My first game... ever. TONITE!

[SMP 0]

Hey everyone...

I haven't been too vocal on MSH... more of a lurker really, but I've got my first organized game ever tonight and I'm nervous as hell.

It's only beginner adult league, so I honestly don't know why I'm so jittery. Any of you guys have some suggestions or things to keep in mind so my first game isn't a complete disappointment?

Thanks for any input!

[pantherfan 0]

Skate hard and if you make a bad pass or loose a puck don't let it put you down.

[tbintexas 0]

SMP, I've only been playing 2 1/2 years and I'm 36 so I've been there and done that recently... Just try your best and don't get frustrated - you won't be perfect, you won't always make the best play and you may get scored on (maybe a lot!). Just have fun but try your hardest.

One of the leagues I play in is a novice league too, and I just tell the real newbie's to not worry, just skate hard and have fun. I don't care if they aren't a great player, but I do care if they don't skate hard and give an honest effort. If you are in doubt, just make the easy/simple play - away from your net and towards the boards if you're in your zone, and just don't throw the puck away but always try to pass it to a teammate.

have fun and good luck :)

Troy

[srv2miker 0]

When you get the puck take two strides and pass the puck. Don't try to carry the puck through center, dish it off. Make sure you understand the teams method of line changes.

Most of all, soak it in and have a good time.

[Chadd 916]

Watch the game with a purpose when you're on the bench. Learn what your guys and the other guys do. Being a step ahead mentally can make up for being a step behind physically.

[jbyun04 7]

Most important thing ever is to have fun, if you get frustrated your game goes downhill. No matter how good the other goalie is and no matter how much of a sieve your goalie is, always have fun.

[Tyler B 0]

i just had my first midget c game last saturday... first time i ever played in an organized league.. i played alot of hockey before hand though.... but like you i was really nervous untill my first shift was over.. after that everything went smooth, and all i wanted was more ice time... B)... maby youll be like me and be to zoned in on the game after your first shift.. to even worry about nerves.

[TheProfessor 2]

when you get the puck move it forward and look for the pass. Always look for the pass, especially if you can't skate with the puck that well. If you get in trouble, just dump the puck along the boards, never up the middle of the ice. Most of all, have fun and don't worry - if its a beginner league most people are in the same boat.

[DarkStar50 679]

Since you're jittery, just smoke a joint to relax before the game. I doubt there is drug testing in your league. JK..... have fun, it is what its all about!

[Chadd 916]

Since you're jittery, just smoke a joint to relax before the game. I doubt there is drug testing in your league. JK..... have fun, it is what its all about!

Says the guy with the greatful dead name/avatar.

[SMP 0]

Thanks for the replies everyone! I'm hoping that it will just be a great time and real good learning experience.

I'll let you all know how it turns out. :)

-Steve

[SB39 2]

Remember not to focus on any one thing too much, and that opportunism is a great thing when applied to hockey

[TBLfan 25]

I coach a beginner team and at the beginning of the season(3 games ago) we had a lot of really bad skaters and not one person that could shoot. Don't feel like you're going to be the worst out there, KNOW that you're going to be(thanks to MSH) one of, if not the most informed person on the ice. The skating, puckhandling will come... Don't worry about it now.

Three weeks from that first game, our team is playing well and they're learning a lot. One of the best things you can do is to not be afraid of asking questions. Hockey is a sport where most players have no problem answering questions and giving advice. MOST importantly, just have fun.

[Guest OSTOR]

Since you're jittery, just smoke a joint to relax before the game. I doubt there is drug testing in your league. JK..... have fun, it is what its all about!

I'am with darkstar on this one :P

[RadioGaGa 162]

Being a step ahead mentally can make up for being a step behind physically.

Any chance I can get that etched into 2 stone tablets.

[DamnLocust 0]

when you've got the puck, try to keep your legs moving. you don't want to be a sitting duck for someone to come in and take the puck from you.

[hockeydoc 0]

I started skating in my mid 30's, and remember my first league game. I was real nervous too. I guess this is late so I hope you had a great time. Either way I would say to keep your head up and protect yourself first. Accidents happen in beginner leagues from guys getting into the game so much and trying so hard to go after it they forget the risk. You WILL make mistakes, so know that, maybe learn from it, but don't let it bother you. Have fun, and be safe.

[chippa13 1844]

Put in an honest effort and everything else will take care of itself.

[SMP 0]

Thanks again guys! Your words really did put my mind at ease (a bit :D ) and helped me keep my wits about me. Our team ended up winning and although it doesn't feel like I contributed a whole lot to that, everyone did seem to mesh really well together and our coach was really helpful at getting the new guys aquainted to the game.

Hopefully the skills will come quickly and I'll have the 'click' moment. Gotta work on losing the tunnel vision whenever the puck comes to me and being aware of my surroundings and teammates though...

You guys rock!

-Steve

[chk hrd 164]

Thanks again guys! Your words really did put my mind at ease (a bit :D ) and helped me keep my wits about me. Our team ended up winning and although it doesn't feel like I contributed a whole lot to that, everyone did seem to mesh really well together and our coach was really helpful at getting the news guys aquainted to the game.

Hopefully the skills will come quickly and I'll have the 'click' moment. Gotta work on losing the tunnel vision whenever the puck comes to me and being aware of my surroundings and teammates though...

You guys rock!

-Steve

To be honest, the skills won't come quick, but don't give up. Remember not to panic when you have the puck, you have more time than you think so don't just throw it away because you think you need to. It's better to hold onto the puck and get into a battle than throw it away for a turn over. Watch what everyone is doing, that means both teams, and don't be afraid to ask the Vets what you should do.

[DamnLocust 0]

Gotta work on losing the tunnel vision whenever the puck comes to me and being aware of my surroundings and teammates though...

I find it easiest to deal with tunnel vision when I make a habit of looking up before the puck gets to me. When I anticipate a puck coming to me, I try to look up and decide if I will pass, shoot, or skate the puck before it gets to me.

It will be tough at first, especially when you're concentrating on catching the pass, but soon enough, you'll be able to soak in your surroundings very quickly, and it will become second nature.

[UMWhockey 0]

here are some words that adult players can live by....

if you can't play like a pro, drink like a pro

just remember it is for fun... there are some adults that seem to forget that part

[Maka 0]

Sounds like you had a pretty good first night regardless of whether or not you "contributed" a lot. Personally I think that if someone is on the ice, they have an impact on the play in one way or another regardless if they touch the puck or not, but that's neither here nor there. As for future games, keep your head up, keep your feet moving, and just have fun with it. Losing the tunnel vision and seeing passing lanes, etc... will come with time and experience.

[chippa13 1844]

here are some words that adult players can live by....

if you can't play like a pro, drink like a pro

just remember it is for fun... there are some adults that seem to forget that part

Beer doesn't judge, beer doesn't care if you win or lose.

[Hooah4 12]

Exactly the reason this is my last men's league season. I'm joining the 35+ C minus division in the spring. I'm getting tired of all of the crap.