Is it too late?

Question

Hey guys, I have a pretty long winded question.
Ever since I was in the 6th grade, I've wanted to play hockey.
My mother would not allow it, she's certain I'd lose all of my teeth and die in a skating accident.
Well, I now graduated from high school and am going to St. Cloud State University (big hockey school).
I still want to play ice hockey, I have always wanted to.
But, I know hockey is supposed to be started at a very young age.
I can ice skate, pretty well, but I have never played ice hockey (just field).
Do you think it's too late to start up, like I plan to (in a few months!)?

PS- When I have kids, they are most certainly going into hockey.

As to the second answer, I am currently in possesion of ALL of my teeth. Thank you.

My mother just did not agree with the thought of men shoving each other on ice with blades on their feet.

Bob, thank you.
I had never considered just rounding up a bunch of friends.
The thing is:
I want body checking, I want the whole experience.
I don't know, may be too much to ask.
I want to wear the whole uniform though.
The agression, speed, and the whole passion to hockey is what makes me like it.
No checking would be.. boring.

Answer 1

I started playing ice hockey at the age of 32.

I've been playing continuously (2-5 times a week) since, with a handful of months off last year when I broke my foot.

I went from zero (barely skate, no ability to handle the puck) to playing C level hockey now, four years later. That's playing rec, going to weekly practices, taking some clinics, working with a skate coach now and then to improve my skating and form. I'm also a mom, work full time, all that stuff.

So... the answer is, as everyone's told you... just do it! Will you be able to play on your university's team this year? Probably not. Can you enjoy it at the rec level? Sure! Can you get competitive enough to try out for your university team in a year or so? That's up to you.

As far as check/no check goes... there's a lot of contact in no-check hockey, including some checking. (If I board anyone I swear it's by accident...). If you're just learning, as others have said, you'll have your hands full with just that much -- it will be exciting enough without worrying about the whole checking element.

If once you get the hang of the sport you're just not getting hit enough (you masochist), then by all means join a check league, but make sure you really know what you're going into and how to check and how to take hits (a skill that I've learned is far more important).

Hockey's an amazing sport, no matter when you come to it. Enjoy!!

Answer 2

It is never too late to do anything in life. Where would you plan on playing? I honestly would not just tryout for the college team. I am sure there are ice rinks in the area that have rec. hockey, adult hockey, or even just open hockey. Look into that and play a season before you go into playing college, but make sure you have all the right gear or you will lose all your teeth LOL!

I started late myself, not as late as you being I am almost in High School. Most people start as soon as they can walk. Me, I had to work for it. Once you hit ten you either play hockey or you don't, is what most people say. I proved them and every person I know wrong.

I wish you the best of luck. May all your dreams come true!

Answer 3

Hey there,

I started playing hockey when I was 29 and have enjoyed two wonderful years playing.

In regards to your comment about wanting to be in a checking league, wanting the full experience - you have to understand, you have to crawl before you can walk. If you join a checking league, you're only going to learn one thing - to keep your head up - because guys will be coming after you HARD.

My suggestion is to find out where the local ice rink is and find out if they hold clinics. Clinics usually are a few weeks long and get you involved with HOW to play hockey - from skating backwards to playing different positions to figuring out when you should get on and off of the ice. Learning how to play the sport - from passing to shooting to defending is what you should be concentrating on - and getting hammered into the boards isn't going to help achieve that goal.

It isn't too late by far - but you have to realize that you have a lot of catching up to do, and that begins with learning the basics.

Best of luck to you and have a great time-

Answer 4

like the others have said, it is never too late to start.
The biggest regret is not starting to do something u really want.
Better be late than nothing at all :))
Just pray about it if u r not sure but I think u have had a really big passion for hockey. and everything in this life always have risks. Even if you do not play hockey it is still possible for u to lose all of ur teeth and die in skating accident. It is still possible for somebody to die even if all they do is only sitting and relaxing at home, there can be a sudden earthquake or gas accident. U'll never know when u die, just do everything u can to make ur life worthted for urself, everyone, and God..

Answer 5

Most communities have recreational leagues that have no body checking rules. If you have never played before, those leagues are the best place to start.Another way is to round up at least 10 or 12 friends and split the cost of renting the ice at your local arena for an hour or 2 a week. Have fun and it is never too late.

Answer 6

Try it. You have nothing to lose. You'll never regret trying it (whatever the outcome) when you're older, but you will regret it if you never gave it a shot.

Answer 7

Its never too late

Answer 8

It's never too late...never know it might be your hidden talent

Answer 9

NICE AFTER ALL THAT WHAT IS YOU QUESTION I DON'T BLAME YOUR MOM FOR NOT LETTING YOU PLAY SOUNDS LIKE YOU HAVE NO TEETH! DAH

Answer 10

chase your dreams bc they won't chase you