61 replies to this topic

[adamrice23]

I have never played hockey in my life but I am very interested in playing in some form, roller or ice. I want to get a few opinions on what is the best way to learn. I have usually picked up sports pretty easily and I am wondering if this is something I can learn and be descent now that I am a bit older(20) and it is something new. So if you have any advice, what is the best learning league, is it better to start with Roller or Ice, I would like to eventually play Ice. Any advice would be great. Thanks!

[MrsBevo]

20 isn't "older." They do have classes, I think, at Anaheim Ice. Do you even know how to ice skate/roller skate? That would be the first step.

[432j]

I was 23 or 24 before I started playing, so I'm sure you'll be fine from the standpoint of being "older"

My wife started at an age significantly older than I was when I started. We both started at roller and she began with a clinic at Anaheim Hockey Club.

All that said, if your goal is to play ice, I would start with that unless the cost of the ice time or equipment would be prohibitive, in which case, I would then consider roller.

[Dutch Duck]

I started this year, only a few weeks ago. And I am 24. Skating is going better every time I'm playing. So I guess you'll pick it up pretty quick.

[DucksSnip]

if you want to play ice than play ice...roller hockey will kind of screw you up with the skating...if you have roller-blades get a cheap stick and puck and you can work or your stick handleing,shooting,passing, and some skateing stuff..but like i said being on ice is different, so if you have free time go down to the rink and get some skating in a couple times...(my guess is it will only take you 1 or 2 times to get used to skating.)im not sure where you live but if you live close to ontario where i play, PM me and i will give you more info about getting you out there and if you want i will meet up with you and we can work on some stuff till you feel comfortable...also i would recommend if you dont have extra money to drop on new gear...going to a play-it-again to pick up some cheap gear untill you find out what gear will work for you..hope this helps and dont be intimidated to get out there no matter what your skill level is...and you made a good choice you will never have more fun than playing ice hockey..

[adamrice23]

Thanks a lot for all of the tips. When I was younger I would roller blade all the time and I have ice skated a handful of times too and I haven't had a problem with that. I did want to know if it was better to start on ice if that is the ultimate goal and I get the sense that it is. I go to file my taxes on Friday and after I pay the Ducks for the playoffs I will see where I am at and then get a pair of skates and start going as often as I can.

DucksSnip, I live in Anaheim walking distance from the Ponda and a couple minutes from AI but I would certainly be willing to drive a bit to learn. I will keep you updated once I invest in some gear.

[Duckette]

Hockey 101 classes are the best Those and LOTS of public skates!

[DucksSnip]

DucksSnip, I live in Anaheim walking distance from the Ponda and a couple minutes from AI but I would certainly be willing to drive a bit to learn. I will keep you updated once I invest in some gear.

o cool, i have only played at AI a couple of times, but the hours there are a lot better than were i play....but at AI as far as actually playing is kind of tuff because there is always a ton of people and is usually pretty competitive....where i play during the stick time there is usually about 5-15 people so there is a lot of open ice and usually some good goalies out...also it is a GREAT rink, probably one of the better ice sheets around and it is owned by a former duck...tony seminov

[finagler]

I'm 37 and just took it up. I bought some skates and signed up for the Adult Advanced Hockey skating class at AI and it's a blast.

[adamrice23]

I was looking at skates online and wondering size wise, how does it relate to regular shoes?

[432j]

I was looking at skates online and wondering size wise, how does it relate to regular shoes?

Go some place you can try them on - Hockey Giant or Hockey Monkey/Monkey Sports, for example.

The problem isn't just sizing, but who a particular model fits. I have never been able to comfortably wear Bauer and can't wear Nike even now because of the fit in the arch. I've always been comfortable in CCM (haven't yet tried the Reebok version).

[DucksSnip]

I was looking at skates online and wondering size wise, how does it relate to regular shoes?

i would say go try some on but..the way the sizes usually work is if it is an american company, it has a true size (your regular shoe size) but if its not....it will run a size and a half smaller than your usual shoe size. but like 432j said, there are different widths, arches, and padding that people perfer over others...i use mission skates and they have whats called the "boot bake" which you put the boots in the oven and then put your foot in it and it will mold to your foot..i think that nike/bauer does it to.

Go some place you can try them on - Hockey Giant or Hockey Monkey/Monkey Sports, for example.

yeah if you live close to honda center you live very close to hockey giants as well...its on the west side of angels stadium on that little street that runs right next to the 5

[Duckette]

I was looking at skates online and wondering size wise, how does it relate to regular shoes?

In relation to regular shoes, the norm is 2 sizes down from your mens shoe size.

Example:

I wear a 9.5 in womens
That equals a 7.5 in mens
Which equals a 5.5 in skates.

Get it?

[Dutch Duck]

I just bought a new stick. How do you guys tape it up? Only the curve, or...?

[finagler]

In relation to regular shoes, the norm is 2 sizes down from your mens shoe size.

Example:

I wear a 9.5 in womens
That equals a 7.5 in mens
Which equals a 5.5 in skates.

Get it?

I wear 13 shoe, 10.5 skate. I'd highly recommend trying them on and getting them baked.

I just bought a new stick. How do you guys tape it up? Only the curve, or...?

http://stickshack.com/How-To-Tape.htm

[Dutch Duck]

http://stickshack.com/How-To-Tape.htm

Thanks! You're the best!

[Duckette]

Thanks! You're the best!

And as you progress through hockey, you'll learn to tape your stick in your own way. I tape the toe of my stick, then bring it up just past the heel. Everyone does it different.

[SacredCow]

I'm getting back into hockey after a couple of years away from it due to cost. The stick taping tips are great - thanks for posting those. I bought some horribly ugly tape that is white with red maple leafs on it - I figured it would be unique and easy to find. It's going to look ugly on the stick but who cares.

I have Nike skates - bought them online after going to a hockey shop to try them on. They were cheaper online, that's why I didn't buy them at the shop. They took a LONG time to break in and hurt the arches of my feet and my ankles a lot the first few dozen times I wore them. I even baked them so that they would fit better and it didn't help. They are fine now and I'm keeping them because I can't justify buying another pair when these work just fine but I will probably never buy Nike again. I'm not sure why I did in the first place to be honest with you.

I go with a wood stick because 1) I stink and 2) it's cheap. If/when I get good I'll look into a better stick but for now this is fine. There's actually a great store (Larry Robinson's Play It Again Sports) that sells old NHL sticks for dirt cheap prices. I got an Esa Pirnes out there for less than $10 and it's fantastic! My only worry is that I'll break it. It's so light, though, and is great to play with.

I play at the Glacial Gardens in Lakewood and didn't start until I was 29 or 30 so it's never too late. One of these days I'm going to go to the Ducks Fantasy Camp - probably in a couple of years when guys like Teemu are involved and I have a little more disposable cash.

To all those that play hockey, keep your stick on the ice, drive to the net and have fun!

[432j]

I go with a wood stick because 1) I stink and 2) it's cheap. If/when I get good I'll look into a better stick but for now this is fine. There's actually a great store (Larry Robinson's Play It Again Sports) that sells old NHL sticks for dirt cheap prices.

TPS makes some really nice all-wood sticks that sell for ~$20. I've picked some up at Hockey Giant and I really like them. They've got a nice flex and decent curve. I currently use a Perry model (although it is my backup stick).

Glad you're getting back on the rink.

[adamrice23]

Well, I have been VERY busy since I started this thread but this is the week I am going to go out and get some skates.. Taxes are paid and I have a bit extra! Should I go with a wood stick?

[Dutch Duck]

I bought some horribly ugly tape that is white with red maple leafs on it - I figured it would be unique and easy to find. It's going to look ugly on the stick but who cares.

Haha! Someone on my team has the same tape and it does look ugly. But original

[finagler]

I bought two CCM Vinnie Lecavalier composite sticks from hockey giant for $35 each. Pretty good deal for new composite sticks.

[Duckette]

Well, I have been VERY busy since I started this thread but this is the week I am going to go out and get some skates.. Taxes are paid and I have a bit extra! Should I go with a wood stick?

It really depends on your position, style of game and what you like Try holding different sticks, flexing them and see how you like them

[adamrice23]

Well I did it... I just got back from Hockey Giant and got some skates, a stick, some tape and a couple pucks... I got the Bauer Vapor XII... they baked them and set me all up.. the stick and everything out the door was around $170 so I don't think it was that bad... I am looking forward to getting out on the ice possibly even tonight down at AI, I know they have a session from 730-930 So I will see how it goes..

[adamrice23]

Well, just got back from some ice time... it was a lot of fun but depressing seeing little kids skating circles around me.... I think I am gunna take lessons there at AI and see how it goes... My feet are killing me, and it was very hard on my ankles, I am hoping they get used to it.