Quitting Hockey...

[JJ Thompson94 0]

I don't know you, clearly, but If you have a chance at making a career in hockey or music, do what you do best. If not... it all boils down to what you would rather do. It seems you have made your desicion and I can't sway you but I'll try anyway, only because I made the same decision just 7 years ago and I regret it.

My freshmen year in high school I began playing guitar and eventually formed a band. Just like with you I made the decision to focus on my music instead of hockey. I still liked hockey, and would play roller outside, and watch NHL games but Primaraly I was rocking out. I'm not saying this will happen to you, but playing in bars and just trying to be a rockstar led me to smoking cigs and pot, alot of pot. It even led me to facing death at 16. Two of my band mates died. One of a heroin OD and the other drowned while high on Heroin. Somewhere along the line, Middle of senior year, I ran into an old friend and he invited me to play open with him. And just with one hour and half skate I remembered how much I loved hockey. Worst part was, I got so bad and everyone got better. I threw myself into hockey full time. And havn't looked back.

lol, I'm not saying you'll be a drug addict or anything like that, god forbid, but with a band and being a stupid teenager, it makes you do stupid things. I was fed up with practice and drills and running and I was looking to throw myself into something new, but I regret it. Not cause of any of the stupid things I did in those 4 years but mostly because it took me 4 years to really understand how much I love hockey.

[Aussie Joe 0]

obviously Aussie Joe, you have not seen Slash live, or Joe Perry, or Zack Wylde.

I watched the REAL Guns N Roses on their last Aussie tour, I take it you would have been close to an itch in ya daddy's pants at that point. ;)

[sinkhole84 0]

The bonds you form with bandmates and fellow musicians will surely equal that of a teammate or coach.

Plus you get laid way more when you play guitar. ;)

Fuck I am in the wrong business.

[cougarscaptain87 12]

just by reading your own posts in this thread it seems pretty obvious where your heart is, some people are athletes, some people are musicians, some people are artists, everyone is different. it sounds to me that you would be happier and have a more furfilling life if you concentrated on your music and played hockey with the boys when you have time. hopefully you can restain yourself from bein a gear whore if you do quit! i dont think your gonna need the new 2010 bauer skates just for some pond hockey :P good luck with the guitar, i always wished i was something more then an athlete like a musician or an artist or something but i guess that wasnt in the hand i was delt.

[Stampede#11 0]

It sounds like your mind is made up any way ....

Come on a hockey forum asking this question, virtually everyone will tell you to play hockey. If everyone on this board had stopped playing becuase of a tough decision they had to make to sacrifice something ... there would be no MSH. We all have made those choices, what ever level you play at. But we do becuase we all love to play ... if you don't ... then don't.

Go on a "MSG" (G for Guitar) and people would respond to give up hockey.

It sounds like you got a little rough ride off a coach and you didn't like it. Playing the guitar is a solo thing mostly, so know one will criticize you. Sounds like you need to learn to take a knock on the chin.

Again, another wonderful example of hockey teaching you something more important in life ... how to take a hit and keep going (physically and metaphorically of course). Give up at the first hurdle and you are not meant to be a hockeyplayer/guitar/postman.... what ever you want to be.

Sorry to rant ... but it amazes me why young guys expect other people to have the answers ... it's your life pal do what you want!And don't seek advice from people you wouldn't know if they walked passed you in the street. Ask you family and friends what they think if you want a second opinion.

Love Aussie Joe's comment about GNR though ... Lol.

[JoeyJ0506 192]

I agree with the other members who have posted lately; you already had your mind made up, and was searching for validation for your decision here. If I can add anything to this though, maybe I can give you some insight into what a decision like this is like. I play hockey as a hobby even though I love the sport like crazy, my experience comes in baseball. I've been playing baseball since before I can remember, just like alot of members here have been doing with hockey, and I have played at a very high level of competitiveness and had success. This success includes batting .395 and .490 for consecutive state championship teams at my high school. But, after year of college baseball, I went through the same things you did idiot coaches and teammates as well as physical and mental work that I wasn't prepared for, I quit with something like 4 games left in our varsity season. I also am like you in that I'm an artist, except I draw, paint, etc. and I was taking very advanced art courses at my college. It really was a toss-up between pursuing a career as an artist or playing ball, and I chose art at that point. But, during that summer break I played in a rec. league in my area and had a great summer playing with my buddies from high school and just getting back to enjoying the game the way its supposed to be, fiercely competitive but at the same time alot of fun. In the end I transferred to a new school, and I had to work my ass off to get to the point where I proved myself to the coach and eventually won the starting catching position there. My advice to you is let it simmer in your mind for a while, maybe play some rec or pick-up games to see how you feel because the honest truth is that for the majority of us, we only get so much time to play in games that actually matter for something other than personal pride before we get to retire to the pick-up, rec, and shinny leagues of the world. I woke up one morning and realized I wasn't willing to give that up just yet. As for school, work and buddies. Well, personally I've been able to fit in practices, lifting, conditioning, with more than enough homework and friend time. And I will support the idea that you will never make as good of friends then the guys you either take the field with or over the boards with. I don't cry, and I balled when I had to say goodbye to the seniors last year after we got eliminated in the playoffs in early June. Your guitar playing might get cut a few hours a day, but there's still plenty of time for it, friends, girls, and a job. Just really think about whether you really want to give up something that has an expiring clock on it, or take full advantage of the time now, while you have it, and let guitar be your stress relief for a while.

--Out

[chk hrd 164]

Please quit, for the sake of your team mates. Your heart is definitely not in it and all that it does is make the team suffer. Your scared of bigger players and it sound like you have conflicts with the coaches, parents and team mates. There is nothing worse than busting your ass and trying to take yourself to the limit when the guy next to you doesn't really give a crap. Play rec hockey or week end shinny. You'll get used to not having to dedicate yourself 100% and will probably like sleeping in.

You keep talking about wanting the extra time to play...how much more extra time do you think you'll have if you get a REAL job. You'll probably have less. And you think your life is stressful from hockey, wait until you get out in the real world were bosses treat you like crap and customers yell at you.

You are 15 and know what you want. Time to grow up and make your own decision on your life. Be the local rock star that you wat to be, because chances are that is as far as that road will take you. I'm not implying that you will go anywhere in hockey but, in my opinion, it is a healthier road to take.

[Powerfibers 8]

As a long time guitar player and newbie hockey player, I am going to recommend that you stick with the hockey. You are not even in your physical prime for doing hockey yet, but the guitar will always be there. Take advantage of the good health and play the sport. One day when you are old and rickety you cannot go back. Guitar will always be there.

I understand about the GAS effect (gear acquisition syndrome), but you don't seriously need a hand wired amp and a 10 top PRS, you need a POD XT, middle of the road Ibanez, and practice. At 15, you are not even able to access most places worth playing anyway because you're below the legal drinking age. Yet, in hockey, you could still go far. Playing with those older kids will make you even better, and as I always believed, "If you're the best person in your band, it is time to find a new band." Same goes for hockey.

I have made a lot of money playing my guitar, but never a cent playing hockey. I enjoy both immensely, but never looked at the music as a means to make money or be famous. I just do it because I like it. You are putting way to much pressure on yourself. Be a kid and enjoy both things and your friends as well.

If you need to spend 5 hours a day practicing, cut back a little or get some friends who can share the time with you. The isolation is the worst thing for developing your skills anyway. I have seen a million kids who wail like Shawn Lane or Govan, whoever, but they cannot play real music because they never did anything but practice speed drills in their bedrooms.

[Chadd 916]

If you need to spend 5 hours a day practicing, cut back a little or get some friends who can share the time with you. The isolation is the worst thing for developing your skills anyway. I have seen a million kids who wail like Shawn Lane or Govan, whoever, but they cannot play real music because they never did anything but practice speed drills in their bedrooms.

I always had problems practicing for hours by myself but if you put me in a room with other musicians and I'll go for two days straight. I enjoyed the social aspect of playing music and being in a band, much as I enjoy being part of a hockey team.

[eric42434224 1]

I did the same exact thing you did. I quit hockey and played guitar. Either one is a great pastime or hobby, but be realistic with yourself as to the level of success you will achieve with both. The odds you will be a pro athelete or rock star are both extremely low. I ended up playing guitar through my late twenties....in cover bands mostly, as the work was plentiful. Spent lots of nights in bars all the way through college 4 nights a week, and for a few years after. It was great, and I had tons of fun, but with some moderation, you can absolutely do both. You do not need to practice 5 solid hours a day (and I am very skeptical of that claim) in order to be a phenomenal guitarist. You will learn more and get better by playing in a group for an hour a day than you will practicing scales at home for 3 hours. Be realistic in your goals; know that you can do both, and if you must choose, follow the path that will make you the most happy. And you need to listen to Petrucci. I go Ibanez with Mesa. The dual rectifier (2X12) http://cgi.ebay.com/MESA-BOOGIE-DUAL-RECTI...1QQcmdZViewItem

SICK amp, and a 2X12 way more than enough. A stack or half stack is a waste and only for show. You need to overdrive those tubes to get that tone. The mesa and an Ibanez tube screamer and you are set. Buy a used amp and some spare tubes and you are set.

But, remember, I am 38, and I only play guitar for my 2 year old daughter now....but I play hockey 3 nights a week....so you can pick things up later in life too. If you must choose, go with your heart.....but I say you dont have to choose.....have your cake and eat it to. But look at yourself honestly....if your heart isnt in hockey, then dont waste your time on something you dont love to do....life is too short.

If you want a retro sound, screw Orange...go Matchless.

[shooter27 116]

I know we are all partial to hockey on this board, but it really doesn't sound like hockey is the right decision for this poster. First of all, he already stated he likes hockey but loves the guitar, so thats probably the biggest deciding factor. Secondly, to everyone that is say he may still develop, or he only has so much time to be in his prime, etc., it doesn't sound like he really cares about this. From what he said he is not playing top level hockey and it does not seem like he has any interest in playing Junior/College/Pro hockey. So what difference does it make if he doesn't continue improving as a hockey player. If he has more desire to be a potential rock star than a potential NHL draft pick (which it seems like he does) then he should focus on guitar. At some level it comes down to what he wants out of his life. If he was saying that he wanted to take his hockey career as far as possible, then I would probably have a different opinion, but in this case I think our collective bias towards the game we love has clouded the advice given here.

[eric42434224 1]

We cant possibly give any specific advise on what to do, as in which choice, from the info given. The only one who can is the OP, and it seems like he is just looking for validation of a choice already made. I still say that moderation and balance are so important for a young person. If you love Hockey, do not let Guitar preclude you from playing, and vice versa. 5 hours a day on the guitar is excessive for a teenager period, as is playing hockey for 5 hours. There is absolutely no reason in the world to not do both if you want to. You really dont need to choose at all.

EDIT: also, things just dont add up to me. 6 hours of high school, out at what....3pm? 5 hours of guitar a day...8pm? Work...at an all night 7-11....midnight?

When exactly do you go to the bathroom in that insanely stupid schedule? For Christs sake, back off the ridiculous schedlue, if it is even remotely accurate. You are a KID! Enjoy being a kid because it is gone way too quickly. The only thing you should be doing 5 hours straight a day is thinking about pussy.

Play some hockey, play some guitar, eat fast food, jerk off to porn, sneak booze from the liquor cabinet, go to keggers, try to get some pink, and sleep late on weekends!

[Chadd 916]

I did the same exact thing you did. I quit hockey and played guitar. Either one is a great pastime or hobby, but be realistic with yourself as to the level of success you will achieve with both. The odds you will be a pro athelete or rock star are both extremely low. I ended up playing guitar through my late twenties....in cover bands mostly, as the work was plentiful. Spent lots of nights in bars all the way through college 4 nights a week, and for a few years after. It was great, and I had tons of fun, but with some moderation, you can absolutely do both. You do not need to practice 5 solid hours a day (and I am very skeptical of that claim) in order to be a phenomenal guitarist. You will learn more and get better by playing in a group for an hour a day than you will practicing scales at home for 3 hours. Be realistic in your goals; know that you can do both, and if you must choose, follow the path that will make you the most happy. And you need to listen to Petrucci. I go Ibanez with Mesa. The dual rectifier (2X12) http://cgi.ebay.com/MESA-BOOGIE-DUAL-RECTI...1QQcmdZViewItem

SICK amp, and a 2X12 way more than enough. A stack or half stack is a waste and only for show. You need to overdrive those tubes to get that tone. The mesa and an Ibanez tube screamer and you are set. Buy a used amp and some spare tubes and you are set.

I had a Dual Rectifier head and a road ready 4x12. The biggest problem with the Dual rectifier series is getting anything other than the Dual recto sound out of them. I re-tubed mine with EL34s just to get away from that tone a little bit. I have the 2x12 version of this amp and it is way more versatile than the Dual Recto that I had. Not to mention much, much lighter than that 4x12 built into a road case and much, much cheaper as well.

If you're a big Petrucci fan, I have his tri-axis settings from the images and words sessions/tour. I can try and dig them up if you want them.

[eric42434224 1]

Never heard of the B-52. I have been out of guitar for about 15 yrs now....only acoustic at home playing "My little sunshine" for my 2 yr old.

I had the Marshall JMP-1 midi preamp slaved to the mesa with an Alesis quadroverb to give me more options. Love Petrucci and DT, but I&W tone is my least favorite. He doesnt use the tri-axis anymore....hes got like three or four different mesa heads and a bradshaw switching system...and a rack set-up that would choke a whale.

[qmechanic 17]

As a long time guitar player and newbie hockey player, I am going to recommend that you stick with the hockey. You are not even in your physical prime for doing hockey yet, but the guitar will always be there. Take advantage of the good health and play the sport. One day when you are old and rickety you cannot go back. Guitar will always be there.

I have that sentiment, too. I'm 27 and I was thinking of taking up photography but I already have too much on my plate. I decided that at my age, I should focus on playing sports and working out and there will be plenty of time for hobbies like photography, art, etc when I'm old and rickety. Besides photography equipment is pricey; imagine a hobby more expensive than hockey!

[Slapshot9123 0]

And you need to listen to Petrucci.

He speaks the truth. Petrucci is a god with the guitar.

[mattzilla 0]

having had hockey taken away from me for a year+ i cant imagine doing it voluntarily.

im going fucking retarded not being able to play

[AnthonyJTa 0]

Being 30 years old...the best advise I can offer is find balance in doing the things you enjoy. I've gone through stints passing back and forth between music and hockey. The reality is the odds of having a successful professional career in either is pretty minimal. Just remember, in music-majority of your success will come from the songwriting itself. Sure, you may be able to shred at will.... but if you can't write legit tunes your success will be limited. I look back on my youth, and my initial learning and "just wanting to rock" and by-passed all the songwriting, and theory teachings I didn't focus on until my mid to late 20's. At that point, I shifted my focus on the production aspect, which I'm still working on into my 30's.

I have that sentiment, too. I'm 27 and I was thinking of taking up photography but I already have too much on my plate. I decided that at my age, I should focus on playing sports and working out and there will be plenty of time for hobbies like photography, art, etc when I'm old and rickety. Besides photography equipment is pricey; imagine a hobby more expensive than hockey!

It all depends on how much energy you put into finding great deals.... I learned with a hand-me-down SLR in '94 and have been taking pics with it ever since. I just got an amazing deal on an "open box" Pentax Digital SLR which I've been loving lately.

[JR97 2]

Dude, I haven't read any of the replies. But I've been playing guitar since I was 12 but didn't get into hockey until 18 or so because I couldn't ever afford it. Looking back, I'll never regret the hours on end of playing guitar. It's who I am. But I also love hockey. I took 2 years off from the game then came back to it and ran into health problems. It's one thing to stop playing because you'd rather do something else for a bit and it's another to stop playing because you physically can't. So I say keep playing the most competitive hockey you can now because you're body is only young once. The guitar can be there and better as you get older. Plus, ideally you finish school and get into a career and then dropping $1-2k on a guitar isn't as big a deal as coming up with $1-2k is when you're 15.. unless you've got the parents I always wished I had. hehe (in hindsight, I'm glad I had to work for every cent I ever got. Nobody can take away the work I put into buying guitars and learning to play them well.)

As far as wanting Gibsons, Oranges, etc.... all I can say is try them out for a long period of time. You'd be surprised at how good other less pricey brands/models play and/or sound without the hefty reputation price tag. I doubt I'll ever own a Les Paul, but I've played plenty of them and they were all different in some way and some in ways that I thought made them no better than modded Epiphone. But I will say $300 and less for guitar and you're getting what you pay for. But I'll also say if you really want x guitar, then focus on it and make it happen. It doesn't have to mean giving up hockey. Maybe pass on the $300 skates and $200 sticks but that's life, eh?

Anywho... either way, best of luck with whatever you decide. It really shouldn't have to be an either/or decision though.

[Habs21 0]

Exactly what JR97 said regarding the guitars (Gibson, Fender, etc...). I've had pretty much every model of Gibson and Fender guitars that exists and I sold them all and only use a Hagstrom Viking deluxe now and I'm totally in love with it! You would be really surprised at how much some of these guitars are not worth the price.

As for the hockey, I did the exact same thing (quit) when I was 16 because I never had time to jam when i played Midget BB so I just decided to quit...do i regret now? yeah a bit because it took me a while (probably around 2 years) to get the skills back but now I'm better than ever AND I've gotten to play a ton of shows in my life and now I just write music...not like you can express how you feel when playing hockey right? ;)

I say do what feels right...if you're not into playing hockey as much, quit...it's something you can get back into later on if you feel like it.

Good luck!

[Jarick 5]

Well I was never good at sports growing up, and I focused exclusively on music. I never made money at it or pursued it professionally, but I met a lot of great people and friends and wouldn't do things any different.

I think it's a shame that there's so much pressure on teenagers to play sports. I sense a resurgence in youth recreational leagues for that same reason. Not everyone is cut out to be a superstar, and not everyone wants to practice six days a week, and not everyone wants to play in the NHL.

It sounds like you love to play hockey, but you want to live the rest of your life as well. If I were you, I'd try to find some kind of league where you could play a couple nights a week and have plenty of time for school, friends, music, and everything else. There's got to be a way to find some balance.

Also, as a guy who's played guitar for 15 years since I was a young teen, don't get caught up in the gear side of things. Get yourself a decent guitar (doesn't have to cost more than $800, there are a ton of quality rigs out there), get a decent amp (again, doesn't have to cost more than $1000-1500 for a half stack), maybe a couple decent pedals (having too many is distracting and limiting them can force you to be creative), and then go out and play with friends.

[JJ Thompson94 0]

Check out a Jay Tursur Les Paul. They're only like $350 but looks Awsome and sounds great for a guitar in that price range.

[Jarick 5]

Reverend are supposed to be killer for the price. I had a $350 Cort guitar that was also a great guitar for the money. But if I had $1000 or more to drop on a guitar, I'd still probably pick up one of those $600 Gibson SG faded specials. Swap the pickups if desired and definitely get some better tuners and straplocks, and you have a solid guitar for not a lot of money.

[Chadd 916]

Reverend are supposed to be killer for the price. I had a $350 Cort guitar that was also a great guitar for the money. But if I had $1000 or more to drop on a guitar, I'd still probably pick up one of those $600 Gibson SG faded specials. Swap the pickups if desired and definitely get some better tuners and straplocks, and you have a solid guitar for not a lot of money.

I almost picked up a faded 335 at the guitar center sale, but went with the strat instead. The semi-hollowbody is the one thing missing from the collection right now. If I was gigging it would make a difference, but it doesn't matter now.

[stick9 890]

The thing is tho, i need more time with my friends and shit. And the playing guitar in the car?! that aint enough time, currently i play a solid 5 hours a day! and then i go and hang out with people. and the job thing, it takes more than 2 months to make the 2600$ i need for an amplifier (its hell bein a gear whore AND a tone whore). plus ive gota go to band rehearsels and shit, i could sure as hell use a new guitar and that could run me as much as 3000$. and im like 5'4 and 115, im afraid ill end up in the hospital! and at hotels i DO bring my guitar, play it as much as i can, then go play poker and hit on the hot girls at the pool B) . if only the day wer another 8 hours long.

Coming from someone who's owned guitars in that price range, sold them, and also repaired them. They are nice, but aren't really needed. One of my favorite guitars was a used ESP I got for $300 bucks. At your age I would strongly suggest not buying an instrument in that price range. You aren't getting paid to play.

The same goes for amps and other gear. Trust me, I've been there.

You want a good Les Paul, check out ESP's version. The LTD series version can be had for around $500 US. Well worth it. I've owned ESP's and swear by em, even the LTD's.