Best way to acclimate yourself on a team that you don't know anyone?

[bmclifford 0]

I am joining a team for Adult Spring League and do not know anyone on the team. I was placed on the team at random. Any tips or hints to fitting in? I am not too worried about it, just was wondering if anyone had any good stories. I am typically a leader on my teams, but since I don't know anyone, don't want to come off that way right away. Thanks!

[Monty22 833]

Bring beer.

[fatwabbit 93]

just go out to have fun. No puck hogging, and always look for the open man. Give credit to those who make great plays, give encouragement to those who f-up the whole show.

[Jordan 13]

PASS !!!!!!!!!!!!

[Hoffer 0]

Go on the pass patrol and don’t act like a tool.

[Kevin 5]

1. Bring beer

2. Pass

3. Do not criticize or give pointers to teammates

4. Pay up front

5. Show up when you say you will

6. Help pick up the pucks, water bottles

7. When in doubt, keep your mouth shut

8. Play within your abilities

[Zamboni 6]

Putting the puck in the net is always well received :D

[Fire0nIce228 1]

forgot one..

Score.

[Jarick 5]

Has the team been together a while or is it just thrown together?

I got to know the guys on my team by going out and playing a few pickup games with them, go out for beers afterwards, and being as positive as possible.

[bmclifford 0]

Thanks for the tips.

No idea how long they have been around. Have only exchanged emails with the Captain.

Love the pass ideas, I am more of a passer anyway. Love saucering the perfect pass in the slot for a goal, no better feeling.

[umafuaba 0]

Don't take 10 minute shifts.

[Tyler B 0]

Don't take 10 minute shifts.

i think that goes for any team at any level.. not only are you not doing the team a favour, your not helping yourself either.

[NuggyBuggy 0]

Don't take 10 minute shifts.

i think that goes for any team at any level.. not only are you not doing the team a favour, your not helping yourself either.

Are either of you guys available for speaking engagements ?

[NJ35 0]

get real sauced up, get all sloppy hammered drunk, that really brings people together

[CannonBall 0]

Beer

Pass

Score

And don't say anything negative at all.

[sitzlejd 0]

Get down and block shots. You'll get at least one friend for sure!

[ean 0]

Just be a team player...on the ice and off.

[chef_ducky 0]

I was in your situation, only with a bunch of grade 8 and 9's. Just pass, try hard. They will respect you for that...As mentioned above, a little brew wouldn't hurt!

[greech 4]

Don't step into the room thinking you run the show and are the top dog, respect the social structure of the team that's already in place and you should be golden.

[Law Goalie 147]

Get down and block shots. You'll get at least one friend for sure!

And that one friend would be me. :)

Oh, and beer is good, but whiskey is better!

Nothing says friendly like a big flask of Bowmore getting tossed around the room.

[bbruins8 0]

Bring beer.

+1 :D

Edit: Also, no penalties, NONE.

[McDougalfaschnitzer 32]

I'd say making sure you introduce yourself to everyone would be the best start.

[TBLfan 25]

someone should offer an invite to whereever they go out afterwards(never been on a team that didnt have some members go out after most games)... Go. Have fun and get to know them.

Whenever a team I'm on gets a new player I always offer, someone in the locker room should make the offer. If not, I dont see why you wouldnt say something along the lines of "Anyone hungry?" or "Anyone wanna grab some beer?" whatever. No better way to meet your teammates than over some grub and beer.

[JJ Thompson94 0]

Man, I sure hope your a noob because that is a pretty strange question. Joining a hockey team is like doing anything else thats new. First day of High School, college, new job, whatever. Do go to a forum and ask people how to go to a bar and approach a girl.

Dude, it's pretty simple. Open your mouth and talk to people, get to know everyone make some jokes, tell some stories. Be yourself and play your game. You've probably made some friends through out your life so I'm sure you'll get friendly with atleast one person on the team. Not everyone is going to like you, but screw them.

By the way, the better you are the more people will like you, so...yeah...score a goal and people will atleast give you a hand tap.

[xaero604 0]

I'd have to disagree. Someone could score as many goals as they want but if they're a prick, jeering is all they will get. No one likes feeding a cherry picking puckhog especially when they're not gracious about it.

Modesty goes a long way...