eric42434224 1 Report post Posted June 5, 2008 I am not sure if this is a legit thread topic, but I had to just post it.I have been out of hockey for over 20 yeears, and I just got back in. I played one year of high school hockey in upstate NY in 1987, and for many reasons, lost hockey completely from my life for 20 years. School, career, family, etc. I didnt watch it on TV, or follow it in any way at all.Now it is 2008, and I need to do something for myself. I decided to join the weekly softball league, and my wife, remembering the autographed Guy Lafleur picture I have, said, cant you play Hockey again? At first I was hesitant. You know...the cost, no good anymore, really hard physically, etc. Then I though....why not? I make six figures, there are 4 rinks within half-hour driving time her in South Florida, and my wife is being supportive.What the hell.I drove to the rink (IncredibleIce in Coral Springs, where the Florida Panthers play), and I walk in and it hits me like a brick......the SMELL. The smell of a rink. The smell I havent experienced in 20 years. God it was amazing. I think I knew right then that I was back in hockey. But, I was still unsure of how good....or bad I was.so I ordered some Bauer Supreme 50's on clearance at $129 online and started going to open skating. First five minutes were akward, but by the end of an hour I felt at home on skates again! I tried on all the equipment at the LHS and then ordered everything online and was at open hockey a week later. First open hockey was super akward, with my feet not doing what my brain wanted them to do. Absolutely no wind and no slapshot to speak of. Almost puked by the end of the session.Fast forward 4 months and I have just completed the first season of the adult league I play in, and I was voted assistant captain and score a hat trick my last game (I am a defenseman, so that is obviously unusual!) I now am an equipment whore, watch hockey on TV daily, and think about it constantly.My wife said about my new affinity for hockey...."ITS LIKE CRACK TO YOU"!!But she loves that I am happier, and in better shape. (not so much the smell of hockey equipment though).Here is to the sport of hockey, and what it can do for you physically, but also what it can do for your soul. Youre never too old, or too bad, to play and enjoy hockey.Thanks Hockey.....my crack :) Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Gummer12 134 Report post Posted June 5, 2008 And this site is going to be your Dealer. Welcome back to the fold. *(Might want to edit your date for HS Hockey) Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
hockeysc23 0 Report post Posted June 5, 2008 [...] I tried on all the equipment at the LHS and then ordered everything online and was at open hockey a week later. [...]Congrats on coming back but next time support the retailer that gave you the ability to try on products in their store Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
eric42434224 1 Report post Posted June 5, 2008 And this site is going to be your Dealer. Welcome back to the fold. *(Might want to edit your date for HS Hockey)LOL...good catch. 1987.[...] I tried on all the equipment at the LHS and then ordered everything online and was at open hockey a week later. [...]Congrats on coming back but next time support the retailer that gave you the ability to try on products in their store Actually, I do now, and I agree. My team captain works at the LHS. I bought Stealth S15's there as I had trouble with the Bauers, and the Eastons were the only skates that really fit. Also bought sticks. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
chk hrd 164 Report post Posted June 5, 2008 Welcome back to the greatest sport. In our house hockey is more than a sport it is a way of life. Sometimes I think I'd rather be at the rink then just about anywhere, whether it's playing, watching my son play or just watching in general. If you ever are depressed or in a mood, go watch the mites skate, it's guaranteed to cheer you up.I've never had this type of experience with any other sport. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
flashgordon 0 Report post Posted June 5, 2008 Welcome back to the greatest sport. In our house hockey is more than a sport it is a way of life. Sometimes I think I'd rather be at the rink then just about anywhere, whether it's playing, watching my son play or just watching in general. If you ever are depressed or in a mood, go watch the mites skate, it's guaranteed to cheer you up.I've never had this type of experience with any other sport.Well put - and just be thankful that you wife is supportive. Between my playing 2-3 times / week, my stick collection and obsessive buying, my 4 year old son's complete infatuation with the sport (playing on the ice and at home, going to the rink with me), and our nightly watching on TV, my wife's had it up to here (hand over head motion).... Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
legiahockey 3 Report post Posted June 5, 2008 awsome story man. i feel the same way everytime i step out on the ice. the smell and the whole "feel" of it just gets me Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
automorph 0 Report post Posted June 5, 2008 Away for 10 years.......now I play 3-4 times a week, and new equipment makes me happy :P Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
big_bt 0 Report post Posted June 5, 2008 Welcome back! I know exactly how you feel. I didn't get a chance to finish my last midget year because of a car accident that destroyed my knee and ankle. Sat a good two years out doing absolutely nothing getting fat and sluggish. Friend called me and I got on his beer league team and from there on, I can't seem to get enough of it. Playing as much as I can to make up for the time lost. Do it because you love it. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
lampliter87 8 Report post Posted June 5, 2008 Where in upstate NY you from? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
eric42434224 1 Report post Posted June 5, 2008 Where in upstate NY you from?Plattsburgh Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Aussie Joe 0 Report post Posted June 5, 2008 That IS one of the best storys of hockey I have ever read. That sort of thing is the reason why I play and help out with coaching kids or even adults. You are so right about the smell and I still maintain no rink smells the same as my childhood rink that I grew up playing on. Keep up the amazing work there Eric and if you ever want to travel and play I can hook you up with abit of Sniff Sniff in AUS! ;) Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
fatwabbit 93 Report post Posted June 6, 2008 dude... if it was crack, you've come to the processing plant we call MSH. Dont let your wife know how much you spend on your gear-whoring ways.I've started to get my purchases directed to my workplace instead... that way the lesser she knows about it, the better... ;) Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Aussie Joe 0 Report post Posted June 6, 2008 That and you get to touch/play with them quicker as well when they get to work in the middle of the day. ;) Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
raygunpk 0 Report post Posted June 6, 2008 This site is crack too. I hate it but I love it.. and I can't get enough. I need more...gear. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
DarkStar50 679 Report post Posted June 6, 2008 Welcome back. The thing about women and hockey is 99% of them just don't get it, will never get it, refuse to even try to get it, and will never understand that before you met your wife or your girlfriend, you were already a hockey player. You are so lucky your wife said go for it. I'm married but was wondering if your wife has any sisters? :lol: Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Hooah4 12 Report post Posted June 6, 2008 Welcome back. The thing about women and hockey is 99% of them just don't get it, will never get it, refuse to even try to get it, and will never understand that before you met your wife or your girlfriend, you were already a hockey player. You are so lucky your wife said go for it. I'm married but was wondering if your wife has any sisters? :lol:I'm with you on that. My wife 99% doesn't get it but 1% of her does. She sees the difference in me after I play as my stress levels come down so much. She also likes the guys on my team FWIW. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
xdcx 0 Report post Posted June 6, 2008 Welcome back. The thing about women and hockey is 99% of them just don't get it, will never get it, refuse to even try to get it, and will never understand that before you met your wife or your girlfriend, you were already a hockey player. You are so lucky your wife said go for it. I'm married but was wondering if your wife has any sisters? :lol: :lol: Just the other night, my girlfriend said to me, "I really wish I could see you more, but you shouldn't give up playing hockey so much because I like saying that my boyfriend is a hockey player". I thought that was pretty awesome and cute, BUT, I am also glad she said that so I didn't have to say "I wouldn't give up hockey to see you more anyway" :P Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
lampliter87 8 Report post Posted June 6, 2008 Where in upstate NY you from?PlattsburghI have an uncle in Plattsburgh; I'm in Potsdam. North Country represent! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
eric42434224 1 Report post Posted June 6, 2008 Truthfully, the best way to keep my wife on board is to just be really honest (with the gear that is). And to keep her on board with hockey three nights a week is to make sure you are doing something for her, or giving something to her.I get up in the morning when she is already at work, and take care of our 2 yr old daughter, get her ready, straighten up the house, and bring her to school. she cant complain when she comes home to a clean house. I also encourage her to do yoga, which costs as much per session as hockey. Though she really does like that I play hockey, am a happier and nicer and less stressful person, and am in better shape....she also knows that because of the other things I do, she will look like a bitch if she complains.One thing she does say something about, and quite frankly, I think it is an isue as well, is that the games are so late, and on work nights too. I dont get home until 12:30 somtimes, and cant shower and wind down until 2am. That tends to make you a bit groggy/sleepy/crabby the next day. My rink is about to add a third rink, so hopefully that will allow a more reasonable time for some games.Yes, I am happy as hell that I am playing again. And great to be able to chat about it here with fellow puck heads. :)Where in upstate NY you from?PlattsburghI have an uncle in Plattsburgh; I'm in Potsdam. North Country represent!SUNY Potsdam baby! North Country in the house!Used to drive through there when I went to SUNY Oswego.I love it when I tell people from NYC that I am from upstate NY....and they think I am from Rockland county. LOLThey think the only thing north of Albany is Canada! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
lampliter87 8 Report post Posted June 6, 2008 Where in upstate NY you from?PlattsburghI have an uncle in Plattsburgh; I'm in Potsdam. North Country represent!SUNY Potsdam baby! North Country in the house!Used to drive through there when I went to SUNY Oswego.I love it when I tell people from NYC that I am from upstate NY....and they think I am from Rockland county. LOLThey think the only thing north of Albany is Canada!Well, two hours north on 87 there's Plattsburgh. And an hour and a half west theres P-dam. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
FlyChicaga 21 Report post Posted June 20, 2008 Awesome thread.I played hockey starting in sixth grade, and was obsessed up until my freshman year in HS. I was on the high school junior varsity team, and my "obsession" caused me to get some terrible grades in the second semester. Because of that, I dropped out... and took a 10-year break. I did play a few rat hockey sessions in college, but that was about it. Then one day, out of nowhere, I decided to go try and play again. That was two years ago... and I've been playing every week ever since. I am also a total equipment whore, but I don't care. Going to hockey every week takes me away from all the crap I deal with at work. The smell, the feel of sweat dripping down my face, a solid pass, putting it in the back of the net, the locker room banter... it all makes me so happy. Luckily my girlfriend is supportive of my addictive habit, because I think she realizes what this sport means to me.I've taken it to a new extreme this year: I'm trying to join a league, and get out of the rat hockey ways I've been set in. I also am now a season ticket holder for the Blackhawks, and my authentic personalized jersey should be ready this weekend! It's only June, and I'm so anxious for the preseason!Now I just need to get in a good fitness regimen so I can bulk up and get more muscle tone. I've been in a rut, and thankfully the sport of hockey has encouraged me to get fit! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Smitty34 0 Report post Posted June 20, 2008 Thats a great story. Good for you for getting back into hockey. I've been playing for five years now, and I can't imagine how miserable I would be without it. My high school team's season ended about two weeks ago, so I won't be playing until September :( . Its been a pretty bad two weeks. I went to pick up the other day, and despite the fact that it was one of the worst times I've ever had at pick up, it was better than not playing. I've never been able to say about anything other than hockey.Welcome back to the game! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
