Fawin
81476
880
34
Is hockey my mid life crisis? Am I old enough for one of those? Third life crisis?
Nov 5, 2023 4:30 AM
Fawin
81476
880
34
Is hockey my mid life crisis? Am I old enough for one of those? Third life crisis?
H3ml0ck1968
keep your head up going into the corners!
FeChefImgur
My one piece of advice is don't go into it thinking you're still 20 years old. Realise that your body is older and you're not going to be able to do the same things you could 20 years ago and recover from them. Any injury is going to take three times as long to recover from. Build up muscles in your legs and particularly ankles/calves to give you stability on skates. Take it easy otherwise you'll end up having a very short playing season.
TunnelRat13
Build. Your. Calves. They know you a noob and gonna take it easy on you but seriously, even a lovetap can rock your ankles hard.
NonstopRampage
Sounds like fun. I think you should take the opportunity, and enjoy yourself. Even IF I took an interest in a sport like that, *I* couldn't do it anymore. I've been too battered-and-barely-put-together for that kind of thing since 25.
FlyingElvisesUtahChapter
Step 1. take an adult learn to skate class to get that down. Step 2. take a power skating class. Once your are comfortable skating on the ice, join a beer league for beginners just ask around.
dirtcreature
#1 rule: knees bent always. Locked knees means falling backward. Wear a helmet - you're now a lot of mass to have your head smash the ice.
Richter12x2
Doesn't matter if you're out of shape. It doesn't matter if you're any good. It only matters if it makes you happier.
IAmLrrrOfOmicronPersei8
Some rinks will offer personal or group lessons catered for people who've never skated. my kids are playing their first season now, after taking a year of learn to skate/learn to play classes.
EntertainMeNL
Don't overthink.just go for it
If it makes you happy that's enough. You don't have to be good at everything you do
Richter12x2
You can also think of it this way. I'll paint a room in my house, and even though it's not as good as a pro, it saves me a lot of money. Now think of how much it would cost to hire a pro hockey player. . .
abraxasfury
As a wise man once said: "keep your stick on the ice"
shdidurbrbdj
Get properly fitted for equipment. Wear a helmet with a full cage when you practice. Skate at least twice a week. Roller blades can help. If you’re out of shape, you will struggle at first. Hockey demands a lot of cardio and core strength. Give it a few months and you’ll be on your way. Ask for help too. Most players will be happy to give you tips and advice.
anitabieror6
Do you have experience with roller skating at all? No idea if those same skills translate on ice im just curious
B166ERMaximus
I’m the head coach for a children’s hockey school and an older kids team in Sweden, I also play once a week in what you’d call a “beer league”, minus the beer cause we can’t drink and drive. Listen, just start. There is always going to be someone else like you out there and you’ll find that group of people. After I play, there’s a group of guys that are VERY new to hockey playing… they’ll never make it big, doesn’t matter, they’re playing and having fun and that’s what it’s all about. Do it.
gonetothebirds
skating lesson local rink
johansonsl60
I played hockey for the first time at 40. I highly recommend it. Just get breezers, elbow pads and shoulder pads. It makes falling way less painful. Have fun. I did
astrofuzzics
Embarrassment is the price of entry. If you are not willing to be a clumsy novice, you will never be a graceful master. Enjoy learning new stuff.
Inarticulated
It's easy. Just pull up the opposite team's clothes over their head and start bashing wildly!
MrRauchPotato
Bro I seriously just got done playing hockey. If you can skate you can play hockey. Hockey is my life and I'm glad it's got you hooked as well
blaid0
I started both violin and boxing in my 40's, go for it, have fun. Get some cardio in if you have the chance, reduce risk of injury.
lackinglife
There's a lot of older leagues out there just look em up and call em. There's a good chance you won't be the worst out there with a little bit of practice from what I've seen, the bar is pretty low
hwatL4bloopy
I teach fencing the children, but I also have an adult class. So if you put your children in a hockey class speak to the instructors they might be able to help you out. They might be able to have private lessons for you.
Fawin
I mean, I'm not expecting to skate or play like the guys on the NHL, hell not even like the guys on Shoresy, but it just looks fun. So I'm setting the bar pretty low already, for myself anyway.
michael31415926
I learned to skate at 55. You can do it. Been playing ice hockey for 3 ish years now.
mountainsforscale
Adult whale shit hockey is where it’s at. Get out there, have fun, don’t be a donkey and you can play the rest of your life.
NotLuckyDucky
Start looking up exercises for core strength and leg strength as it uses as lot of muscles (I made the mistake of going ice skating a year ago. For me it was a mistake as my muscles have a tendency to lock up to the point only dry needling helps so I was unprepared for the amount of flexible strong muscles I’d need. Normal people should be fine for the most part but like getting on a trampoline as an adult from when you’re a kid it’s an adjustment)
tadzilla
Nothing to add other than GO BLACKHAWKS
FattsoCattso
Learn to stop
qtRaven
Don't forget to quack when you play!
Fawin
I am a ducks fan. They're doing pretty awesome this year so far. Also if you'd like to watch a grown up version of The Mighty Ducks, check out Shoresy on Hulu.
crookedamigo
Do you even know what a midlife crisis is
Fawin
This is my first life, so I'm still figuring it out.
DrewThe3DPrinterGuy
Street hockey is an OK replacement for ice hockey if you can rollerblade. I cannot rollerblade but I'm fat enough to play goal.
Richter12x2
Also, roof hockey. "Got any balls down there?" "The biggest pair you've ever seen, dingleberry!"
DrewThe3DPrinterGuy
altxatu
It’ll do, but it’s not ideal.
DrewThe3DPrinterGuy
Yeah that's why only OK replacement and not SUPER DUPER AWESOME.
TheLooja
*cries in Florida youth hockey league*
joechristo
Find a rink that has public skating & stick time. Talk to coaches about learn to skate days, it’s usually all kids but they will help you. When you first get on the ice situate your feet & blades in an L shape manner this will provide stability. When actively skating Blades should almost never be parallel, and your legs never straight! And elbow pads & a helmet are a must!
Fawin
One of the rinks has open skate from 10-12 MWF and "puck and stick" from 12-2. I'm a stay at home dad so I could totally take advantage of it if I drop off my infant son with his grandparents. Just need skates and probably a helmet to start. :)
joechristo
and elbow pads
joechristo
maybe get kneepads too, just in case, falling backwards is the biggest threat & protect your head foremost & elbows, they can get seriously wrecked by this. so take it easy. a trick with kids in learn to skate programs is to give them milk crates to use as a support. I don't know if this would be allowed at an open skate, but you could try using a Walker with tennis balls on the legs as a support to start off.
Akaszkronos
Wear a neck protector
Fawin
WeAllLiveInAUserSubmarine
Is this a rap thing I'm too suburban to understand?
Fawin
https://www.espn.com/nhl/story/_/id/38770208/ex-nhl-player-adam-johnson-29-dies-freak-accident
DEADGH057
Adam Johnson, forward for the panthers died after getting his neck slashed by a skate
darkakarin
I’m a panthers fan, sad times :(
Dafodarian
I'm so sorry. I hope you guys are okay, and that you know we all care.
altxatu
Why? It’s the start of November? All you have to do is make the playoffs. It’s early in the season and it’s a long season. If it’s January and they haven’t gotten better, then it’s time to really worry.
localcowboy4backup
Read the room dude.
FenrirsDaughter
This happened in England to a former NHL player, so you may not have heard: https://www.espn.com/nhl/story/_/id/38770208/ex-nhl-player-adam-johnson-29-dies-freak-accident
HerrHat
is this a reference to the player getting slashed by a skate?
Because i have never heard of any serious slashing - any slashing, actually - on absolute beginner level?
altxatu
It’s happened like 7 times in 34 years over millions of games played at all levels. It’s like making your clothes lead lines in case there’s environmental radon hanging around. Sure it’s safe, but you know what that’s a personal choice. You’re significantly more likely to die on the way to or from the game. If it makes someone feel better, why not?
ihadsomethingforthis
Topical
Incidentally
I am not up to date on current events. What renders this topical?
Fawin
A former player for the penguins was playing in the Europe and got sliced on the neck and died a few days ago. https://www.espn.com/nhl/story/_/id/38770208/ex-nhl-player-adam-johnson-29-dies-freak-accident
Incidentally
Oh damn. Knife shoes are dangerous.
SPAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAACE
Honestly you're better off not knowing. Trust me. You'll be happier if you look no further into this.
rubypilgrim
Protect your face and genitals, strap on some skates and get out on the ice. The rinks will know who the hooligans I mean hockey players are and will be able to connect you with them. Those guys can teach you the rest. - also - is there a local pro hockey team? They can probably direct you to non-pro leagues, maybe even right on their website. If all else fails, there's always google.
Fawin
By local pro hockey team, do you mean like the Boston Bruins or like the Cape Cod Whalers?
rubypilgrim
Do they play for money? Do they have a website? yes to both. Why are you still here? Get to the fucking rink, blood donor! Show that puck who's boss! Apropros of nothing, my neighbor is a retired roller derby queen who went on to become an attorney. She's 109 lbs, tiny and frail, and still showed me some of her roller derby blocking moves. holy hell she put me on the ground. So don't worry about not being experienced or fit enough. Do what you love, don't hesitate. Go now. RUN!
Fawin
rubypilgrim
let me know when you play your first league game, ok? Or heck, just keep us posted about your progress! I'm on the left coast but it would be a hoot to come see you play!
Fawin
Thanks buddy!
pickledpete1337
Step 1 is learn to skate!
VodkaReindeer
With outdoor rinks as a kid I preferred shoes + tennis ball over skates + puck. It's just easier and doesn't hurt as much. I think indoor rinks are too slippery to use shoes tho?
ruint
maybe learn to skate, and play hockey on turf in the meantime?
dootdootiamgroot
Step 1 is to know you aren't going to be perfect at it right away and to keep working on improving even when you feel disheartened and want to quit.
sal0qwerty
Step 1 is chirping from the bench
BurlRavenscroft
Step 2 is very important: don't fall down. Essential advice 6 year old me gave my dad.
Kingstonboy
You need to practice cross overs, both directions, forwards and backwards. Crossover is when you cross one leg over the other in corners. Never stand on the ice with your knees locked, always slightly bent. Dont stand with your skates in the same direction, they should be slightly askew.
hotrodny
These are good advice! Works for rollerblades too
pip1
Step 2 learn to fight
Fawin
Signed up my daughters and I've been watching some videos online. Probably should invest in a helmet and maybe some used skates.
Newfehotep
You 100% need a helmet, wear tough gloves, and it doesn't hurt to have elbow pads either honestly. The thing about learning to skate is that you're going to fall a LOT, and being 37 makes that a harder prospect than when you were 5 or 10. Hitting your head on the ice can be a life changing injury and when you're just getting started you'll go arse over teakettle so fast you won't even know what's happening; so get a brain cage and spend a couple of extra bucks on a good one. ;)
FoxySpirit
As a beginner, figure skating skates with straight blades are waaaaay more easy to handle as opposed to the curved hockey blades.
noReallyIamPrincessBob
As long as you grind off the first pick, because if you are a forward-leaning person, they will dig in all the time and you will face-plant. (Speaking from experience…)
PoorSucker
Be sure they fit like downhill boots, I ducking killed my ankles with old skates
srsfaceI8C
See if you can't find a local recreational league (usually referred to as a beer league) and see if they know of any skating classes for adults you could attend.
vericon151
Skate, skate, skate. Rinks tend to be real nice teaching people.
azarza
don't worry about lessons, you just gotta go fall a lot. the secret to ice skating is very tight laces around your ankles
NorthernHalibut
Get the skates nice and sharp by a professional, dull skates makes for a bad time. Also be prepared that for the first few times your feet are gonna hurt like hell.
HandoB4Javert
and padded gloves to start with. Friend chipped a joint and it took months to heal.
Lurch1911
eBay is great for pads, any league in their 30’s really isn’t looking to be too rough so they don’t have to be perfect
UnBobaLievable
Do calf raises. If there's a play-it-again sports near you, see if they have any gloves in your size. Ankle mobility and stability exercises will also help while you get ready.
Bystandr
Helmet, knee and elbow pads, and take tips and lessons from a vetran on how to fall (roll out, protect head, etc).
UnBobaLievable
A lot of rinks rent skates so you can try before you buy.
sirdouglasbuttersworth
Also some advil
Fawin
Totallyscrewedinaustin
The foot movement is just like rollerblading (assuming you might have done that as a youngin). But it's been 25 years since I did either, so I might be full of shit
DaveTheScientist
Nah you're right, it's pretty close in most aspects. Except for stopping.
dudeloveall
Start doing leg workouts, and get a pair of inline skates. Going to the rink costs money. Rollerblading around the block is free and it's the same skills.
RecurringNightmare
also getting back up is way easier on asphalt than on ice...
CirB
Get padding too. Elbows, knees and hips.
unclesmeatball
This! And bring a chair out on the ice with you like a walker
dudeloveall
Also seen overturned 5gal paint buckets stacked together.
walnutbreath
And wrist. So many new skaters try to use their hands to break their falls and that's a real fast trip to the ER.
Lampmonster
Yup. Remember when rollerblading was getting super popular? Wrist and hand injuries skyrocketed.
keyserv
Do ankle exercises. This is always the worst part for new skaters.
Fawin
Yeah I hurt my ankle during the pandemic running up and down hills teaching my daughter to use her scooter (was a real wake up call that I'm not in my 20s and I should always stretch before hand). It's been a few years and I did PT for it and the therapist said it'll take a few years to fully heal. I ran hard yesterday playing soccer with my kids and had no residual pain or anything so I think I'm good. I'll probably still wear a foot brace just in case until I find my feet.
keyserv
If you've even seen new skaters, they mill around with their skates splayed out at extremely uncomfortable-looking ankles. Perhaps PT would prepare your injured ankle for this, but your other one won't be. Keep this in mind!