Beer Leagues, Gear, and other Non-Pro Related Items

Dummy Hoy

Angry Pissbum
SoSH Member
Jul 22, 2006
8,232
Falmouth
I love that.

Same game last night, other team goes down and scores twice in a minute to take a 4-3 lead. We roll out, snap the puck around, get two right back, and change up. I look down the bench at the guy that’s our best player (he played in Europe in some Scandinavian second division, but he’s in his 50s now) and realize he didn’t touch the puck the whole shift.
 

wiffleballhero

Member
SoSH Member
Mar 28, 2009
4,536
In the simulacrum
My quads burn during league games, during pick-up I'm fine.

Sometimes I feel like I am skating faster during pick-up than in games. What gives?

I suspect I am actually faster in games, but take it more seriously and so I don't notice my personal failures on the back check during pick up, but I don't know?

I would love to have a game where I feel like I am able to rip through my shifts all night but it almost always is a burning, jelly-legged experience by the end. Any ideas?

More bananas? Smelling salts? Drinking baking soda? More squats? Skate like less of a lunatic during my shifts so I have the gas when I need it?

The weird thing is that unlike previous years, this year I got myself in shape and so by the time I am out of the locker room I am ready to play another game -- I'm fine, Iike I had hardly been on the ice?
 

santadevil

wears depends
Silver Supporter
SoSH Member
Aug 1, 2006
6,473
Saskatchestan
My quads burn during league games, during pick-up I'm fine.

Sometimes I feel like I am skating faster during pick-up than in games. What gives?


I suspect I am actually faster in games, but take it more seriously and so I don't notice my personal failures on the back check during pick up, but I don't know?

I would love to have a game where I feel like I am able to rip through my shifts all night but it almost always is a burning, jelly-legged experience by the end. Any ideas?

More bananas? Smelling salts? Drinking baking soda? More squats? Skate like less of a lunatic during my shifts so I have the gas when I need it?

The weird thing is that unlike previous years, this year I got myself in shape and so by the time I am out of the locker room I am ready to play another game -- I'm fine, Iike I had hardly been on the ice?
Less fucks to give in pick up?



We played last night. 7 skaters on our side, 2 full lines on the opposing. Other than our goalie I was the only one that didn't score for our team. Had 4 good one timers, goalie, missed slightly wide, broke my kid's teachers' ankle (not really, but went and apologized) and then off an opposing players sticks, which sounded like I broke it.

I'm a fairly mediocre player on a decent team, especially with a few of the guys we had out last night. But I can score. I've always been able to score, but last night, absolutely nothing. Had a couple partial breaks, some other good chances, but the goalie had my number last night, even though he didn't have any one else's. We likely could've played with an empty net and still won if they scored on all of their shots. Got a bit boring other than guys trying to set me up over and over at the end
 

changer591

Member
SoSH Member
Jul 19, 2005
971
Shrewsbury, MA
So after years of being a mediocre to terrible casual goalie, I treated myself over the holiday break and sprung for some shiny new skater equipment, took the ice for the first time ever, and realized that none of my "skills" as a goalie carried over to being a skater except trying to block pucks on my knees. I can skate ok, but holding a stick the right way makes me feel like writing with my left hand (for the record, I'm a right-handed). I have little to no stick-handling skills to speak of, and that is where I'd like to see if anyone has any little exercises I can do to work on that off the ice. Just simple things I can do at home...my hand-eye coordination is pretty decent, but I would say my hand-eye-skates coordination is quite poor.
Unfortunately, I only have time to get on the ice once a week when some buddies from work go during our lunch break...luckily, they are all more or less beginners too.
Any tips, advice would be appreciated!
 

wiffleballhero

Member
SoSH Member
Mar 28, 2009
4,536
In the simulacrum
As for the question, I'd just get a hockey ball and stick handle on the street or someplace where you don't care about the floor getting trashed. Or take a puck to a really smooth surface and stick handle -- shoot against the wall of your garage if you can. I've done that and sprayed the puck with silicone so it has a smoother glide.

There is the old piece of linoleum move too. That will give you a smooth surface to work on.

Also, you could play lefty. Lots of right handed people shoot lefty. It stands to reason that if you have played goal that might make things easier.
 

changer591

Member
SoSH Member
Jul 19, 2005
971
Shrewsbury, MA
That Super Deker looks cool, but unfortunately is also like $270. I do have a hockey ball that I got with all my equipment, but I find that I am able to play with it pretty well, but once on the ice with a real puck, all of my skills go out the window. But you might be onto something with getting something nice and smooth and just messing around on that in a small space. Thanks for the advice!
 

kenneycb

Hates Goose Island Beer; Loves Backdoor Play
SoSH Member
Dec 2, 2006
16,090
Tuukka's refugee camp
You can even use a golf ball on a hard floor. It’s loud, so be cautious of that, and not quite the same as handling a puck but it gets the general motion, which it seems like is the bigger issue.
 

RIFan

Member
SoSH Member
Jul 19, 2005
3,087
Rhode Island
I broke my ankle 3.5 months ago in a game. I've been using a bosu ball in my rehab and recently started doing some stick handling standing on it upside down. I think the bosu ball is a better option than a rocker board because you can also balance on one leg and do the drills. It definitely adds a challenge and has been hugely helpful.

My stick skills before getting hurt weren't exactly good, so I've been focusing on the basics. I hadn't realized how badly my grip had shifted from good positioning and I was really under using my top hand. I've been doing a lot of top hand only stick handling to get better wrist action. Just with those 2 things (grip and top hand drill) I've seen a huge improvement (at least off ice). It felt awkward to hold the stick differently and my hands were sore after a few minutes at first, but after a week those thing cleared up. Hopefully I get cleared this week to get back on the ice and find out if it's helped for real.
 

tonyandpals

Well-Known Member
Lifetime Member
SoSH Member
Mar 18, 2004
7,856
Burlington
For the stick handling they make some decent plastic pucks that are weighted well and work well in a garage or on the driveway. That superdeker is cool, just pricey and out of stock everywhere since well before Christmas.

My resolution was to get back on the ice at least once a week this year, after close to two years off. Been 'skating' at a few of my 8yos practices, which is enough to let me know I could still stand up. I was worried about keeping up so I did some D+ - C+ stinkysocks skate to get back in, and aside from being gassed, felt pretty good. Two days later was pretty tight, but not bad. It was still frustrating out there when you tell your body to do one thing and it simply doesn't happen. Gathered a loose puck behind the net, saw the open ice and a nice path to break out on my own, only to wash out in front of the net leaving a them a nice 2 on 0. This week was much better with a different group of guys, a little more laid back, 3 sitting on each side which was perfect. If anyone is looking to skate in the Woburn area LMK. We have some room on Wednesday nights.
 

locknload

Member
SoSH Member
Jul 14, 2005
3,773
Haverhill MA
That Super Deker looks cool, but unfortunately is also like $270. I do have a hockey ball that I got with all my equipment, but I find that I am able to play with it pretty well, but once on the ice with a real puck, all of my skills go out the window. But you might be onto something with getting something nice and smooth and just messing around on that in a small space. Thanks for the advice!
Pm your address and I'll send you a swedeish stick handling ball. They are essentially wooden balls that are grossly overpriced at your local hockey shop ($8 but work awesome for stick handling inside. One good exercise is to dribble and stick handle in front of you while watching TV. It fixed you to use your peripheral vision on the ball while keeping your head up and focused on something other than your stick handling much like you have to do on the ice. When you get good add a couple of plastic cups and go between them.

As for super dekers they are crazy fun but expensive. Well be holding a superdeker tournament in the spring.ro benefit the penalty box foundation
 

wiffleballhero

Member
SoSH Member
Mar 28, 2009
4,536
In the simulacrum
How do you all dry your gear?

Although this was genuinely hilarious to me...

Yesterday my wife took off to do some errands and pick up the kids. I knew she was going to be gone at least three hours, and at the time I had a nice little fire going in the woodstove, I had the overhead fan on and so it seemed to me that I had some optimal gear drying conditions (with nobody in the house, too!). I splayed everything out so it could be all cozy by the fire. I let it dry and then I repacked it up with time to spare!

My wife comes through the door and before she has even taken her hand off the door knob she is yelling, "that is so FUCKING gross! You have got to get that shit outta here!" And then she spent the next 20 minutes stomping around the house, covering her nose with her shirt, the whole nine yards (and the kicker was that the gear already was packed up).

In the past I have gone to my local laundry mat and thrown gear into a big dryer, stinking the whole place up (I really try to go when nobody else is there). Weather permitting I stick it outside in the sun, even in cold weather. But I wonder if there is a better way!
 

TFP

Moderator
Moderator
SoSH Member
Dec 10, 2007
20,380
I put out my skates and towel/clothing in the garage, or throw it in the dryer if it's super cold out. Leave the rest in the bag.
 

LogansDad

Member
SoSH Member
Nov 15, 2006
29,152
Alamogordo
We bought equipment hangers, put up hooks in the garage and hang everything up, spray with lysol as soon as we get home. I want to say they are from a company called Hang My Gear. They work great.
 

wiffleballhero

Member
SoSH Member
Mar 28, 2009
4,536
In the simulacrum
My garage is detached, covered in snow and about the same as leaving the bag in the trunk.

I put out my skates and towel/clothing in the garage, or throw it in the dryer if it's super cold out. Leave the rest in the bag.
If I put my gear in our dryer I think I might be put in the family penalty box with a five minute major. Maybe a game misconduct!
 

VORP Speed

Member
SoSH Member
Apr 23, 2010
6,633
Ground Zero
This is a random question, but I figured maybe this was a good place for it.

Can an adult who's never skated pick up skating well enough to get by in some super low quality pickup league...or is that just impossible?

Background: I'm in my mid-forties and overall pretty athletic and in good shape. I've been on ice skates maybe 5 times in my entire life. My younger kids are getting really into hockey and I find myself spending ridiculous amounts of time hanging around rinks. I look like I'd make a hell of a defenseman, I guess, and all these hockey dads are always trying to get me to come out to some kind of men's skate and telling me I'll just pick it up, etc. I think they're full of shit, but let's say I were to get out on skates for an hour a week for say 6 months or something, maybe take a couple of lessons or whatever, could I actually pick it up? I rented some skates over the holidays and went out with my kids and I basically was able to skate around the rink without holding onto the boards, but not do anything fancy like stopping.
 

LogansDad

Member
SoSH Member
Nov 15, 2006
29,152
Alamogordo
I am 39, and just started 8 or so months ago. I am taking a beginner class, but have outgrown it and will hopefully be joining our bronze level league next month, as long as finances allow it.

I had skated a bit in high school, but, like you , mostly along the boards, and never knew how to stop. I would say if you are interested, see if your local rink has a free one time clinic or something.... I'm willing to bet that once you start, you won't ever want to stop.
 

Salem's Lot

Andy Moog! Andy God Damn Moog!
SoSH Member
Jul 15, 2005
14,466
Gallows Hill
This is a random question, but I figured maybe this was a good place for it.

Can an adult who's never skated pick up skating well enough to get by in some super low quality pickup league...or is that just impossible?

Background: I'm in my mid-forties and overall pretty athletic and in good shape. I've been on ice skates maybe 5 times in my entire life. My younger kids are getting really into hockey and I find myself spending ridiculous amounts of time hanging around rinks. I look like I'd make a hell of a defenseman, I guess, and all these hockey dads are always trying to get me to come out to some kind of men's skate and telling me I'll just pick it up, etc. I think they're full of shit, but let's say I were to get out on skates for an hour a week for say 6 months or something, maybe take a couple of lessons or whatever, could I actually pick it up? I rented some skates over the holidays and went out with my kids and I basically was able to skate around the rink without holding onto the boards, but not do anything fancy like stopping.
Short answer yes, depending on your location. There are plenty of learn to play adult hockey programs and low level leagues in areas where Rec hockey is popular. It all depends on if you have a couple of hours per week to put into it. There is a really good league for that if you’re in MA or NH called MA Hockey League that does a 1 hour skills clinic then a 1 hour rookie league men’s league game and various rinks.
 

TFP

Moderator
Moderator
SoSH Member
Dec 10, 2007
20,380
My garage is detached, covered in snow and about the same as leaving the bag in the trunk.



If I put my gear in our dryer I think I might be put in the family penalty box with a five minute major. Maybe a game misconduct!
Yeah - sounds like you're in a tough spot. For years I lived in the city in a small apartment, which meant either keeping it in my trunk or in a closet (without ever opening the bag). My trunk basically absorbed the smell permanently, thankfully the car was older and beat up that I drove into the ground.

Having a regular garage now is a godsend.
 

wiffleballhero

Member
SoSH Member
Mar 28, 2009
4,536
In the simulacrum
This is a random question, but I figured maybe this was a good place for it.

Can an adult who's never skated pick up skating well enough to get by in some super low quality pickup league...or is that just impossible?

Background: I'm in my mid-forties and overall pretty athletic and in good shape. I've been on ice skates maybe 5 times in my entire life. My younger kids are getting really into hockey and I find myself spending ridiculous amounts of time hanging around rinks. I look like I'd make a hell of a defenseman, I guess, and all these hockey dads are always trying to get me to come out to some kind of men's skate and telling me I'll just pick it up, etc. I think they're full of shit, but let's say I were to get out on skates for an hour a week for say 6 months or something, maybe take a couple of lessons or whatever, could I actually pick it up? I rented some skates over the holidays and went out with my kids and I basically was able to skate around the rink without holding onto the boards, but not do anything fancy like stopping.
I agree, too, that you can do this, but it will be WAY easier if you are in a location with easy access to ice. At your level there will be an enormous upside to just going to someplace where you can simply skate around and get used to skating. Find a pond? I'd also pick up some roller blades and be ready to skate outside when the weather turns (or right now if you are in a warmer climate). At lower levels (say an adult learn-to-play/ C level) the only thing that matters is skating. The stick handling and shooting looks like it is about at the level of gym floor hockey from what I've seen.
 

Dummy Hoy

Angry Pissbum
SoSH Member
Jul 22, 2006
8,232
Falmouth
This is a random question, but I figured maybe this was a good place for it.

Can an adult who's never skated pick up skating well enough to get by in some super low quality pickup league...or is that just impossible?
Yes, do it. You'll suck, but as long as you get over that and just keep coming out, you'll get better and have a blast. I know a bunch of people who started at 40 or whatever because of their kids and are now hooked. Best game on earth.

Yeah - sounds like you're in a tough spot. For years I lived in the city in a small apartment, which meant either keeping it in my trunk or in a closet (without ever opening the bag). My trunk basically absorbed the smell permanently, thankfully the car was older and beat up that I drove into the ground.

Having a regular garage now is a godsend.
I use the workbench in my garage and lay everything out. When I was in the city I used my balcony...anything inside wasn't going to cut it.
 

VORP Speed

Member
SoSH Member
Apr 23, 2010
6,633
Ground Zero
Thanks for all the feedback. I'm in CT and there are lots of rinks around, so access to ice is pretty good. Lots of open skates/family skates, etc. Getting out there regularly is definitely doable. I'll go buy some skates and we'll see how it goes!!
 

LogansDad

Member
SoSH Member
Nov 15, 2006
29,152
Alamogordo
Just for reference. this is what we use: https://www.hangyourgear.com

It's nice because the gear takes up so much less space than it would if we just left it out somewhere. I can't imagine leaving stuff in my bag, because I stink like holy hell when I am done skating.
 

LogansDad

Member
SoSH Member
Nov 15, 2006
29,152
Alamogordo
Thanks for all the feedback. I'm in CT and there are lots of rinks around, so access to ice is pretty good. Lots of open skates/family skates, etc. Getting out there regularly is definitely doable. I'll go buy some skates and we'll see how it goes!!
Honestly, I was terrified of it all at first. I had NO IDEA how to stop. If you take a lesson, it will likely be the first thing they teach you (you will start with a snowplow, and then eventually be able to "hockey stop" on your strong side, and someday you might even be able to stop on your weak side). Once you can stop it becomes a lot more enjoyable. I was hooked from our first lesson, and now part of my budget (and my choice of where to retire) revolves around making sure I can keep playing.
 

McDrew

Set Adrift on Memory Bliss
SoSH Member
Apr 11, 2006
4,060
Portland, OR
Thanks for all the feedback. I'm in CT and there are lots of rinks around, so access to ice is pretty good. Lots of open skates/family skates, etc. Getting out there regularly is definitely doable. I'll go buy some skates and we'll see how it goes!!
I picked up disc golf as a 34 year old. The thing that got me started was having a friend play and me asking him if I could join him for a round. I did and I've played about a round a week since. Just try it and you'll know if its something you can motivate yourself to put that energy into.
 

Grogan's NeckRol

Member
SoSH Member
Aug 29, 2007
107
Thanks for all the feedback. I'm in CT and there are lots of rinks around, so access to ice is pretty good. Lots of open skates/family skates, etc. Getting out there regularly is definitely doable. I'll go buy some skates and we'll see how it goes!!
Are there other dads in the same boat? I was in the exact same situation six or seven years ago with the kids getting into a hockey in a hockey town. I did a clinic to get the basics down but then ended up hooking up with 5 or 6 other dads that also wanted to learn to play. We started renting a small sheet with a teacher and that eventually morphed into a full sheet and we know have 20 plus guys close enough in skill to have around 16 guys show up at 5 a.m. (D leaguers do not get prime ice time) on Fridays and it's a total blast. We also formed a D league team to play in NESHL and since most of the guys on the team never played the atmosphere is super light making it a ton of fun. The giant cooler of beers also helps. I bet there is a critical mass of other ankle benders you could recruit.
 

kenneycb

Hates Goose Island Beer; Loves Backdoor Play
SoSH Member
Dec 2, 2006
16,090
Tuukka's refugee camp
Are there other dads in the same boat? I was in the exact same situation six or seven years ago with the kids getting into a hockey in a hockey town. I did a clinic to get the basics down but then ended up hooking up with 5 or 6 other dads that also wanted to learn to play. We started renting a small sheet with a teacher and that eventually morphed into a full sheet and we know have 20 plus guys close enough in skill to have around 16 guys show up at 5 a.m. (D leaguers do not get prime ice time) on Fridays and it's a total blast. We also formed a D league team to play in NESHL and since most of the guys on the team never played the atmosphere is super light making it a ton of fun. The giant cooler of beers also helps. I bet there is a critical mass of other ankle benders you could recruit.
Few things taste better than that first sip of a postgame beer when you're absolutely spent. One of the best parts of men's league and a tradition unlike any other.
 

RIFan

Member
SoSH Member
Jul 19, 2005
3,087
Rhode Island
Thanks for all the feedback. I'm in CT and there are lots of rinks around, so access to ice is pretty good. Lots of open skates/family skates, etc. Getting out there regularly is definitely doable. I'll go buy some skates and we'll see how it goes!!
Definitely do it. I started around 40. Started when one of the other hockey dad's told me he signed up for an intro to hockey and told me "you're coming with me". You probably won't have trouble finding a few dads and moms to give it a try. The best thing about getting as many of the parents on your kids team doing this is that they are much more likely to shut up and stop asking their kids why they didn't do something when they learn how freaking hard it is.

I'd suggest really trying to find an adult learn to skate that transitions into learn to play. You'll enjoy it a lot more if you develop some basic skills. Also, don't go crazy on equipment. 2nd hand stores are great. Final thing, wear a cage. No one at the novice level can control their sticks.
 

VORP Speed

Member
SoSH Member
Apr 23, 2010
6,633
Ground Zero
You guys have me fired up to try this skating thing. Well, as fired up as you can be while sitting in a freezing rink watching a 6:30am Mite game. I don’t know if they have goons in the novice league, but that’s my goal now.
 

TSC

SoSH's Doug Neidermeyer
SoSH Member
Oct 25, 2007
12,280
Between here and everywhere.
You guys have me fired up to try this skating thing. Well, as fired up as you can be while sitting in a freezing rink watching a 6:30am Mite game. I don’t know if they have goons in the novice league, but that’s my goal now.
I'm late to this - but you absolutely can do it.

A good friend of mine is a Marine vet who was separated from the military due to super serious back issues he suffered in Iraq. He was in his early 30's when he started taking learn to skate classes. Within 2-3 years he was good enough to play on a C league team and didn't look totally out of place.

It's not going to be your age that hinders you, it'll be your commitment to learning and how much time you're willing to spend on the ice. My buddy plays in 3 leagues now, and is on the ice 3-4 times a week. So his learning curve was pretty steep - but it certainly can be done.

You'll be fine. Go out there and have some fun.
 

Fred not Lynn

Dick Button Jr.
SoSH Member
Jul 13, 2005
5,253
Alberta
A lukewarm Pilsner* transmogfies into nectar of the hockey Gods in the locker room during the game.

And when I say “Pilsner” I don’t mean the general style of beer, I mean the cheap-ass Western Canadian brand.
 

Old Fart Tree

the maven of meat
Lifetime Member
SoSH Member
Jan 10, 2001
14,030
Boulder, CO
Everybody knows that the Oakland rink is way better run because it’s Sharks Ice and they are with Hockey USA. But they still prefer the terribly run SF league because the Zamboni guy takes your beers during the game and dumps them into a bucket of water, then throws a shovel full of ice onto it so they’re nice and frosty when you come back.

It’s magical.
 

kenneycb

Hates Goose Island Beer; Loves Backdoor Play
SoSH Member
Dec 2, 2006
16,090
Tuukka's refugee camp
The rink my brother played at apparently had to start validating parking because of all the smash and grabs. Not surprisingly the league/rink was very reluctant to do that because most leagues/rinks are run by cheap assholes. Or maybe I'm letting my NESHL experience extremely cloud my views.
 

santadevil

wears depends
Silver Supporter
SoSH Member
Aug 1, 2006
6,473
Saskatchestan
A lukewarm Pilsner* transmogfies into nectar of the hockey Gods in the locker room during the game.

And when I say “Pilsner” I don’t mean the general style of beer, I mean the cheap-ass Western Canadian brand.
Not for me. I hate Pilsner. To the point that I won't drink it, ever.
Even when I'm wickedly hammered during our year end Over 30 tourney. Pilsner is terrible and even drunk Santa knows that
 

tonyandpals

Well-Known Member
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SoSH Member
Mar 18, 2004
7,856
Burlington
Tracked a goalie down, but they just asked me if I knew any refs as the one they had can't make it. Anyone with reffing experience want to do a game tomorrow at 8:45AM?