[Dog Welder]

So after having a drunken conversation with a buddy about how badass hockey is he convinced me to go play for his rec team. Thing is I've never played hockey in my entire life and the last time I ice skated was when I was in "ice capades" when i was like 5. Anyone got any advice on what lessons or equipment i need to get?

 

[-dustin]

skates and butt pads.

 

[lanman]

Pretty much just do as much skating as possible, figure 8 skating is really good (use the two face-off circles), stopping and starting a lot, because you will a lot in games, and basic passing and shooting drills. Watch some hockey and learn tactics and common plays (how to break out of your own end, etc..) The basic skills can be picked up somewhat fast, but the strategy takes years and years to develop

 

[manziman]

a. you're screwed.
b. skates, shin guards, shoulder pads, budd pads, elbow pads, gloves, helmet, stick.
c. you're screwed.

 

[amateur]

Alright, having played ice for 4 years (granted, I was 9-13), you need to buy skates, a stick, and pads. Join a team, get your ass kicked in practice, then learn that way. It's how I did it. You'll come home sore, but you're a TALL guy, so you need to put some lbs on or learn how to use your weight, but you'll do damn well once to learn.

 

[amateur]

Oh, and start skating.... a lot before you start any of this. Unless you can run into the wall with gloves/stick on and remain standing, don't start a team.

 

[jaydee]

I played hockey for about a hundred years, starting when I was 5. I grew up in Montreal when they had the best team on the planet, so if you didn't play hockey you were a puss. The best thing I ever did for my game was to take a Power Skating camp. My skating improved 100% in 5 sessions. If you can skate, all the other stuff comes easy.
When you start with your team, try slowing yourself down and thinking for a moment before you panic and dump the puck to the other team. If in doubt in your own end, toss the puck over the boards or fall on it (just make it look like you caught an edge). To keep your goalie in the game, turn around and blast a shot at him once in a while. Don't do this in a tournament unless you're really tough.

 

[Transcend]

move to montreal.

 

[splat]

and no one has said the most important Piece of equipment yet Get a CUP !

 

[bomberboy11]

Learn to skate from someone who has been skating their whole lives. Stick, helmet, CUP, skates, shinpads, hockey pants, chest protector, gloves. When learning to skate, make sure to develop all four of your edges (left/right, inside/outside) equally. It will make you a far faster cornerer and skater. Also make sure that you can do everything skating backwards that you can forwards. I'm tall for a hockey player, and pretty slim, so I got the **** kicked out of me playing hockey my whole life. The only thing that kept me from getting nailed a lot was the speed I had from having extra long legs. If you have to take a hit, especially from somebody short and stocky, your best bet is to make a habit out of keeping yourself as low to the ice as possible when you're skating. Nothing will flatten you out on the ice faster than some guys shoulder into your stomach when you're cruising along almost upright. Staying lower will allow you to put more power to the ice too when sprinting and if you need to hit somebody it lets you explode upwards into them.

 

[Ciaran]

You need to skip the skates and gear and go ride your bike!

Come shuttle with us! Has it been a year yet?

 

[luken8r]

The integral problem here is ponds dont freeze in SoCal.
Go get some rollerblades and a stick and have at it in a parking lot
Youre screwed

 

[SK6]

Practice by running into a wall, face first, with no pads. Now, no chewating, as you will only hurt yourself in the end.

Learn how to speed spit.

Learn how to look mean while seated. This is invaluable when sitting in the penalty box.

 

[Hawkeye]

There must have some adult learn to skate classes and learn hockey leagues in your area. You really need to get in one of those and play there for 2 years before you step into a men's league.

Ac couple of tips, buy decent gear at a play it again sports. stay away from sticks with big curves and don't use a composite stick until you learn to stickhandle, shoot, and pass. Composite sticks are "twitchy" so cathing passes and things are a little harder.

Try starting by talking to someone here:

http://www.skatepasadena.com/hockey.htm

http://www.fujisaki.us/Rinks.html

It looks like they may have some classes or something to get you going.

If you step out in his hockey league you are asking for trouble. Guys on his team will hate you because you will cost them games. And the other team will do two things:

1) target you and skate around you. Costing your team goals and making you mad.

2) you will probably get into a slashing and hooking habit which will get your ass kicked.

Any other questions fire away.

 

[SK6]

There must have some adult learn to skate classes and learn hockey leagues in your area. You really need to get in one of those and play there for 2 years before you step into a men's league.

Ac couple of tips, buy decent gear at a play it again sports. stay away from sticks with big curves and don't use a composite stick until you learn to stickhandle, shoot, and pass. Composite sticks are "twitchy" so cathing passes and things are a little harder.

Try starting by talking to someone here:

http://www.skatepasadena.com/hockey.htm

http://www.fujisaki.us/Rinks.html

It looks like they may have some classes or something to get you going.

If you step out in his hockey league you are asking for trouble. Guys on his team will hate you because you will cost them games. And the other team will do two things:

1) target you and skate around you. Costing your team goals and making you mad.

2) you will probably get into a slashing and hooking habit which will get your ass kicked.

Any other questions fire away.

Those last two are SO TRUE. I played in Philly centuries ago …..(Not the flyers, but leages up there.) You have GOT to have thick skin!

Hockey is considerably more competitive and unforgiving a sport as most. If this league is that completive, practice for a year or so like Hawkeye said, because you’ll lose the fun, and then it becomes a living hell.

Great game, great sport!

Best of luck in your endeavor.

 

[hooples3]

i would start with a stick... but seriously.. get all the pads... even a chest protecote if you have never played. .. get a fullface mask... be prpared to fall.... try not to fall on your stick.. if you are near someone and about to fall fall onto them

 

[Hawkeye]

Oh yeah prepare to buy your skates new. And don't buy skates made by a shoe company.

Look at Bauer (now owned by Nike but still out on their own) or CCM. and spend a decent amount on them at least $150. Skates run 1 to 1 1/2 sizes DOWN from your shoe size.

Don't by Graf skates unless you have a real narrow foot. Graf's are a high line skate and if you can't skate and wear them you will look like a total poser.

 

[Rockland]

They've heard of ice hockey in California?
JK.
Serious, you're gonna have a ton of fun. Great workout as well.