Didn't enjoy my first season of organized hockey

[srv2miker 0]

Hey Guys,

Finally after years of waiting I got the chance (read: had enough money) to join an adult league (the ASHL here in Langley). All I wanted to do was have some fun playing with guys that were around my skill level. Obviously as a beginner I signed up in the lowest Div. (E).

Now that season is over, I look back and think "how many games did I actually enjoy playing?" The answer is: very few. Here's the biggest things that pissed me off:

- Way too many cheapshots. Just last night I had to deal with a flagrant spear to the stomach and brutal, intentional hit from behind into the boards.

- Players in the Div were way too good for this level. E is supposed to be first-time hockey players - guys who picked up the game as adults. But I would say out of the 8 team division, there were only two teams I'd call "beginners". My team was just as bad, bringing in ringers partway through the year just to compete.

- No respect. My own teammates yelling at people when they make mistakes. People chirping at the refs non-stop. As mentioned above, way too many cheapshots. Does everyone treat Div. E like it's the NHL?

- This is probably just an issue with the team, but too many primmadonnas. I got stuck playing defense all year long because no one else would play back there. I'd ask for someone else to play D, but everyone player on the team would come up with an excuse, or flat out refuse. Well what me and my enjoyment of the league, shouldn't I get to play where I want, even if its only for the odd game here and there?

- Lack of a team atmoshpere. Again, this could just be a problem with my team, but it seemed like none of the guys really understood the team mentallity. When I got boarded last night, the only person to ask if I was alright was my brother, despite me being in obvious pain on the bench. No one even mentioned it in the lockerroom after. And that's just a sampling - there were plenty of other times during the year when I'd think to myself "Jesus, I don't like most of the guys I'm sitting here with".

Not ranting here, just wondering if I got on a bad team here, or if every team/league is like this. Is this the way it is in all leagues? Is a 30+ Div. any better? I just want to play hockey for fun, in an organized setting. Am I going to have to put up with all this shit anywhere I go, or did I just get on the wrong team/league?

Mike

[wildebeest 0]

where the hell do you play where E Div is allowed contact?

I played in a sunday morning group that sounds a lot like your league, I politely excused myself halfway through the session and haven't returned since. I guess it would be different if I ponied up a league fee or something, but there's no use getting hurt if there's nothing (a few million bucks) to gain from it.

[stock07 1]

I'll be honest alot of adult leagues are like what you desrcibed...That could have easily been any adult beer league in any state in the US or Canada...I also think yea maybe your team moral is down because, and I asume here, that you were just trown together not really knowing everyone...If I were you I would try to find a group of guys that, just enjoy playing hockey and forming a team...Most likely you will find it better in the 30+ all the guys for the most part are mature and just out there to have fun, stay active, and compete but not with winning being everything...

[Law Goalie 147]

Honestly, your best bet is to only form or join teams with guys you know - or at the very least, a team of guys who already know each other. From what I'm told, that's pretty rare in lower-level open-age senior leagues, but it's something to keep your eyes open for. Team formed from businesses are usually good - especially from the medical and legal fields (I'm a little biased here, I'll admit) - because they all have to work together the next day, and they're usually only at the rink to have fun together. One of my best sub-ins was with a group of nurses (both sexes) and physiotherapists who were all over the place in terms of skill, but absolutely wonderful as a team.

30+ will certainly be a better bet if you're going to go back into a player pool.

The problems you describe are epidemic in senior hockey.

[english15x 3]

sounds like a regular beer league. +30 league is where it's at for ya most likely.

[jcp2 2]

The "stuck on D" thing happened to me the first year I played in a beginner league, but in the end, it worked out. I'm a lot better at skating backwards, and I get a lot more ice time (triples always want to play forwards). Also, I just don't have the energy to keep on forechecking anymore (but don't tell my teammates that).

Also, I was on a higher level team with a pretty competitive manager, but moved to a more relaxed group as a sub. I'm having a lot more fun, and the better players don't mind giving me tips when I ask, but don't get on my case when I mess up.

The beginner league at my rink had the ringer problem too, so the league manager started to move people up (I got moved after a couple of seasons) and got rid of playoffs. The other rink, which I also played at a couple of times, has an open draft league with more balanced teams that change every year. They also don't keep track of standings and stats, just penalties, and again, in the draft league, there are no playoffs, so everything is more relaxed.

[CAINE 0]

Unfortunately, my experience has largely been the same as yours.

I didn't learn to play until college but, I'd grown up playing rugby and water polo so my learning to skate was more of an issue than the contact. In general it seems that a particularly special kind of @$$hole plays adult hockey.

I've rarely had the pleasure of playing with guys that were actually good enough that they didn't have anything to prove. The most skilled and civil hockey players I've played with, surprisingly, were in weekly, pick up, street games in DC and floor hockey leagues.

[DavidT 11]

The leagues are the same way here.

My advice would team up with some friends. Our team isnt the greatest; but we all play/enjoy/love hockey, have the same interests, and we all like drinking beer afterwards.

Having fun with friends outwieghs the cheap shots and other bullshit some other ankle benders are out to try and prove.

[Chadd 916]

Honestly, your best bet is to only form or join teams with guys you know - or at the very least, a team of guys who already know each other. From what I'm told, that's pretty rare in lower-level open-age senior leagues, but it's something to keep your eyes open for. Team formed from businesses are usually good - especially from the medical and legal fields (I'm a little biased here, I'll admit) - because they all have to work together the next day, and they're usually only at the rink to have fun together. One of my best sub-ins was with a group of nurses (both sexes) and physiotherapists who were all over the place in terms of skill, but absolutely wonderful as a team.

30+ will certainly be a better bet if you're going to go back into a player pool.

The problems you describe are epidemic in senior hockey.

Lawyers are a pain in the ass to deal with as hockey players. I actually had one douchebag call the police after I threw him out of a game. The charge? Theft of services. That guy is still suspended and that happened years ago. It's also not the only case of that type of behavior at our rink.

On the original topic, get to know a bunch of guys at pickup sessions and put together a team. It's a major pain in the ass, but having some control over who plays with you can really help.

[Lostkoz 0]

The adult senior league I play in must be an exception. The league I am in ranks players according to skill from beginner to advanced and then holds a draft to pick teams. The league moderators do a good job in balancing out the teams with all the different skill levels and accomodating players with people that they would like to play with. It happens to work out that the teams that are put together seem to have the same core group of people on them every season due to people requesting to play with each other. Which is nice because you get to know the people on your team and the people on the other teams quite well. The moderators know everyone on the rosters so there is no chance for anyone to bring ringers in. Of all the adult leagues that I have played in, this one is the best and I have consistently played in it for several years. I guess I am lucky to found a league like this, I thought they all were. The atmosphere definitley helps out in the enjoyment.

[TheBert 0]

Try the Burnaby ASHL? I subbed in for my friend's Langley team once and everyone we played with seemed to be a bunch of roid monkeys.

[Chadd 916]

The adult senior league I play in must be an exception. The league I am in ranks players according to skill from beginner to advanced and then holds a draft to pick teams. The league moderators do a good job in balancing out the teams with all the different skill levels and accomodating players with people that they would like to play with. It happens to work out that the teams that are put together seem to have the same core group of people on them every season due to people requesting to play with each other. Which is nice because you get to know the people on your team and the people on the other teams quite well. The moderators know everyone on the rosters so there is no chance for anyone to bring ringers in. Of all the adult leagues that I have played in, this one is the best and I have consistently played in it for several years. I guess I am lucky to found a league like this, I thought they all were. The atmosphere definitley helps out in the enjoyment.

Most rinks don't want to put that much time and effort into their adult leagues.

[TheBert 0]

Lostkoz: How many teams in the league?

[NuggyBuggy 0]

Amen to the posters who suggested starting or joining a team with people you know. I was on a dysfunctional team for several years, and it suffered all of the problems the OP described, and more. It took a while before I realized I wasn't enjoying seeing those guys anymore, and that I could quit. A few months later, a bunch of us in another of my playing circles decided to start up a team. We all knew each other so we knew that there were no assholes, no icehogs, etc.

We entered a few tournaments to see if we'd like playing with each other first; I think this is a great way to see what a team might be like before committing a full season of registration fees only to find the team eating itself. You're only on the hook for a few games. After the first few tournaments, everything was great and we're going to start playing in a league this summer.

Not all teams are dysfunctional, and hockey - like anything else - is a lot more fun when you're with people you like.

I recommend the OP start working to expand his hockey network, and put out feelers for people who want to form a team. Play more shinny and talk to the people you meet. If the OP is a beginner, or even if not, he could do an adult hockey skills class to meet a bunch of people at the same skill level. The most important thing is to recruit people with personalities compatible with your own, and who are looking to get the same things out of hockey as you are. A couple of bad attitudes can really bring a team down fast.

[wc19 1]

as alot of guys here suggested, make or join a team with guys you know. I subbed for this one team this year also in ashl but in the burnaby one, I only know 2 guys on this team. During one of the plays I get hit from behind straight into the boards, no one tries to defend me and stand up to the asshole who cheapshotted me. Ever since then, Im only subbing for a team only when I know at least half of the guys.

[AnthonyJTa 0]

That sounds a lot like the minimal league experience I had... that's why I've been sticking to pickup. They'll hold an "evaluation session" for a D League, and then just form a team with the 15 or so guys who show up.

The league I played in was full of teams bringing in ringers mid-season, as everyone "knows a guy" around these parts. Even the goalie on the team I had subbed for quit 2 games later, as it was just frustrating to him. The cheapshots were a different story all together. I had to sit the last period of a game, because I didn't have a cage, and I love my teeth too much. The nice laceration on my collarbone from a stick was enough for me...

[Jarick 5]

I just finished my first season of adult hockey, it was fine. The league is fairly tightly run (AHA in MN), evaluations for your level, USA Hockey membership, etc, so it's not your average beer league.

Like Nuggy said, the two things I would look for on a team would be appropriate skill level and similar personalities. Obviously you don't want to be a ringer or a slouch on your team. And if you are looking for a super competitive, or fairly loose and fun group, you want to find similar people.

[sitzlejd 0]

I've played intramurals at school and it's always been pretty good, even with all the douchy frat boys.

Beer league in Cincy was pretty good as well. I played on one team w/ friends and another league that I got put on as a free agent. Most guys were pretty nice, didn't really take any cheapshots and everyone was pretty relaxed. My goalie would always complain about cheapshots but he's a whiner so I don't think it was bad. The worst team as far as cheapshots was a team of all women who I guess had something to prove. Everyone hated playing them cuz they would play dirty and we all felt weird hitting back.

I guess my only advice would be to try a different league if you can. Making a team of friends is ideal, but I know in Cincy it's hard to find enough people who know how to play. Don't give up on playing organized. I find it to be much more rewarding when there's something on the line (even if it is just beer league wins).

[Duder84 0]

I would try out the Burnaby one as well, I played there last summer in one of the middle divs and it was pretty fair. I find personally that the ringers problem is less likely to happen in higher divs, so if you could always give that a try if you want. Also, if you know the guy's a ringer, call the team on it, the refs are pretty understanding when it comes to stuff like that.

[hockeyherb 1]

Man, from all the descriptions of crappy run beer leagues I guess the one we have in Austin is one of the few good ones. We're also very tightly run: mandatory signup with USAH, team drafts, our refs don't take crap and anyone causing bodily harm or fighting is immediately put on suspension or kicked out if it occurs again.

I agree with the other suggestions, maybe just stick to drop ins for a while until you get to know some guys and then you'd have an in for a team. It's hard to be the new guy especially if you're not one of the better players on the team. It can take a while for them to get to know YOU rather than just see you as 'new guy that sucks'. (Sorry to be blunt but that's how a lot of guys think until you get to know them)

You also need to make an effort to get to know them. There are lots of guys I play with that I think are total a-holes but once you're having a beer after the game they aren't so bad. Some people just let the competition turn them into someone else.

[tjl_48 0]

I was in a tiny league up here in northern MN. Well it isn't really a league. The little towns just put together teams and call eachother up to play. It was a blast. There were a few dirt bags but my team was a blast and it is so small up there you pretty much know people on the other team too. Just a good time and everybody has fun.

[epstud74 24]

The adult senior league I play in must be an exception. The league I am in ranks players according to skill from beginner to advanced and then holds a draft to pick teams. The league moderators do a good job in balancing out the teams with all the different skill levels and accomodating players with people that they would like to play with. It happens to work out that the teams that are put together seem to have the same core group of people on them every season due to people requesting to play with each other. Which is nice because you get to know the people on your team and the people on the other teams quite well. The moderators know everyone on the rosters so there is no chance for anyone to bring ringers in. Of all the adult leagues that I have played in, this one is the best and I have consistently played in it for several years. I guess I am lucky to found a league like this, I thought they all were. The atmosphere definitley helps out in the enjoyment.

Thats the way most adult leagues operate here in MN..The good, legit ones with 8-9 teams per level..Very well organized and stress the rules and no-contact part of the game...Who wants to go to work with a black eye? The majority of the men/women who can afford hockey gear and spend $400-600 a year on league fees, extra ice time etc..usually work in good jobs and tend to be well-mannered

[Jarick 5]

Thats the way most adult leagues operate here in MN..The good, legit ones with 8-9 teams per level..Very well organized and stress the rules and no-contact part of the game...Who wants to go to work with a black eye? The majority of the men/women who can afford hockey gear and spend $400-600 a year on league fees, extra ice time etc..usually work in good jobs and tend to be well-mannered

That's my experience. Mostly good guys, although I think at the higher levels they get a lot feistier.

[start_today 770]

"In general it seems that a particularly special kind of @$$hole plays adult hockey."

I think this is probably true for a lot of adult league sports. Many people are just trying to live out some fantasy of what they see on tv, whatever the sport is. When they see their favorite players screaming at refs and playing super hard to the point of being dirty, it caries to absurd attitudes in what should be a fun setting.

I'll go ahead and be the Nth person to say it's more fun if you can form your own team, and play with people you like. Is there anyone on your team you like? Even if you don't have enough to form a team now, start collecting phone numbers and email addresses. Odds are, other people hate playing for that team too. If a team in dysfunctional, even pretty raional people on that team turn into jerks, because it's easier to lookout for yourself than working through things.

In my eyes, the most important thing of all is to not let this sour you on hockey. This league may just be a bad one, hopefully something better works out for you. I think almost everyone on this board loves the game in a purely fun way, and is always excited to hear about people playing. We can all attest to crappy experiences, as well as really awesome ones. The awesome ones always outweigh the crappy ones.

[Doctor Hook 0]

Sounds like you got in a bad situation. Your team obviously isn't much of one, otherwise they would've looked out for you when you got cheapshotted or at least asked about you.

Pricks will be in every league, so the cheapshots don't surprise me. I find the best way to stop cheapshots is to make people accountable for their actions.

I'd give it another go, maybe try a different team or league. Getting into beer league hockey has been a great experience for me personally. There will be ups and downs but as long as you still have fun, why not?