecting gear and messing around at stick and puck. You'll have a blast!
The local rink has a hockey 101 class coming up in April - 4 weeks, free class to try it out without having to purchase equipment, etc. It actually fits into my schedule, so I just may give it a try. Now I have to convince the husband to let me do it...he'll probably think I'm nuts, but he thought the same thing when I took up speedskating!
I do have one question - do most leagues deal with beginners kindly? I know there are beginner leagues, but how are they with people who aren't naturally talented? I was never a great speedskater, but I really enjoyed doing it. The people I skated with were OK with that, they didn't get peeved that I wasn't as fast and they were just happy to have another person sharing the love of the sport with them. I had a lot of strikes against me (starting late, not having a coach, only being able to skate during public sessions - so no pads, and no going truly fast), but I still enjoyed getting out on the ice and doing some laps.
Last edited by Clownquestion: 03-06-2012 at 07:26 AM.
I'm a flat-out terrible player and have played with people even worse, if that's possible. The number of times I or anyone else has been given grief for our skill set: zero. It's probably more harsh at a higher level, but in a beginner league nobody has much ego.
You might actually be one of the better players at that level in a short time, given your skating background. You already have the hardest part under your belt.
I'm a flat-out terrible player and have played with people even worse, if that's possible. The number of times I or anyone else has been given grief for our skill set: zero. It's probably more harsh at a higher level, but in a beginner league nobody has much ego.
That's good to know! I defnitely have little/no ego when it comes to the ice. I was always the slowest skater in speedskating, I came in dead last my one and only actual race that I did. My goal was to finish the race without being lapped, and I did...so that was fine with me!
I mentioned it to my husband this morning and of course he freaked out. I got the expected arguments - you're too old, you'll never be a professional, you'll want to spend time away from the family doing this, you'll spend lots of money on this, etc.
I pointed out to him that
a) I'm going to be 41 this year no matter what, playing hockey has nothing to do with my age. Not playing hockey isn't going to make me stop at 40!
b) I don't plan to be a pro - I haven't seen any women in the NHL, so it's not like that thought really entered my head. I have no delusions of grandeur. I'm not an atheltic person, so I gave up my pro sports dreams long ago.
c) Yes, it would take some time away from the family - but considering that I've been working 2 jobs the past 3 years so that HE will be able to leave his job and be a SAHD at the end of this school year, I think I've kind of earned a little time to myself.
d) Yes, it may cost money if I purse it after the free class. Shall we mention the TWO jobs I've been working the past 3 years? Or the money we've spent buying 3 different kayaks for him, road bikes, mountain bikes, shoes, tubes, bike computers, etc? Again, I think I've kind of earned it.
So he agreed that it would be ok to do the April class, but he's got reservations about it. He's pretty sure I'll like it and want to continue. And my answer is 'so what?' If it's a FUN sport and I enjoy it, why shouldn't I want to continue? He's got his recreational sport hobby - I want one too! Somehow he survived my speedskating adventures for 5 years, I think he'll find a way to survive this as well.
That's good to know! I defnitely have little/no ego when it comes to the ice. I was always the slowest skater in speedskating, I came in dead last my one and only actual race that I did. My goal was to finish the race without being lapped, and I did...so that was fine with me!
I mentioned it to my husband this morning and of course he freaked out. I got the expected arguments - you're too old, you'll never be a professional, you'll want to spend time away from the family doing this, you'll spend lots of money on this, etc.
I pointed out to him that
a) I'm going to be 41 this year no matter what, playing hockey has nothing to do with my age. Not playing hockey isn't going to make me stop at 40!
b) I don't plan to be a pro - I haven't seen any women in the NHL, so it's not like that thought really entered my head. I have no delusions of grandeur. I'm not an atheltic person, so I gave up my pro sports dreams long ago.
c) Yes, it would take some time away from the family - but considering that I've been working 2 jobs the past 3 years so that HE will be able to leave his job and be a SAHD at the end of this school year, I think I've kind of earned a little time to myself.
d) Yes, it may cost money if I purse it after the free class. Shall we mention the TWO jobs I've been working the past 3 years? Or the money we've spent buying 3 different kayaks for him, road bikes, mountain bikes, shoes, tubes, bike computers, etc? Again, I think I've kind of earned it.
So he agreed that it would be ok to do the April class, but he's got reservations about it. He's pretty sure I'll like it and want to continue. And my answer is 'so what?' If it's a FUN sport and I enjoy it, why shouldn't I want to continue? He's got his recreational sport hobby - I want one too! Somehow he survived my speedskating adventures for 5 years, I think he'll find a way to survive this as well.
I really hope you enjoy it. I was out of hockey for a few years and now that I'm getting back into it, I don't know how I survived.
b) I don't plan to be a pro - I haven't seen any women in the NHL, so it's not like that thought really entered my head.
Hey you never know! A female goalie named Manon Rheaume played one game with the Lighting! AND Cammi Granato of the Woman's US olympic team was invited to the Islanders training camp, but she declined. (I'm a guy by the way)
That's good to know! I defnitely have little/no ego when it comes to the ice. I was always the slowest skater in speedskating, I came in dead last my one and only actual race that I did. My goal was to finish the race without being lapped, and I did...so that was fine with me!
I mentioned it to my husband this morning and of course he freaked out. I got the expected arguments - you're too old, you'll never be a professional, you'll want to spend time away from the family doing this, you'll spend lots of money on this, etc.
I pointed out to him that
a) I'm going to be 41 this year no matter what, playing hockey has nothing to do with my age. Not playing hockey isn't going to make me stop at 40!
b) I don't plan to be a pro - I haven't seen any women in the NHL, so it's not like that thought really entered my head. I have no delusions of grandeur. I'm not an atheltic person, so I gave up my pro sports dreams long ago.
c) Yes, it would take some time away from the family - but considering that I've been working 2 jobs the past 3 years so that HE will be able to leave his job and be a SAHD at the end of this school year, I think I've kind of earned a little time to myself.
d) Yes, it may cost money if I purse it after the free class. Shall we mention the TWO jobs I've been working the past 3 years? Or the money we've spent buying 3 different kayaks for him, road bikes, mountain bikes, shoes, tubes, bike computers, etc? Again, I think I've kind of earned it.
So he agreed that it would be ok to do the April class, but he's got reservations about it. He's pretty sure I'll like it and want to continue. And my answer is 'so what?' If it's a FUN sport and I enjoy it, why shouldn't I want to continue? He's got his recreational sport hobby - I want one too! Somehow he survived my speedskating adventures for 5 years, I think he'll find a way to survive this as well.
Its not my position to judge, but it sounds like your husband needs to yank his head outta the sand. Its important for families to have different interests - he seems to realize this for himself with his hobbies but doesn't seem prepared to extend you the same courtesy.
Anyways, this isn't marriage counselling and it sounds like you've reached a modest compromise, so great - you start in April!
Its a great sport. Its also outstanding exercise. Who knows - maybe if you love it enough your enthusiasm will become contagious and you can get the rest of the family out on the ice with you on occasion?
Another question...what sort of time commitment is typical of a rec league hockey team? That was a big concern for my husband - how many times do they usually practice? Is there a lot of ice time, or is it more like kind of a practice on your own whenever you can but then show up for the games and a team practice every once in a while thing?
I do agree that I need something to do besides work. Working all the time doesn't make me happy, it just makes me money. He's reaping the benefits of my hard work these past years (I built up an online business, and he's going to take over some of the duties starting this summer). I'd like to be able to enjoy some time to myself a little bit! Yes, it was a total pain to go to/from the rink from my home - but it's actually on my way home from work. This year we've carpooled, but if he's not working, obviously that won't be happening next year.
My kids unfortunately won't have the option to join in. One is legally blind due to complications of being born 14 weeks early. The other had a detached retina last year and it detached again in September, so she's not allowed to do anything at all where she could fall or have contact. The littlest one could get involved if she wanted to, maybe I'll take her to skate sometime over the summer.
I just know that when I was speedskating, I had a reason to watch what I eat, to use the treadmill, etc. Without that purpose, it's so easy to just put things off. And man, I loved to get out on the ice. It gave me time to just clear my head and not think about anything...just the feeling of the wind against my face, the smell of the ice, the feel of the blades sliding along. Sometimes I would work on things (crossovers, incessantly, and I still never felt 100% comfortable with them), other times I would just zone out and zip around the rink enjoying the feeling. He does the same thing on his bike, and he gets really disappointed when he doesn't get to rid due to weather, other commitments, etc. With him staying at home next year, he could easily ride 5X/week. So I don't really think I'm asking for THAT much.
Another question...what sort of time commitment is typical of a rec league hockey team? That was a big concern for my husband - how many times do they usually practice? Is there a lot of ice time, or is it more like kind of a practice on your own whenever you can but then show up for the games and a team practice every once in a while thing?
I do agree that I need something to do besides work. Working all the time doesn't make me happy, it just makes me money. He's reaping the benefits of my hard work these past years (I built up an online business, and he's going to take over some of the duties starting this summer). I'd like to be able to enjoy some time to myself a little bit! Yes, it was a total pain to go to/from the rink from my home - but it's actually on my way home from work. This year we've carpooled, but if he's not working, obviously that won't be happening next year.
My kids unfortunately won't have the option to join in. One is legally blind due to complications of being born 14 weeks early. The other had a detached retina last year and it detached again in September, so she's not allowed to do anything at all where she could fall or have contact. The littlest one could get involved if she wanted to, maybe I'll take her to skate sometime over the summer.
I just know that when I was speedskating, I had a reason to watch what I eat, to use the treadmill, etc. Without that purpose, it's so easy to just put things off. And man, I loved to get out on the ice. It gave me time to just clear my head and not think about anything...just the feeling of the wind against my face, the smell of the ice, the feel of the blades sliding along. Sometimes I would work on things (crossovers, incessantly, and I still never felt 100% comfortable with them), other times I would just zone out and zip around the rink enjoying the feeling. He does the same thing on his bike, and he gets really disappointed when he doesn't get to rid due to weather, other commitments, etc. With him staying at home next year, he could easily ride 5X/week. So I don't really think I'm asking for THAT much.
There's no practices for rec league. Usually it's just 1 to 2 games per week. It's not really much of a time commitment.
Another question...what sort of time commitment is typical of a rec league hockey team? That was a big concern for my husband - how many times do they usually practice? Is there a lot of ice time, or is it more like kind of a practice on your own whenever you can but then show up for the games and a team practice every once in a while thing?
Around here at least... It depends on your team. Some teams only play the 1 game a week and that's it. Some other teams rent ice time and have team practices to anyone that can show up. I've heard of a couple higher up teams that rent ice a few times a week.
Usually I just play my games Monday nights, have a team practice Weds or Thurs, and then play pickup on Saturday nights. It's really up to you how much time you want to put into it.
So it turns out the man had a bit of a change of heart. He realized that it really did make me happy to be on the ice back in the day, and that it wasn't really fair for him to get his time for his hobby, while I just work 24/7. He's happy that I've found a way to try it out with no cost or commitment, and he's even said I really need to buy myself some new skates...not speed skates, but some hockey skates!
I think it's more that he remembers that when I was skating 3-4 times a week I was really fit and in shape, and now...not so much. I'm pretty sure he's already picturing the side benefits that he'll get from me doing something I like that also happens to be a pretty good workout.
And of course, there's always the old "if mama ain't happy, ain't nobody happy" thing.
My son (age 13) has no filter. He said that if I play hockey, I should be goalie because I'm "fat enough to cover the goal really well." Gee, thanks. I may be overweight, but I'm not quite THAT big.
The local rink has a hockey 101 class coming up in April - 4 weeks, free class to try it out without having to purchase equipment, etc. It actually fits into my schedule, so I just may give it a try. Now I have to convince the husband to let me do it...he'll probably think I'm nuts, but he thought the same thing when I took up speedskating!
I do have one question - do most leagues deal with beginners kindly? I know there are beginner leagues, but how are they with people who aren't naturally talented? I was never a great speedskater, but I really enjoyed doing it. The people I skated with were OK with that, they didn't get peeved that I wasn't as fast and they were just happy to have another person sharing the love of the sport with them. I had a lot of strikes against me (starting late, not having a coach, only being able to skate during public sessions - so no pads, and no going truly fast), but I still enjoyed getting out on the ice and doing some laps.
My experience has been that the more skilled players are always helpful when they see someone new. The learn to play class I just finished (and will be starting again this Sunday) had varying level of players. Most of us were brand new to hockey, but could skate ok. Some were people that played years ago and were getting back into it, some were people taking the class for a second time. We even had a few people that were already on teams and just using the class as a skills/drills time.
The class was great because everyone knew that we were all there to learn and just getting started.
When I go to sticktimes, which is usually when I'm around better players, I usually just stay out of their way, but more often then not I'll get some tips or advice on technique, and always encouragement.
Like I've said in other posts, I found the most helpful players to be the experienced ones. I play pickup with people of all ages and skill levels and everyone has been at least civil. Maybe it's because I was brought into the games by an experienced player who they knew, but you should be fine as hockey players are some of the best people I know.
I don't want people to get hurt! Especially since I know how much a new skater will fall down. Or at stick and puck where there are 20 skaters sometimes on a half-size rink, and there will be some new guy who probably thinks he would look silly wearing the gear and there are pucks flying everywhere, and I'm just thinking this guy is going to get killed out here! Wear your gear, trust me, nobody is going to judge you for wearing it, but they might if you don't!
I'm playing in the first game at 8:15pm.
