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

[bmclifford 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.

Strange question? I've had plenty of new experiences, just was wondering some of the people's stories. You have a problem with discussion?

Get off the high horse.

[JR97 2]

I love being the new guy on a team. Well, I should qualify that... I used to love that when I actually had some game. I'm a pretty shy person and not talkative at all when it comes to locker room banter and stuff like that. But my game gets a little more motivated when I'm trying to hook up new people with passes or laying down in front of slap shots to impress a goalie.

[AndTheySayChiCity 0]

^i agree. i was the 'quiet' one on the team while in the locker room.. but on the ice, i'd be really vocal, while on the bench and even out on the ice, giving people heads up about the opposing team or late calls/icing/offsides/etc or just screaming random motivation like.."COME ON BOYS!LETS GET EM!".

i say.. like any situation where you're meeting new people, be yourself.

if this was me and i was placed on an adult league team i wouldn't be all show boat on the first day of practice or your first game (i mean, i've been told i have a good wrister, i know i skate well and i tend to be in the right spots when i have to be), but get a feel for the team first, see how they do things, don't expect them to cater to your needs as a player. i'm not saying that to be a dick, but at the adult league level, we're all in it for the love of the game and to play as a team. its such a mix of experience that you don't want to stick out like a sore thumb and be labeled as the "puck hog" or the "show off". make your teamates better. show random signs of what you're good at, at first..then slowly as the season goes on.. just show them what you got. let your play do the talking.

it's like meeting someone for the first time, at first you're not gonna reveal everything and throw it in their faces.. as time goes on.. you'll let them get to know you and you get a feel for who they are as a person and they get to know you.

pass. pass. pass. but by all means, if you feel you have the open shot, go for it, as always, goals are appreciated.

i'd say beer is a definite plus, but i don't know about you guys.. last time i checked, around here, there's random 18 year olds that play 'adult league' in my city (there's a league for 18-35 then another league for 35 and over).. whether they're kids who play in the 'off season' during the summer that play AAA hockey or they're just random HS kids who have played in house and are now 'too old' to play in house.. so i'd kinda be careful with the beer situation. i'm of age, so i wouldn't mind.. but the last thing i'd want is to get caught up at the rink..

[wc19 1]

as everybody else said pass! but also work hard the last thing i'd want to see is the new guy not trying hard during the game.

[-brady2 0]

how about this? i'm going to a jr.a spring camp in a couple of weeks, and the only guys i'd know is from playing against them and we were bitter rivals all year, and i wont know anyone except the one kid i talked to that was hurt and i was kicked out. sorry for thraedjacking btw. I usually have no trouble at hockey camps and stuff when I don't know anyone because I can bullshit just as good as anyone, but those guys i had 8 sweaty brutal games against them.

[big_bt 0]

Just be yourself, I joined a winter team last year and didn't know a single person. Just don't slack off or take dumb penalties. And things should be fine, its Spring hockey, enjoy it !

[Law Goalie 147]

how about this? i'm going to a jr.a spring camp in a couple of weeks, and the only guys i'd know is from playing against them and we were bitter rivals all year, and i wont know anyone except the one kid i talked to that was hurt and i was kicked out. sorry for thraedjacking btw. I usually have no trouble at hockey camps and stuff when I don't know anyone because I can bullshit just as good as anyone, but those guys i had 8 sweaty brutal games against them.

Watch 'Miracle', take notes. :)

[-brady2 0]

how about this? i'm going to a jr.a spring camp in a couple of weeks, and the only guys i'd know is from playing against them and we were bitter rivals all year, and i wont know anyone except the one kid i talked to that was hurt and i was kicked out. sorry for thraedjacking btw. I usually have no trouble at hockey camps and stuff when I don't know anyone because I can bullshit just as good as anyone, but those guys i had 8 sweaty brutal games against them.

Watch 'Miracle', take notes. :)

lol, great idea.

[Zamboni 6]

Fake Dog Poo

My 10 year old had his first practise with his spring team, lots of pressure, kids thrown together after playing one another all winter. He had rubber poo from April fools day at school, threw it in his hockey bag and made 15 instant friends. Shocked amazement at what his dog had done in his bag, the boys were climbing over one another for a look.

Not sure what the adult equivilant of rubber poo is?

[BobMcRobertson 0]

I would say a case of beer or a flask of whiskey would make you more than welcome on the team I play with. And give 110% every shift, winning or losing.

[JR97 2]

how about this? i'm going to a jr.a spring camp in a couple of weeks, and the only guys i'd know is from playing against them and we were bitter rivals all year, and i wont know anyone except the one kid i talked to that was hurt and i was kicked out. sorry for thraedjacking btw. I usually have no trouble at hockey camps and stuff when I don't know anyone because I can bullshit just as good as anyone, but those guys i had 8 sweaty brutal games against them.

Ya know, every guy I've tussled with ended up being a team mate soon thereafter. And there were never hard feelings. Quite the opposite. If you play hard and don't mind getting your nose bloodied it gets noticed. Sort of the whole, "I hate that guy.. except when he's on my team."

[GretzisGod 0]

Sleep with the Captains wife.

[hamstercaster 2]

If you score, skate very fast towards the middle of the ice then glide while sitting on your stick à la Dave "Tiger" Williams. You'll know instantly if you made friends if anyone shows up to help you out while the other team's bench comes after your @ss lol

Seriously, make small talk, don't try to steal the show and all should be fine.