need help improving skating

[cassius 0]

I recently enrolled in an ice hockey class at my college (RIT) and I was wondering if some of you knowledgable posters here could offer me some advice. Well, first off, I don't have any experience playing ice hockey and I am fairly new to ice skating. In this class, we basically just play mini games against each other and I am finding that I am way too bad of a skater to keep up with some of the more experienced players (most of these kids have been playing for 8+ years). Are there any drills/tips that could help improve my skating in general? I am mostly having trouble with getting quick acceleration, sudden turns, and stopping in tough situations. Basically, my skating sucks. I can do crossovers fine and I can do the hockey stop, although its not particularly great. My hands/shot/passing are ok from playing deck hockey over the years, but the skating isn't.

Thanks

[althoma1 574]

Skate as much as you can - go to public skating sessions and play pickup on local ponds or outdoor rinks (depending on where you live). Of course pickup hockey could be frustrating if you're playing against high calibre players - signing up for a recreational hockey league for beginners could help as you wouldn't be playing against superstars. Consider taking a power skating course as well. The more you can get out on the ice and play the better you should get.

[Sven 1]

He is right, skate as much as possible, thats the only way to go.

Maybe you can get some 1on1 coaching lessons with a professional coach.

[Bruin88 0]

Theres some good skating tips in here

[jjtt99 0]

Keep your knees bent. Stay low. Thank about having your butt closer to the ice. Most beginners stand up stiffly -- almost robot like. Your knees have to be bent so you can maneuver and accelerate.

Paul Kariya is an excellent skater. Look at any action shot of him and you'll see what I mean.

Stick with it!! Practice Practice Practice