pick up hockey (shinny) pet peeves

[roller to ice 0]

Just got back from my first open hockey, and already I've encountered the water-stealers and guys who take 10 minute shifts

I think I'm going to buy the pinkest, floweriest, girliest water bottle I can find and see if that stops the water thieves.

where in jersey do you play?

Floyd Hall in Montclair.

Think I need to make a trip up to Floyd Hall for some open hockey up there... They usually get a good crowd?

I couldn't really say, since I've only gone the one time and I probably won't make it back until January. There were a good number of people - 4 goalies, and I'd guess about 30 skaters. One guy on the bench mentioned that it was more crowded than usual, but I don't know by how much.

yea fri./sat. night always has a pretty big crowd and a nice number like7-8 skaters a team for the weekday morning open hockey

[hink9 0]

4 Goaltenders and 30 skaters? F-that... 2 goalies, 5on5 with 2-4 subs is perfect for drop-in imo.

[JoeyJ0506 192]

I got to many of the local rinks in Pittsburgh and this is the first time I've heard of this. Which rink?

The Brady's Run Ice Arena, and the Warrendale Blade Runner's complex

[Yoke 0]

4 Goaltenders and 30 skaters? F-that... 2 goalies, 5on5 with 2-4 subs is perfect for drop-in imo.

I agree. 10 on each team plus 2 goalies is what I like best.

[sectachrome 40]

I dont get the people who are complaining about people who put forth effort at pick up games. Im just getting back into hockey (roller) and have started going to pick up games every weeek, and already Ive encountered most of the things mentioned in this thread. I totally agree with the not going crazy and getting pissed and taking things really seriously, but Im not going to just coast around like a lazy oaf, Im going to try. Just because someone gets by me doesnt mean Im just going to take a knee and let them score because "its only a pick up game". F that, Im going after them (if I have enough energy).

[epstud74 24]

Thats all fine and dandy if they are putting forth some effort, but if they are dangerous to the other players out there, then it becomes an issue. Especially idiots who arent very good at stopping or keep their heads up and look where the other players are. You know the type..It has nothing to do with effort, but if someone doesnt get out of their way, they'll collide.

[sectachrome 40]

Thats all fine and dandy if they are putting forth some effort, but if they are dangerous to the other players out there, then it becomes an issue. Especially idiots who arent very good at stopping or keep their heads up and look where the other players are. You know the type..It has nothing to do with effort, but if someone doesnt get out of their way, they'll collide.

Yeah. I met this kid at our outdoor rink and played with him there a couple times and he seemed like a cool enough guy. I invited him to go to open hockey with us. He was out there playing like a dirty little bastard and didnt understand why people were getting pissed and almost got into a fight. It happened again the next week. It was even worse because its roller, he would have been out of line even if it was a real game. Needless to say, I dont think hell be back. He said that "he just works harder than everyone else" right.

[M.W. 0]

x

[Law Goalie 147]

Get some felt & leather ones from the back of a really old used shop and call it a day.

[Law Goalie 147]

4 Goaltenders and 30 skaters? F-that... 2 goalies, 5on5 with 2-4 subs is perfect for drop-in imo.

4 goalies for a while is a recipe for no goalies eventually - at least up here in Toronto.

There were a couple of great scrimmages I stopped attending simply because we kept getting third-wheeled in net: there would be two goalies there, and some wanker would show up and insist on getting in. OK, fine - Mr. Third String shows up the first time, and we're not going to send him home with no ice-time: we set up a rotation, making sure he understands that we're regulars and he's a guest (and generally speaking, The Trike is way below the established skill-level, since anyone worth his salt would understand the situation). Next week The Trike shows up with a buddy who is even more demanding and even less competent. The week after that, the other goalie and I moved on (we're now in a game that hasn't missed a Friday for 35 years). Trike and Quat, being lit up with painful regularity, start getting spotty in their attendance, then stop showing up at all. Now the skate degenerates into P&C drill, the regulars abandon ship, and the whole thing dies -- until word gets around that there's prime-time empty ice out at Arena X, and a good base group starts the the process again.

[KABAROV 0]

the guys who cant control their sticks and stinky bastards. that would be my 2 complaints.

[mrusse01 0]

Since I appear to be in the vast vast minority, especially on outdoor rinks, can anyone explain to me why you don't like to wear at least pants/shins at 'drop in/shinny/pickup/whatever you want to call it'?

I went to one of the City of Toronto outdoor rinks last night for the first time, and it's just a bunch of guys with gloves and sticks. A fairly decent level of play, like good enough that I'm sure everybody there would actually own hockey equipment, so why not put it on? It takes me maybe 2 minutes to put on my shin pads and pants, and I've got 100x the protection of playing without it. If I get tripped and fall on my ass/knees I've got pads, the inevitable slashes on the shins are nothing, you can actually pass the puck without being afraid of nearly breaking someone's leg...I just don't get it.

I mean, sure, if you are playing with people on a pond or otherwise who simply don't have equipment, that's fine. That is what it is. But when there are actual boards up, and you have equipment, put it on for God's sake. It takes 2 minutes and makes the game about 100x better for everybody involved.

I've even see guys do it on real indoor rinks when at least 9/10 guys have 'full' equipment on. Blows my mind. And again, it's all people who are obviously good enough that they own equipment.

[Rustpot 1]

Since I appear to be in the vast vast minority, especially on outdoor rinks, can anyone explain to me why you don't like to wear at least pants/shins at 'drop in/shinny/pickup/whatever you want to call it'?

I've even see guys do it on real indoor rinks when at least 9/10 guys have 'full' equipment on. Blows my mind. And again, it's all people who are obviously good enough that they own equipment.

For me and my pals, it's about space. We can fit 5 guys in a car with sticks, skates and gloves, and probably only 2 if we brought more equipment. You can walk to the rink easily with those few items, not needing a bag as well. At one point last year I cleaned out my bag and gathered up all the skates and gloves into it and we all could fit with 1 hockey bag.

For indoor pickup I have no clue, especially if a lot of guys are going full gear.

[saveourpens 0]

When you have a perfect pick up game going on at "stick time", then the workers yell at everyone to stop the game so that the 2 guys that don't know how to skate (and bitched to the front desk), can stumble on to the ice and ruin it for everyone instead of walking 10ft to the other rink.

[hink9 0]

When you have a perfect pick up game going on at "stick time", then the workers yell at everyone to stop the game so that the 2 guys that don't know how to skate (and bitched to the front desk), can stumble on to the ice and ruin it for everyone instead of walking 10ft to the other rink.

Where I am at there's only 1 rink they play stick time at. Usually there's 2-3 pewee size goalies, 2 games on each half of the ice. Usually 1 game is 14-18 yo range and the other is 7-14 range. All together there's roughly 25-35 people on the ice at any given time. I wish there was an extra rink that I could play stick and puck on that didn't have safety hazards like this. Ive been injured at stick and puck worse than actual games due to idiots and beginners. Broken nose from a puck, broken sinus cavities and nerve damage to my cheek from a shot( I wasnt anywhere near the net), bruised shins etc. In my situation games should be left to pick-up time, let the people that want stick and puck time to practice their stick skills. Also another one of my pet peeves is the lack of goals or puck at the start of pick-up or stick and puck. Where I play, one can wait 15 or more minutes after the start of the session to even see a net or puck. There's not enough rink competition here to make things better.

[acthomas 0]

working at a local arena, i see it all at shinny. everything from old man fights to goalie fights to guys who can dangle the shit outta me with the butt end of thier stick. i also play tons of shinny (seeing as i play for free) and i'd have to say the worst thing at shinny is the pair/group of heroes who go out there thinking they are the next big thing and only pass to each other and take 35 minute shifts. even if there is 30+ guys (at my arena we open a second rink after 30) as long as they change fairly quick its usually a good time but when g bunch of guys come out and act like they are the only ones on the ice, it drives me banana sandwich. a close second pet peeve is guys who wear big shoulder pads and act tough by hitting other people, like seriously grow up.

[guasto74 0]

Thats all fine and dandy if they are putting forth some effort, but if they are dangerous to the other players out there, then it becomes an issue. Especially idiots who arent very good at stopping or keep their heads up and look where the other players are. You know the type..It has nothing to do with effort, but if someone doesnt get out of their way, they'll collide.

Agree completely. Great point. Can't stand that. Hockey sense is something some people will never ever have. I've been going to a clinic/scrimmage for about four or five years now mainly because it is close to my house and the time slot is good. I've seen mostly the same guys there for the last few years and am astounded how some guys just don't get it. Well I used to be astounded, now I just shake my head.

I'm no all-star by any means but there are some pretty simple things an adult rec player can do to vastly improve. All it takes is a couple of bucks and a little diligence off the ice. Still most guys think that going once a week for an hour and a half and butchering a few drills and playing in an awful scrimmage will get them to improve.

[JohnnyCanuck 0]

My experiences echo a lot of the previous posts.

I have recently started attending two different shinny sessions put on by different mutual friends.

1 group is long established, and during the two skates I have been two guys have been asked not to come back by the organizer due to taking high hard slapshots into crowds from the blueline, and for taking long long shifts and just floating.

For crying out loud, you paid $15 to come skate, you might as well try a little bit.

I hate the guys that think it is game 7 of the Cup Finals, they put the pads on and forget that everyone has to go to work the next day to support their families.

The other group is just new, but I have a feeling that my buddy that organizes it will be asking a guy to stop coming unless he decides that he can take 60-90 second shifts because the 5 minute shifts drives everyone up the wall!

[B19Kress 0]

Thats all fine and dandy if they are putting forth some effort, but if they are dangerous to the other players out there, then it becomes an issue. Especially idiots who arent very good at stopping or keep their heads up and look where the other players are. You know the type..It has nothing to do with effort, but if someone doesnt get out of their way, they'll collide.

Agree completely. Great point. Can't stand that. Hockey sense is something some people will never ever have. I've been going to a clinic/scrimmage for about four or five years now mainly because it is close to my house and the time slot is good. I've seen mostly the same guys there for the last few years and am astounded how some guys just don't get it. Well I used to be astounded, now I just shake my head.

I'm no all-star by any means but there are some pretty simple things an adult rec player can do to vastly improve. All it takes is a couple of bucks and a little diligence off the ice. Still most guys think that going once a week for an hour and a half and butchering a few drills and playing in an awful scrimmage will get them to improve.

Just curious what "things" you may be talking about here?

[sectachrome 40]

Hes clearly talking about steroids.

[guasto74 0]

Thats all fine and dandy if they are putting forth some effort, but if they are dangerous to the other players out there, then it becomes an issue. Especially idiots who arent very good at stopping or keep their heads up and look where the other players are. You know the type..It has nothing to do with effort, but if someone doesnt get out of their way, they'll collide.

Agree completely. Great point. Can't stand that. Hockey sense is something some people will never ever have. I've been going to a clinic/scrimmage for about four or five years now mainly because it is close to my house and the time slot is good. I've seen mostly the same guys there for the last few years and am astounded how some guys just don't get it. Well I used to be astounded, now I just shake my head.

I'm no all-star by any means but there are some pretty simple things an adult rec player can do to vastly improve. All it takes is a couple of bucks and a little diligence off the ice. Still most guys think that going once a week for an hour and a half and butchering a few drills and playing in an awful scrimmage will get them to improve.

Just curious what "things" you may be talking about here?

Glad you asked. Again, I'm not a certified hockey trainer or coach so take my suggestions for what you think they're worth.

First - do what you have to do get in hockey shape. Don't just go to the gym and lift weights. Incorporate hockey specific workouts into your routine such as squats, squats with weights, and other leg strengthening exercises. Do some plyomterics such as jumping back and forth over a cone, doing 25-30 reps of the skating stride in your sneakers, i.e., jumping as far as you can from one foot to the other, and lowering down into a squat and when coming up jump as high as you can and when you land go right back into a squat. These are just some examples to help you take a full shift with keeping your knees bent in a strong agressive style that's conducive to skating.

Second - aerobic and anaerobic exercise. For anaerobic, do some suicides in your yard or a nearby park (not like you're in the NFL combine but work up a sweat). For aerobic, what's better than hitting a public ice session and skating a bunch of laps at a brisk pace. While your there, work on some crossovers and other agility drills. Get an inexpensive power skating drill book for some ideas.

Third - find an area in the house, garage, yard, or park where you can practice stickhandling with a wooden ball or real puck. Check out the Internet or this board for some drills that will undoubtedly give you more control and confidence with the puck and allow you to have better vision by being able to handle the puck with your head up. Get that yo-yo puck thing and work with it a few minutes a day or every few days to help you accept and make crisp passes.

Now I know this sounds like a lot and some weeks you won't have time to fart. But there are other times where you can spare 20 minutes here and there doing these drills/exercises. Over time, you will get better. Not saying you have to be in NHL shape but I see a lot of guys that are severely limited because they don't know what to do off the ice.

Instead of buying that shiny new stick for $150, go get a couple of DVD's and other training materials and pay attention to what the instruction is trying to achieve. You'll have more fun with that old beat up Koho if you can keep up with the really good players rather than with the brand new Easton that all you can hope for is a garbage goal from some rebound nobody cares to pick up.

The last and easiest thing. When you watch hockey, pay attention to how these guys play the game. Understand that it is not a static game and your feet always have to be moving and to do that you can't hope to get better by going to pick up once a week and doing bench presses a couple of times a week.

Off my soapbox for now.

[JohnnyCanuck 0]

True enough with the last point you made!!!!

I am amazed at how many guys that play beer league and pick up that watch the NHL religiously, yet have no clue on fundamental systems play such as a basic breakout, or where to position yourself in either the offensive or defensive zones, about criss-crossing in the offensive zone on a fast break or odd-man rush, about how to forecheck, etc etc etc.

I recently saw an ad on the bulletin board of one of the Local rec leagues where a team of 16 guys ranging in age from 24-40 were looking for a "bench boss or player/coach" as they need "structure" in the way they play. :lol:

[guasto74 0]

True enough with the last point you made!!!!

I am amazed at how many guys that play beer league and pick up that watch the NHL religiously, yet have no clue on fundamental systems play such as a basic breakout, or where to position yourself in either the offensive or defensive zones, about criss-crossing in the offensive zone on a fast break or odd-man rush, about how to forecheck, etc etc etc.

I recently saw an ad on the bulletin board of one of the Local rec leagues where a team of 16 guys ranging in age from 24-40 were looking for a "bench boss or player/coach" as they need "structure" in the way they play. :lol:

Yeah I can't believe that stuff either. Guys constantly talking about the NHL in the locker room and then when you get on the ice, you wonder if they've ever watched a game in their life.

[Rustpot 1]

Well I'm glad you guys are so blessed that you don't have to worry about your hockey skills. Try working full time, running a household with kids then come tell me that I need to spend lots of time getting better at a sport I use to have fun at night or on the weekends.

Come the fuck on.

[JohnnyCanuck 0]

Hey pal, I have TWO jobs, a wife, and an 18 month old baby to care for when my wife needs time away with people that she can actually have a conversation with.

I think the general ask here is that guys that maybe lack skill in some areas could at the very least learn where to go on the ice when they don't have the puck, and as far as the guy above who posted some ideas for off ice training etc, he prefaced the whole thing by saying you don't need tons of time and money to do it.

Who needs to come on?

Things are worth doing in life if you aren't, at the very least, going to attempt to do them well.

Just my humble $0.02