learning hockey at an advanced age

[learning hockey at an advanced age]

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!

[learning hockey at an advanced age]

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.

[learning hockey at an advanced age]

Yes, a vid would be excellent!

[learning hockey at an advanced age]

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)

[learning hockey at an advanced age]

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

[learning hockey at an advanced age]

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!

[learning hockey at an advanced age]

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

[learning hockey at an advanced age]

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.

[learning hockey at an advanced age]

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

[learning hockey at an advanced age]

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

[learning hockey at an advanced age]

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.

[learning hockey at an advanced age]

[learning hockey at an advanced age]

Calgary, eh?

Check out the Beer League Podcast:

http://beerleaguetalk.libsyn.com/

Its actually produced in Calgary, but they do Skype interviews with a lot of people.

I'm sure Nick and Brett would love to interview you.

Did you enjoy your 3v3 pickup game?

Did it make your heart happy?

Welcome to hockey!

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

[learning hockey at an advanced age]

Backwards skaking, transitional skating, and backwards transitional skating

[learning hockey at an advanced age]

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

[learning hockey at an advanced age]

I may move to calgary in January

[learning hockey at an advanced age]

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

[learning hockey at an advanced age]

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

[learning hockey at an advanced age]

Should work now

[learning hockey at an advanced age]

Took this a few days ago, but it gives a better angle to view my stride

[learning hockey at an advanced age]

MT, thanks very much for the advice and encouragement; I'll implement your tips next time I'm on the ice.

Have not entered any pick-up games, although I've been told my skating is sufficient to do so. I've done very little stickhandling/shooting, as I felt skating was a higher priority

[learning hockey at an advanced age]

Flyers Skate Zone NE Philly

[learning hockey at an advanced age]

Yeah, iTrainhockey is a godsend

[learning hockey at an advanced age]

Any improvement?

[learning hockey at an advanced age]

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=C-LfAo_gsyE