Amazinmets73

Is it natural to have a dominant stop side? I naturally stop on my right leg inside egde and my left side stops are very, very poor. This weakness has been exposed during games.

I feel like i got run over

That definitely fits my budget! But, if off-ice training tools allow me to perform drills without having to pay for ice time, they'll pay for themselves. Therefore I'm not adverse to shelling out some cash. What are some options? On a side note open hockey sessions at this rink are only 1:30, which is pretty short. However there's a public skate after open hockey which I could jump into at no extra charge, but no sticks or pucks. Think it's worth the ice time or will skating without a stick be detrimental?

Trini, agreed, consistency is key. I know how rapidly sports skills dissipate if they're not meticulously mantained. I'll look into a skills pad but I'm not sure if I'll be able to buy one immediately; unfortunately I'm not working with an unlimited budget. I had a coach but now that I've moved I'm unable to continue lessons. Ha, yes that's how it goes.. Playing pick-up with 1 sub is going to lead to 5 minute shifts

Circles and some stick handling. As you can see I struggle with left over right crossovers. You can't see due to the helmet, but while I'm stickhandling I'm looking straight ahead and using peripheral vision to keep track of the puck. On a hilarious note, my right over left video was blocked due to a copyright claim on whatever obscure country song was playing in the background. Let me know if it's viewable Trinituner, conditioning is definitely pivotal. Especially during pick up games where you're playing 5 minute shifts!

The new rink in AC has 1:30 open hockey sessions, essentially everyday. With work obligations and financial limitations I'll be able to get between 5 to 8 hours of ice time weekly.

Yes, a vid would be excellent!

MT, I actually had several friends who were hockey fans back in elementary school, which got me into the sport. I was a huge fan of the Kariya/Selanne tandem. However, playing was out of the question due to finances. I could have started playing early in my adult life when I had my own money, but I had long ago lost interest in the sport and was far too busy partying and chasing women. I've been studying hockey and have found out it's very much a young man's game at the NHL level (particularly in recent years.) An NHL player my age generally will have already played his best hockey, which is disheartening. However there are guy's who've played their best hockey in their 30s (Charra, Datsyuk) and ironmen who contribute well into their 40s (Chelios, Jagr)

So far as what I need to work on: everything. But, to be positive the strongest aspect of my game is my passing; I've received compliments from several players on it

Played 4 on 4 with goalie today. Bunch of guys from the local men's leagues and a couple of college guys. Definitely the worst player on ice, but it wasn't a complete shitshow and the guys were really nice. I got off about 7 shots on goal and was stone walled on every one :-( did manage an assist though!

Why oh why didn't anyone tell me how awesome hockey was when i was younger?

Ah damn. Public now! Played 1 on 1 for 20 minutes with the kid in the background of the video. He's 19 and plays Juniors for one of the top teams in the area. I was taken to school, but no surprise there.

Haha, I heard terrible things about the rink in A.C; skated on it for the first time today and am pleased to say it's not bad t all! As for Jersey itself, this isn't my first go-around, I know what I've signed up for Backwards skating progression. Any advice? Also, I recently started using Powerfoot inserts and they're great: less negative space, more comfort and increased stride power, particularly when skating backwards. Definitely recommend

Vet88, will do! So, am I to the stage where I can pick a position? My coach said offense because you generally have to be a phenomenal skater to play D

Update: looks like I'm not moving to Calgary at the moment; headed to Atlantic City for a couple of months, then I'll most likely head to Calgary. I've spent the last 2 lessons with my coach focusing on passing and shooting. The videos showcase my wrist, snap, and slapshot (or lack thereof?) Obviously my move leaves me without an instructor, but I feel I can progress using YouTube and video analysis of my skating.

Lol, huh? Why would anyone with a successful podcast want to interview me? Was the "eh" alluding to Canadian linguistic tendencies? :-) Yes and yes. Hockey is exhilarating

Backwards skaking, transitional skating, and backwards transitional skating

Hahaha, no, not hockey related. I was actually worried that it would be detrimental to my development on the assumption that there wouldn't be any novice men's leagues in Calgary. And thanks

I may move to calgary in January

Played my first pickup game. 3 on 3 with no goalie. I was definitely the worst player on the ice but i wasn't completely overwhelmed. The guys were nice; they said i had excellent positioning for a beginner and passed well

Definitely! I'll be out working on my shooting tomorrow and I'll try to get in some pick up games over the weekend