In my case, I'm starting hockey at 19. I've been working on my skating for two weeks, and honestly, if you saw me, you would not think so. I am a damn good skater, and in two weeks.
My mother refused to let me join as a kid, so I had no option except to join in college. Now I'm playing open hockey and on the intramural team. So, what's the problem? I'm doing fine.
Why is it that I never heard a, "yeah! Go for it!" All I ever get is that I'm an idiot for starting so late.
Regardless of that, I think hockey is a great sport, and I don't think circumstance should dictate if you may play or not. I've met a few guys here that want to start hockey, and I feel they should.
2007-02-21 06:53:39 · 8 answers · asked by Deutscher Eishockey Bund 3 in Sports ➔ Hockey
I don't think the problem is that people don't encourage people to play hockey. I think the problem is that you're asking the wrong people. Your mother didn't do it, but MANY mothers DID let their kids play. Ask the 690+ players in the NHL, and thousands of others in juniors and the minors.
That said, a lot of mothers who didn't let their kids play did so for a good reason: it's expensive. Of course, I have no way of knowing what your family's situation was, but I didn't play until I was in college, either. My parents couldn't afford a pair of skates and some pads from Goodwill, let alone anything decent. I don't hold it against them. They did what they could. In any case, my point is that there are reasons for what you are describing, and hockey probably has little to do with it.
Fact is that lots of people start playing hockey at all kinds of different ages. Perhaps you are talking to the wrong people. Most of the critics are probably comparing you to NHL stars, most of whom started when they were very young. If you're starting at 19, you're highly unlikely to be playing for the Montreal Canadiens anytime soon, but that does not mean you can't play and have some fun! Some of these critics may just be jealous or selfish. In other words, people who discourage you are probably discouraging you for the same reason that anybody discourages anyone else for anything. Hockey is not really part of the equation.
Good luck! Have fun!
2007-02-21 07:05:47 · answer #1 · answered by Mr. Taco 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
There are two big reasons 1) is the idea that hockey is overly violent and you will get your teeth knocked out and have the 6 year old's missing teeth smile for the rest of your life 2) the other reason and very common (and might be the case with your parents) is the cost. Hockey is by FAR more expensive than other sports. The equipment is horribly expensive, for people that want to be really good coaching is hard to come by and thus very expensive, renting ice time for practice and games, and the fact it has to be on ice limits the places a person can practice. Unlike basketball where all you need is a hoop and a ball hockey requires shoulder pads, knee pads, elbow pads, skates, helmet, shin guards, sticks, pucks, the list goes on and on.
It is awesome to hear you are finally getting a shot to at least have a shot. Best of luck to you and hopefully you can be in the Frozen Four someday.
2007-02-21 19:26:16 · answer #2 · answered by needingajob 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
They say that because most top hockey players start at age 5-7. But no one should discourage you. Its also probably because if u join college hockey..ur playing against guys who can be good enough to be in the nhl after playing so many years and u just started. U may be a very good skater..but there is A LOT to learn. But hey i say go for it! :D and good luck.
2007-02-21 17:48:38 · answer #3 · answered by Ohkay 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Hey buddy. Its great to finally meet someone else in the same shoes as me. I'm 19 years old and working my *** off to make the college ice hockey team (never played before, rents forbit it).
It takes courage to step up to the plate, admist flack and discouragment. I say go for it, just as i'am.
If you have the fire, passion, and heart you'll make the team.
I've been on the ice for 1 month, in the gym 3 days a week and eating healthy... spring break and over the summer im doing hockey camps and open games. and ya know what...
well make the team!
Dont give up.
Good luck bud.
2007-02-21 15:04:59 · answer #4 · answered by Kyle W 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It's incredibly expensive to have a kid in hockey. The gear, the league and team fees, the ice time, the travel... the higher level you play, the more expensive it is and more it can take over a whole family's life.
2007-02-21 18:34:56 · answer #5 · answered by rinkrat 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
i agree with you..i'ma girl but i started at 14 and people thought it was too late cause all the girls are really good. all y parents and coaches do is yell at me and tell me what i'm doing wrong in stead of saying like "wow...your doing a lot better". so i hope u have success and have fun cause hockey is great sport and fun to play
2007-02-21 15:08:25 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Your talking to people who are sharing their own fears with you. Ask the right people and you will get the answers you are looking for. GO FOR IT!!! YOUR DOING GREAT!!! Follow your heart and don't listen to others negative input.
2007-02-21 15:19:19 · answer #7 · answered by Speed Of Thought 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
prob. bc of the whole losing your teeth thing, and getting concussions. same reason why some parents dont want their kids to do football. high risk of injury.
2007-02-21 14:58:18 · answer #8 · answered by deus82 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋