I am in my mid-30's, atheletic and can skate relatively well (backwards and a passable hockey stop). But I have never put on pads in my life, but want to try. Am I going to get killed? Are adult leagues and pick-up games willing to accept newbies?
2007-09-20 06:34:51 · 19 answers · asked by T K 1 in Sports ➔ Hockey
If you are interested you should really think about giving it a try.
Look for an adult league in your area. Verify it is a non-check league. Some places will have programs specifically for beginners to learn some of the fundamentals of the game before playing in games. If you are lucky, they will have leagues for different ability levels so you are with similarly skilled players. The leagues I have been involved in are always looking for new people to play, regardless of their ability.
I took the plunge about 10 years ago with less experience than you and I love it. I am still not the greatest player to ever lace up the skates but I have a fun time and it is good exercise. You will definitely get tired the first time!
2007-09-20 09:39:27 · answer #1 · answered by brette71 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Go for it. I would recommend you take power skating lessons because if you can not skate well you will be limited on ice. Basically skating lessons in full equipment so when you fall you don't hurt yourself. Being able to skate is one thing, put a stick into your hands and have an opposition is something else.There are also adult hockey camps and schools for beginners available, and this often includes inclusion of your fellow students into a low level beginner adult team in a league. Where do you live-I know for a fact a lot of people in Toronto for eg want to learn to play hockey, there are so many immigrants. In the deep south or rural Texas it might be a little more difficult to find ice time let alone a league. And play pickup whenever possible-low key in most cases and just have fun honing your skills.Most adult leagues are non contact-you still get banged around a little but most people realize the NHL has passed us by and we have to get up and go to work in the morning. The joy of hockey is though it is played by kids it can also be a life time sport-I have played with several people in their 70s.
2007-09-20 14:03:33 · answer #2 · answered by john m 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Yes.
You obviously want to play and there is nothing stopping you. Most leagues are non-checking and you will only look bad for a little while. Call the rinks in your area and they will help you find a team or league with a skill level that will better fit your needs. A lot of people pick up hockey late in life, so be one of them and have a great time.
2007-09-20 09:57:54 · answer #3 · answered by mojojonji 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Yes, try going to open hockey a few times first, and if you like it, you can join a beginner league, check your local ice rink.
Open hockey is typically non-check pickup games. You will likely need full equipment anyway, so head to a pro-shop or secondhand sports store.
I did this when I was in my early 20's because I wanted to give it a shot, and now I understand why ice hockey is the greatest sport ever invented (and I am still alive).
FYI, most of the guys I played with were in their late 20's to late 30's.
2007-09-20 06:42:03 · answer #4 · answered by 006 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
If you want to go ahead but beware of the first couple of hit you take the coldness makes the hits and sting last that much longer. Plus you never know how many goons are in these adult leagues. Im in my mid thirtys too the only adult league I would join involves Jenna Jamison
2007-09-20 06:43:12 · answer #5 · answered by elfabuluso 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes, give it a try. You will find that most adult leagues are very passive with everyone understanding they have to go to work in the morning. A lot of leagues allow only a very little amount of easy checking and no slap shots. Its fun and great exercise.
2007-09-20 06:42:32 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
The adult leagues are relatively a bunch of guys just having fun. They often refer to this league as the beer league (at least in Michigan). You won't get killed if you have the equipment to play. You will have tons of fun if you join.
2007-09-20 15:48:57 · answer #7 · answered by sonnys1980cc 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You should go for it. Try to find an adult beginner league. My Sister did not start playing until she was 36. She loves the sport now.
2007-09-20 17:57:10 · answer #8 · answered by radek_200 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
go in a VERY relaxed league. if you can just find a few friends in the same position as you and start playing pick up with them and see how you like it. Hockey's a GREAT sport you'll love it.
2007-09-20 11:15:14 · answer #9 · answered by DC FURY 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I am in the same boat. I am 31, I have never donned a pair of skates ever. I now live in Canada and NEED to learn how to skate for my Canadian born kids. Growing up in Norfolk,Va there were not a whole hell of a lot of places for me to ice skate.
2007-09-20 07:50:53 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋