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

TSC

SoSH's Doug Neidermeyer
SoSH Member
Oct 25, 2007
12,280
Between here and everywhere.
Won.

Champions. We beat the Chicago team 5-3 in the final. Beating them was extra sweet because their team was full of assholes.

Our first game with them had something 100 PIM, and their second game ended in a huge line brawl where 12 players total were ejected. They were chippy and shitty all weekend so beating them made a lot of other teams happy.

My team was an absolute wagon. We won 6-4, 7-1, 14-5, 6-2, and then 5-3 today. We were never once down a goal, and pretty much carried play all weekend.

What a fun, and awesome time.
 
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TheRealness

Member
SoSH Member
Feb 8, 2006
11,694
The Dirty Shire
Won.

Champions. We beat the Chicago team 5-3 in the final. Beating them was extra sweet because their team was full of assholes.

Our first game with them had something 100 PIM, and their second game ended in a huge line brawl where 12 players total were ejected. They were chippy and shitty all weekend so beating them made a lot of other teams happy.

My team was an absolute wagon. We won 6-4, 7-1, 14-5, 6-2, and then 5-3 today. We were never once down a goal, and pretty much carried play all weekend.

What a fun, and awesome time.
I am late to this, but I saw that great photo of you on twitter taking the shot, and wearing #73 and meant to provide a witty reply, but alas, I failed... until now...

"Justy Bright Lights"

Annnnnnnnnnddddd

Fin
 

DourDoerr

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Oct 15, 2004
2,937
Berkeley, CA
Thanks tonyandpals and dummyhoy. So it's fairly represented in the east too. If my whole team hadn't uprooted to the 3on3, I'd probably still be playing on the standard ice. Good group of guys though and we've been playing together 15+ years, so that's the overriding consideration. And you're right - it's a heckuva workout. You do learn how to quickly deal the puck as there's always someone right on you.
 
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TSC

SoSH's Doug Neidermeyer
SoSH Member
Oct 25, 2007
12,280
Between here and everywhere.
Congrats TSC. We need a guy if you want to fly up and play another one this weekend :)
Oof. I'm playing in the BFit Heroes Tourney next weekend (12-14) up in Marlboro, otherwise I might consider it.

I am late to this, but I saw that great photo of you on twitter taking the shot, and wearing #73 and meant to provide a witty reply, but alas, I failed... until now...

"Justy Bright Lights"

Annnnnnnnnnddddd

Fin
That was a pretty sweet picture, eh?



If anyone else is interested in reading about the tournament we just played in, NHL.com did a story about it here:

https://www.nhl.com/news/usa-hockey-disabled-hockey-festival-grows-stronger/c-306318312

But this is what it's all about, eh?

 

TFP

Moderator
Moderator
SoSH Member
Dec 10, 2007
20,380
Which team are you on next weekend? My buddy and teammate created the tourney and I have a bunch of friends playing in it. I’ll liekly be around for some of it.
 

TSC

SoSH's Doug Neidermeyer
SoSH Member
Oct 25, 2007
12,280
Between here and everywhere.
Which team are you on next weekend? My buddy and teammate created the tourney and I have a bunch of friends playing in it. I’ll liekly be around for some of it.
I'm on the Capital Beltway Warriors. We're playing Hudson fire on Friday, Franklin Police and Fire Saturday afternoon, and Transit Police Saturday night.

Let me know when you'll be around. We can grab a drink.
 

LogansDad

Member
SoSH Member
Nov 15, 2006
29,049
Alamogordo
Got my first league game under my belt, won 4-0, which is a big deal because the team I am playing on went 1-22 in their winter season. I played defense, and didn't account for any of the points, but I think I acquitted myself relatively well with some pretty nice keep ins at the offensive blue line, a couple of shots, and managed to not get pinned in the zone too long at all. I'm still working the backwards crossovers (and really control going backwards), but I think I only got really badly out of position once, when I didn't notice the other team was changing lines in the 2nd period and they ended up with a guy on a breakaway.

Had one instance where me and a player from the other team turned into each other and went head to head, so it's nice to know the helmet works, and I didn't get taken off my feet by anyone, including myself, so I am pretty happy with how the game went. Our goalie was fucking stellar.

I kind of just want to spend the rest of my life playing hockey after my retirement, but I'm really not sure that's a realistic living style.
 

LogansDad

Member
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Nov 15, 2006
29,049
Alamogordo
I think that sounds like the best, most rational, well considered plan possible. Live the dream! Move to within walking distance of a rink.
Ha, if it weren't for the fact I have to support three kids for another 7 years (at least), I absolutely would, but alas, my military retirement will only be me moving on to another career... hopefully one that pays real money.
 

wiffleballhero

Member
SoSH Member
Mar 28, 2009
4,528
In the simulacrum
Joking aside, I am 46 and wondering how long I can play. I know some guys who are in their early 60s who are still playing. A couple of these guys are still really, really good despite not being in great shape. You can see that at one point they were amazing: they still have good hands and they 'see' the ice well, and even losing straight line speed, are still high quality skaters. So I wonder what that means for someone like me who does not do any of those things well?

But on the other hand, hockey is such a joy of not pounding on my knees and back, I feel like I should be able to play until I am dead (unlike tennis, where there is -- ironically -- no contact but brutal rotational issues on my shoulder and slamming issues on my knees!).
 

LogansDad

Member
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Nov 15, 2006
29,049
Alamogordo
I feel the exact same way. Indidn't start until last year at 38, but I watch the old guy league on Saturdays here and I'm glad tgat I will hopefully be able to keep going for a long time, as long as I don't die. I feel like I am just now finally starting to find my edges, and getting to where I can make some real improvement. I look forward to the next 40 years of playing.
 

tonyandpals

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Mar 18, 2004
7,856
Burlington
Ran the table in a tourney this weekend, 4-0. Played the same team twice on Sunday as we were both 2-0 going into the day. We beat them 3-2 in the first game on a late goal, but smoked them 6-0 in the final. We were 21/2 gf/ga. Our goalie was amazing and our D was a wall.
 

soup17

Member
SoSH Member
Jul 15, 2005
242
Joking aside, I am 46 and wondering how long I can play. I know some guys who are in their early 60s who are still playing. A couple of these guys are still really, really good despite not being in great shape. You can see that at one point they were amazing: they still have good hands and they 'see' the ice well, and even losing straight line speed, are still high quality skaters. So I wonder what that means for someone like me who does not do any of those things well?

But on the other hand, hockey is such a joy of not pounding on my knees and back, I feel like I should be able to play until I am dead (unlike tennis, where there is -- ironically -- no contact but brutal rotational issues on my shoulder and slamming issues on my knees!).
I feel the exact same way. Indidn't start until last year at 38, but I watch the old guy league on Saturdays here and I'm glad tgat I will hopefully be able to keep going for a long time, as long as I don't die. I feel like I am just now finally starting to find my edges, and getting to where I can make some real improvement. I look forward to the next 40 years of playing.
I'm 53 (goalie) and still play in a C1 league (not Masters yet) - 50 used to sound REALLY old to me, but I have no plans to quit. Getting back up after going down is hard, but I have dropped 15 lbs and plan to drop 15 more and it has really made a difference. I thought my last pads & gloves would be my LAST ever, but I am looking at a new catcher right now. I plan to play at least 6 years more so I can play with my now 15 year old at least a couple years in beer league. I can't imagine life without it.
 

Dummy Hoy

Angry Pissbum
SoSH Member
Jul 22, 2006
8,232
Falmouth
I'm 53 (goalie) and still play in a C1 league (not Masters yet) - 50 used to sound REALLY old to me, but I have no plans to quit. Getting back up after going down is hard, but I have dropped 15 lbs and plan to drop 15 more and it has really made a difference. I thought my last pads & gloves would be my LAST ever, but I am looking at a new catcher right now. I plan to play at least 6 years more so I can play with my now 15 year old at least a couple years in beer league. I can't imagine life without it.
I'm 42 and the goalie on my 40+ team graduated college (where he played competitive D3) when I was 6. So you're good.

I used to skate in South Boston with a goalie who must have been in his 70s...he could barely move. But he was there every week and loved it, so you get over the fact that he wasn't too hard to score on clean. I once came in forehand, went backhand-forehand and hit him with my shots as he was just starting to slide over for the backhand deke. Heck of a guy though, and I can't wait to be repping like he did (or hopefully still does)
 

wiffleballhero

Member
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Mar 28, 2009
4,528
In the simulacrum
I'm playing until my team wins our league.

This year, when the commissioner brought out the cup for the winners, there were a couple guys in street clothes who had gone off the roster but came for the game, wearing their team's shirt and on the ice just for the ceremony. I'm hoping it does not take that long -- or come to that.

We were a period and a half away. Just couldn't score.

I'm not thrilled about the fact that the youngest guy on my team was born after I was out of college.
 

tonyandpals

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Mar 18, 2004
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Burlington
I also share the same goal of playing into my 50s, just so I can play in a beer league with my son. I had the chance to do that with my dad and it was great. He was only 46 when I was 21. I'll be 53 when mine turns 21. Still very doable.
 

Salem's Lot

Andy Moog! Andy God Damn Moog!
SoSH Member
Jul 15, 2005
14,461
Gallows Hill
I also share the same goal of playing into my 50s, just so I can play in a beer league with my son. I had the chance to do that with my dad and it was great. He was only 46 when I was 21. I'll be 53 when mine turns 21. Still very doable.
Oldest guy in my league is 56. I don’t know how he does it. I’m 39 and if I can play until I’m 50 then assess year to year I’ll be very happy.
 

Dummy Hoy

Angry Pissbum
SoSH Member
Jul 22, 2006
8,232
Falmouth
I also share the same goal of playing into my 50s, just so I can play in a beer league with my son. I had the chance to do that with my dad and it was great. He was only 46 when I was 21. I'll be 53 when mine turns 21. Still very doable.
I never got to play with my dad...he played a lot when he was younger (my grandfather played beer league goalie into his late 50s) but never really after he had me. He still loves the game (went to all of my games when I was coaching HS), but just never got back on the ice. My son is 6, so I figure I'll be 52 and still playing when he's 16. Can't wait. Even just getting him out during open stick time is great.
 

RIFan

Member
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Jul 19, 2005
3,087
Rhode Island
I'm 51 and broke my leg and tore up my ankle last fall while playing. My wife assumed that would be the end of it. I got back on the ice 4 months after surgery and will rejoin my team for the summer league. I will attest that playing with your kid in a beer league is a tremendous experience. We snuck him in last summer as a 17 year old and it was a blast playing along side of him. He comes to pickup with me when he can and lights it up. Much more enjoyable being on the ice when he scores than when I score myself. I had hoped to have him on the team this summer before he leaves for college, but the team didn't have a slot for him without bumping a someone who played in the winter league. (Still working the captain on this.)

I 100% endorse hanging around until you get the opportunity to be a teammate to your kid. Now I just need to stick it out another 4 years until he comes back (hopefully) and we can be teammates again. After that 60 will be a nice round number to shoot for and then 65 and then 70.......

Also, one of our pickup goalies is 65. Guy is a little on the small side and in great shape. 1st time I played with him I thought he was a young guy because he moved so well.
 

santadevil

wears depends
Silver Supporter
SoSH Member
Aug 1, 2006
6,472
Saskatchestan
Our big year end tournament started last night. It's hosted by the Estevan Strippers, so the tournament is called the Strippers.
Our team plays it's first game in a couple hours, which I'm pretty excited for. I'm not
Best place to get injured is the year end non-contact tournament when guys play for glory.

Our team age ranges between 30 (youngest you can be in our league) to 54.
Our average team age for the tournament, which is posted each year in the program is 40.1. Which still puts us on the younger side a bit.
A few years back we were the youngest team in the tournament at 37.8 (fluctuations due to guys moving up and adding new guys).

This is a heck of a fun weekend, Master's is on, lots of drinking and hanging out.
 

Fred not Lynn

Dick Button Jr.
SoSH Member
Jul 13, 2005
5,253
Alberta
I also share the same goal of playing into my 50s, just so I can play in a beer league with my son. I had the chance to do that with my dad and it was great. He was only 46 when I was 21. I'll be 53 when mine turns 21. Still very doable.
I am 53 and play. I need to get out more, for sure - just been doing shinny lately, need to get on a team though.
 

wiffleballhero

Member
SoSH Member
Mar 28, 2009
4,528
In the simulacrum
I play in a B league where the connected A league above us is simply too good: former NHL players down through recent college players. But that makes for a funny B league where some of the best players in the league are actually pretty old -- they come down. We have plenty of old guys who stink too though. I want to avoid being one of them, still floating along out there, thinking I might still have it (wait! that might already be the deal!).

Also, full contact? For adults? I've never heard of a league that allows that. At most I've seen 'contact' where you can rub people off the puck, but real checking? I'd like to see the insurance policy for that league.
 

kenneycb

Hates Goose Island Beer; Loves Backdoor Play
SoSH Member
Dec 2, 2006
16,089
Tuukka's refugee camp
I don't think I could play full contact anymore, and not even from the getting hurt POV. I throw way too many buddy passes nowadays because I don't have to worry about my teammate getting blown up.
 

santadevil

wears depends
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Aug 1, 2006
6,472
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Wait, you mean SOME of your season includes full-contact hockey at those ages?
No, we're fully non-contact all year, but when you get some out of town teams at this tournament, they don't know the guys they are playing against and start to bump and hack a bit more. In the 8 years I've played in the tournament, I've been drilled 3 times, always against an out of town team.

We lost game 1 last night 4-3 against a local team. Hell of a game. Bit scrappy towards the end, our oldest guy (54) got his helmet ripped off his head in front of their net with about 15 seconds left to play. Good times. We're all still friends afterwards.
 

PedroSpecialK

Comes at you like a tornado of hair and the NHL sa
SoSH Member
Dec 12, 2004
27,164
Cambridge, MA
Anyone know of rinks around Boston (ideally south or west) that are still open and offer free or paid open ice for stick and puck? Got a few weeks in limbo so trying to get by skating legs back before the fall... all the DCR rinks seem to be closed (Neponset, Cleveland Circle, etc)
 

Dummy Hoy

Angry Pissbum
SoSH Member
Jul 22, 2006
8,232
Falmouth
Wait, rinks out there close in the summer? Maybe I will just stay out here when I retire.
Most of the old MDC rinks do...a few others. There are still a bunch that stay open though. I skate year round.

Thanks - coming from Dorchester. I'll give them a call tomorrow morning
QYA used to have a mid day skate for $5...I’d check in with canton ice house too...Boch is open. Hingham too.
 

PedroSpecialK

Comes at you like a tornado of hair and the NHL sa
SoSH Member
Dec 12, 2004
27,164
Cambridge, MA
Can't overstate how awesome (and eventually exhausting) it felt to just be back out and skating / shooting around. I'm hooked
 

LogansDad

Member
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Nov 15, 2006
29,049
Alamogordo
Had my best game so far as RW tonight. 4 shots on goal, good passing in all 3 zones, feels like I'm getting better. The pace in league is a lot faster than it was in my learn to play scrimmages, but I'm getting there. Played a pretty nasty team, last years champions, and won 3-2. 4-1 on the season now, just a huge improvement for these guys from last year.
 
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tonyandpals

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Mar 18, 2004
7,856
Burlington
Had my best game so far as RW tonight. 4 shots on goal, good passing in all 3 zones, feels like I'm getting better. The pace in league is a lot faster than it was in my learn to play scrimmages, but I'm getting there. Played a pretty nasty team, last years champions, and won 3-2. 4-1 on the season now, just a huge improvement for these guys from last year.
Hang on for the ride, you're in deep now. I see $300 composites in your future.
 

Monbo Jumbo

Hates the crockpot
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Dec 5, 2003
25,231
the other Athens


I think this is my favorite picture ever. My brothers, James age 75 and Robert 74, playing ice hockey yesterday.

Last I heard, James was playing in two leagues, one with over 70s, and a second group of younger guys. "I really should give up that younger game, I keep getting hurt." he told me. "But they're more fun to drink with."

Robert won a gold medal in the over 70 division of the famous Snoopy Senior Tournament a few years ago. He was a waiver wire pickup by the Calgary team. One of his teammates was so old he had won two Stanley Cups with the Toronto Maple Leafs!


Given the thread interest in playing longevity, I thought I'd give an update on these two chuckleheads.
I saw them last month at a family reunion. I took this pic and then asked each, 'When did you last play hockey?'

Robert on the right, wearing a "Spokane Old Timers Hockey Tournament 2019" t-shirt said he'd played "Monday" four days previous. Robert turns 78 in 4 weeks.

James, wearing a "Canada West Champions, 2016" hat answered, "I played Monday and Tuesday, and would've played Wednesday, but feared I'd be too stiff for this trip (we were in San Diego.)

A conversation excerpt.

"J. They have these skates now, they take a mold of your feet. I really, really want them, but they cost a thousand bucks. I know if I get them, I'll get a career-ending injury in two weeks. This guy Norm I play with has a pair.

Sister. Hockey is all you care about, just spend the money.

J. But the guys would laugh me off the ice if I showed up with those things.

Me. Do they laugh at Norm?

J. No. Norm scored 100 points on a line with Bobby Hull. Nobody laughs at Norm. I'd need to kick the boards at public skate for a month before I showed up with those skates.

Me. Is Norm still good?

J. He still has his hands. That's the thing the old guys don't lose."

James turns 79 in six weeks. He has between 5 and 6 hours of ice time a week (year round in Vancouver) and sometimes goes to public skating on Sundays to stay loose. He did say that if he were to stop playing for any length of time at this age, he would be unable to get back to it.

The old man's chromosomes were shit by the time I came around. I doubt I see 79.
 

LogansDad

Member
SoSH Member
Nov 15, 2006
29,049
Alamogordo
That is awsome, Monbo, I hope that I can still be playing at that age.

On a semi-related note, tailbone injuries suck.
 

wiffleballhero

Member
SoSH Member
Mar 28, 2009
4,528
In the simulacrum
OK, so since we are on the stick issue, how much do you think it matters? I'm not talking about a contrast to wood either.

I just wonder, is there really that much of a difference moving from a $75 stick to a $275? Really?
 

Dummy Hoy

Angry Pissbum
SoSH Member
Jul 22, 2006
8,232
Falmouth
Couple of things here:

1) Monbo- don't ever stop giving updates about your brothers. They are my idols.

2) I may have to try the All Black sticks. I've been using Verberos from Hockey Tron- I wait for the frequent sales and generally spend $50. They're good not great, but that describes me too.

3) There is a huge difference between a $75 stick and a $300 stick, but I'm not sure it's worth it (I mean, it is because top end sticks are like crack...but it's an expensive habit).
Once all composites came out, every asshole can shoot now- you don't really need to have great technique. But this is even truer of the better sticks. The more expensive sticks are lighter, whippier, and have better technology. I've played with a few top end sticks just because there was a big sale or I got a big paycheck and it's noticeable- even with the rocks attached to my arms I could snap off shots going bar down with regularity. Made me feel like I could actually play (this is where the crack comparison comes in).

Problem is that they've broken easier than the mid-range sticks I usually go for, which tend to be heavier. Those top end sticks are true one piece sticks, wheras the mid range ones are actually two parts. I tend to get them breaking down where the shaft and blade meet or the sticks kind of marshmallow out after a while. Hard to explain, but it makes sense if you play.

4) PSK/Logan's Dad- awesome. now keep getting out there.

edit: I remembered why I came here in the first place...Has anyone ever done DraftTournaments? It sounds interesting, especially draft night.
 
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LogansDad

Member
SoSH Member
Nov 15, 2006
29,049
Alamogordo
That sounds incredible. I might try to make the next Boston one if I manage to move home when I retire at the end of the year.
 

locknload

Member
SoSH Member
Jul 14, 2005
3,773
Haverhill MA
OK, so since we are on the stick issue, how much do you think it matters? I'm not talking about a contrast to wood either.

I just wonder, is there really that much of a difference moving from a $75 stick to a $275? Really?
DH has it right pucks rocket off your stick with the better sticks
 

Dummy Hoy

Angry Pissbum
SoSH Member
Jul 22, 2006
8,232
Falmouth
hmmm.... I just sold an old beater car. Got cash for it.
Lotta big sales going on this time of year, although inventory is thin.

Don’t get hooked unless you can support the habit.

Edit: nice review TSC. Funny how some sticks/patterns/curves affect different parts of your game.
 

Fred not Lynn

Dick Button Jr.
SoSH Member
Jul 13, 2005
5,253
Alberta
edit: I remembered why I came here in the first place...Has anyone ever done DraftTournaments? It sounds interesting, especially draft night.
I lived a block from the rink where the guys who run these are headquartered, and do their Calgary tournament. I haven’t travelled to one, but have done Calgary twice. The first one I managed to stumble home from the draft night, but the second time...

...Things can get out of hand when the guys who run the tournament own the bar at the rink, I guess.

I still own the house - will probably stay there for this year’s event.
 

RIFan

Member
SoSH Member
Jul 19, 2005
3,087
Rhode Island
I've been using an All Black Hockey stick for a while. Lighter and has turned out to be more durable than the $200 CCM stick I had before.

I like a shorter stick since every pass seems to be at my feet so I just bought an intermediate last time and saved some money over getting a senior stick.