MN Beginner Hockey ?

[Dubs 0]

Sorry if it has already been discussed but I couldn't find anything in a search.

I lived in MN for 12 year and recently left but I have a friend that wants to begin playing hockey at like 25 years old. Every Bronze or Lower level hockey is so way beyond his abilities it would be frustrating for all involved. Does anyone know of a place that has a beginner adult league? He is in Saint Paul.

Thanks for any help

[Yoke 0]

I believe the AHA has a learners type level. I once skated with a guy who was in it, and they would go there and practice skills and whatnot.

He'd come out and skate with us to improve on speed and try to keep up with the higher tempo.

I'd like to try something like this, but at goalie. I've been skating out since I was 5 (currently 24) and I think giving goalie a shot would be fun, at least at the lower levels.

[Dubs 0]

Thanks

I have guys on my team who play lower levels at goalie and really like it. The only problem for them is the Equipment being so expensive. But they seem to like it.

[Yoke 0]

Thanks

I have guys on my team who play lower levels at goalie and really like it. The only problem for them is the Equipment being so expensive. But they seem to like it.

Cost of equipment is exactly why I haven't gotten into it yet.

[epstud74 24]

Sorry if it has already been discussed but I couldn't find anything in a search.

I lived in MN for 12 year and recently left but I have a friend that wants to begin playing hockey at like 25 years old. Every Bronze or Lower level hockey is so way beyond his abilities it would be frustrating for all involved. Does anyone know of a place that has a beginner adult league? He is in Saint Paul.

Thanks for any help

AHA seems to have a pretty big presence in the Twin Cities and you'll see people who can barely skate in a league of their own so they develop at their own pace. I believe JMS hockey has the same setup..It isnt a league but a people who get together and play pick-up hockey. This is separated into several different levels from beginner (can barely skate) to level 5 (very experienced players) I believe AHA even has a beginner school. If you dont want to go that route and think you're better, you can sign up for the evaluation dates and teams will draft you..

www.jmshockey.com

www.ahahockey.com

[Yoke 0]

The only problem with the AHA, is I have heard it was expensive. I was going to go to the evaluations and try to get drafted onto a team, but I heard that and decided not to.

[Dubs 0]

Thanks for advice. I will forward it on. I told my friend that if he wants to get into hockey it will be expensive, but I'm sending him alot of my secondary gear to start with so at least it saves him that. It think if I read correctly on the web site it was between 400-500 dollars. Which with a couple lessons sections and I think it was 15 games. Its seems like a good program.

Thanks

[Jarick 5]

Here's what I would do:

If he just wants to see if he likes it, he should grab some used skates, a wood stick, and some cheap gloves and head out to the ponds over the winter. That's what I did a few years ago (granted I played as a kid, but I took 10 years off).

If he knows he wants to play or enjoys that, he can grab the rest of the gear he needs and play some beginner sessions at JMS for $15 a pop.

Most of the guys I play with went through the AHA beginner school a few years ago. If you are somewhat dedicated to playing hockey (meaning you can devote a night each week), that's a good way to go. They have a pretty solid foundation and moved up their skill each year. Plus they found a lot of their teammates and made a lot of friends along the way.

AHA is $415 for the beginner school, which has a bunch of instructional classes and games and a free jersey. I believe you have to register with USA Hockey for $40. Winter league is $425 for 20 games plus playoffs if you qualify.

[Dubs 0]

Thanks a lot for all the replies.

Knowing my friend he is a competitive sports guy. Plays multiples sports. He will love it. And with the extra gear I have sitting in my garage. He should have everything but skates. Its pretty cool that they have these adult programs for people now.