So I've been outta the game for a few years...

[purpleparrot66 0]

Hey guys, I'm new to the forum and first off this place looks great. Anyway, I grew up playing roller hockey since I was 6. I'm now 20 and its been almost 6 years since I've played competitively and I just joined a league for the summer. Basically I need some help/advice getting back into shape, and a refresher on the equipment and such. Last time I played I was probably about 5"1ish and 110lbs give or take...I'm now 5"6 140lbs. Obviously I'm looking at all new equipment...or am I? I used to use a junior Branches Metallics with a Bauer Supreme Lindros (right) Can I still use that or should I get a new stick? I do have a newer set of skates I got about 3 years ago because I thought I was gonna start playing again but it didn't happen so they still fit. They are Missions (forgot the model) but they will do the trick. I've also stumbled upon this Mission Thorax upper body protector...is it any good? Should I get that instead of shoulder pads, or stick with my small ones? You guys see where I'm going with this...on top of that I'm stuck up at school and there is 0 interest in hockey up here so I can't go anywhere to try on stuff or see anything for myself. I also need new pants. I'm a size 30 waist, but I plan to wear a girdle when I play so what size would I be? Lastly, any advice on workouts to get back in shape without actual skating time, I have a month till the first game and I'm very excited please help me out guys!

[gee2626 0]

I think it depends on what your priorities are. If you are concern about cost, then your current equipment and some used equipment should still work fine. However, if you want to emphasize more on performance, obviously newer gear will be more beneficial due to more advance technology.

As for shoulder pads, most roller hockey players I know, don't where upper body protection. However, I have heard the Thorax upper body shirt works well, but you may get a little hot under it.

For girdle size, I would recommend a small.

As for getting back into shape, focus on plyometric exercises, as well as anaerobic exerceises (ie several sprint intervals).

[Sprungster 5]

Lastly, any advice on workouts to get back in shape without actual skating time, I have a month till the first game and I'm very excited please help me out guys!

Find some hills and start walking and running up them. Do it a lot. A fairly nasty hill sort of puts you into your hockey stride. Keep doing it and you won't have your hands on your knees too much.

[sdcopp 1]

first off, welcome

Your existing gear should be ok to get going again. 6yrs is a long time, and some of your gear may not fit/feel quite like it did, so you'll have to see what still works and what doesn't. For upper body protection the thorax should be plenty, most players don't wear any upper protection at all. Pants you're likely a small in Mission and a small to medium in Tours, I've found the Mission's run bigger/wider than other brands for the purpose of having a girdle on.

Wait on new gear until you can get to a local shop. Comfort should be your primary concern, so see what works out of what you have and replace only what doesn't feel good/right anymore.

Go out and enjoy, if you have a chance to skate outside or at a roller rink, that'll be the best primer to get back. Otherwise a nice general workout for the upper and lower legs, back, lats and shoulders, forearms, etc. with some interval training on cardio will be good. Just a little bit of everything, maybe an hour or so a couple times a week to get your body moving and working the muscles.

[purepowerfit 0]

You are on the right track with the plyometric leg exercises I would make sure you do a significant amount of core exercises for your abs and lower back. Remember to stretch! There is alot of scientific evidence showing the importance of staying flexible and the effects of shortened and lengthened muscles on performance. Make sure you are eating enough high quality nurtition to give your body enough calories to restore energy burned in training as well as to ensure proper muscle development.

[purpleparrot66 0]

Thanks for the response's so far guys, I've been working out/exercising everyday now, also does anybody know of any good sites where I can find some older equipment (Ex. Mission 3 finger gloves) besides Ebay, or if people on this board buy/sell from each other?

[sdcopp 1]

Ebay has some good finds sometimes, Hockeygiant and Hockeymonkey are both big online shops that blow equipment out, there is a buy/sell section on this board that you can get access to later, Inlinewarehouse has a messageboard with a classified section, Craigslist,etc etc etc

[DamnLocust 0]

Hockeyworld.com is the king of older equipment. If there's a Perani's near you, they're one and the same.

[ricepow 14]

*edit* Sorry for trying to help someone out.

[jmiro 55]

Hey PurpleParrot. Not sure what you are looking for but I have some brand new TPS R8 elbows and shins that I need to sell. PM me if you are interested, I got a pretty good deal on them and am just trying to get back around what I spent as they do not fit me.

Read the rules on selling on MSH.

As for new equipment i play with a bunch of guys that just started back. Equipment has changed alot over the last five years. I would keep what i have and get new when your back into it for a while. I bought multiple items when i got back into it. Then went back to some of the same style equipment I had before. There are guys at the rink still supporting equipment like aluminums and gretzy style, long cuff gloves.

[purpleparrot66 0]

Thanks, yea I haven't gone home yet, still at school for another 2 weeks but I'm planning on using the same equipment, just looking to buy new pants and maybe gloves...still looking into that Mission Thorax though, can't wait to try one on.

[purpleparrot66 0]

Hey again guys, just wanted to thank you all for the advice/input you guys gave me it defiantly payed off. We had our first game tonight and we won, I came out with a goal and 2 assists. I wound up getting a Thorax for 15 bucks at a local shop and I love it, I'm sticking with all my old stuff even though its all a bit small but it still feels comfortable to me, I'm also sticking with my old Branches Metallics junior stick, I just threw on a wooden extension and I have no complaints so far. Thanks again guys!