Worried about Moving

[All Torhs Team 0]

For you guys that were forced too move away in order too play...could you give me some feedback on any pros/cons that helped you jump over the line.

My situation is that this is my prime too play on a good junior level team but Im leaving a life I created here. It should be as simple as living with a host family too play hockey vs staying in hometown and no hockey. But its really been a difficult decision Ive been thinking about all summer.

I got into some trouble for a kid my age in this hometown and got my license taken away for another year or two and finding a job has been pretty difficult with the mess I got myself into. It would seem like moving away too play junior hockey would be a good thing for me too keep my neck above water the next year or so. I just have an issue with leaving people behind here and Im worried it would catch up with me wherever I went.

I really want too play a good amount of fast hockey this season but Ive decided I may have attatchment issues and Id regret moving away.

Did anybody else exerience these thoughts when you were making a decision too play for a team long distance away? Can anybody relate?

[chk hrd 164]

maybe a change is what you need. It always sucks leaving family and friends behind, but there comes a point in life where you have to do it. maybe now is when you should take the chance and if you don't will you go through the rest of your life guessing what could of happened if you tried.

[althoma1 574]

I never had the opportunity to play junior level hockey, however; I experienced similar feelings when deciding to go to university at home or going away. I then faced the same dilemma after university - to accept a job in a different city or to continue looking in my home town. They aren't exactly the same, but they do have some similarities.

I chose to stay at home for school. This did make things a little easier as I didn't have as many expenses and my parents still did the grocery shopping ect. which saved me some time. Some of my friends went away or went to different local colleges and I didn't see much of them, but I did keep in touch with a few high school friends. I also made new friends in university. While I enjoyed my time in university even though I was living at home a part of me sometimes wishes I had the dorm life experience.

For work, I chose to move away to a different city where I really only knew one person who was going to school there. Howevever; I managed to find a place with roommates and hung out with them sometimes and then met new people through sports, work, school and other activities. You end up losing touch with some people, keeping in touch with a few, and making new friends along the way.

Based on my experiences, which admittedly aren't exactly the same as going away for hockey, and what you've stated in your post I woud probably go away to play hockey if I had the opportunity. If the job prospects aren't great right now where you currently are and you love hockey then go play. You can keep in touch with the people you really want to via email and messenger and hopefully reconnect when you get back. Of course if some of these people helped pull you into the mess you got yourself into then you may be better off losing touch with them.

People change, people move, things happen (marraige, children, job changes ect.) and that's a part of life whether we like it or not. In this case I think you'll regret passing up an opportunity to play junior level hockey more than you would staying home. You won't get to hang out with your buddies at home, but you'll likely make new friends on the team and in the town you're staying in. Plus you can keep in touch with the good buddies in your hometown and connect with them again when you return.

[usahockey22 0]

It can be difficult, but the initial choice is an easy one if hockey is really what you want to pursue. I'm guessing your local area does not have a junior team (or at least doesn't have one of the caliber that you'd like to join), in which case, staying home due to attachment to friends and family will interfere with your goal. It will just take time to adjust. If you have a friend who could go with you to the team, or friends or family somewhere else near a team you are interested, then that could help you out.

[dontdumpdangle 0]

Is the hockey worth moving away for? How old are you and what team/league is it. If its a shit show team/league then its not worth it. Also where are you coming from that there isnt a team with in an hours drive?

[LkptTiger 1]

Personally, I (have) had a great experience with it...but it sounds like you and I are totally different as far as personalities are concerned.

Regardless...you're gonna be kicking yourself for the rest of your life if you pass it up. "What if?" is a terrible question to have to ask yourself.

[Rocketking 0]

Some practical thoughts.

I admire people who are willing to go to this level to change their life to pursue their dream.

I guess I would consider what you want to accomplish overall - more the overall picture.

Just so long as you have a plan, you know, play at this location so that you can get to...

I'd think that any exceptionally talented player who can play at this level could (should?) be looking to use this talent to get a college scholarship and an education.

If the plan is to get some education that will get you to come career if hockey doesn't pan-out then I'd say go for it.

Because sooner or later, we are going to be heading out on our own in school or to do our own thing.

Just be honest that all of what your passing on today won't bug you tomorrow before you jump into it.

[eric42434224 1]

In order too realize your dreams, you are going too have too do whatever it takes too realize them, including things that may be uncomfortable too do.

I admire anyone who is willing too do that. ;)

[sdcopp 1]

one of the best pieces of advice I have ever heard is you only regret the things you DIDN'T do. Staying at home is usually more of the same stuff. It's not easy to pick up and move, quite honestly it can be downright scary when it's the first time you've done so.

Good luck with your decision, do whatever will make you happiest even if it's not the easiest

[All Torhs Team 0]

Thanks so much for the positive feedback gentlemen. I was honestly expecting sketchy responses.

One of the biggest problems I have about leaving is the relationship Im in. I know I shouldnt let a girl hold me down, and people seperate all the time for distance reasons. I just am not comfortable ditching this girl Im with, shes done alot for me during rough times in my life and I'd be basically bailing on her for hockey after all shes done for me.

The closest junior team around is an hour away (which I probally wouldn't even play for - its a joke). And I dont have a license so where ever I go a host family is a must. It makes things a little more difficult. Which is why Im a little afraid to move to a location I dont know people, at least here I have close connecs that are willing to take me the places I need to go.

[Cove 38]

Thanks so much for the positive feedback gentlemen. I was honestly expecting sketchy responses.

One of the biggest problems I have about leaving is the relationship Im in. I know I shouldnt let a girl hold me down, and people seperate all the time for distance reasons. I just am not comfortable ditching this girl Im with, shes done alot for me during rough times in my life and I'd be basically bailing on her for hockey after all shes done for me.

The closest junior team around is an hour away (which I probally wouldn't even play for - its a joke). And I dont have a license so where ever I go a host family is a must. It makes things a little more difficult. Which is why Im a little afraid to move to a location I dont know people, at least here I have close connecs that are willing to take me the places I need to go.

How long have you been with her. Realistically the hockey season is 8-9 months, you don't have to leave her you will be home and be able to see her. I think like others in the thread have said, Not making the leap to leave home and play Junior and than be sitting in some shitty job 20 years from now watching hockey wondering what if, will be the worst feeling ever. Which league are you goign to play in, or lookign to play in?

[chippa13 1844]

Thanks so much for the positive feedback gentlemen. I was honestly expecting sketchy responses.

One of the biggest problems I have about leaving is the relationship Im in. I know I shouldnt let a girl hold me down, and people seperate all the time for distance reasons. I just am not comfortable ditching this girl Im with, shes done alot for me during rough times in my life and I'd be basically bailing on her for hockey after all shes done for me.

The closest junior team around is an hour away (which I probally wouldn't even play for - its a joke). And I dont have a license so where ever I go a host family is a must. It makes things a little more difficult. Which is why Im a little afraid to move to a location I dont know people, at least here I have close connecs that are willing to take me the places I need to go.

If she is the great gal that you think she is then she will understand the time away in order to chase your dream and might be waiting when you get back. However, in most cases like this around your age, distance doesn't make the heart grow fonder rather is makes the heart look elsewhere. Like Matchbox 20 says, ".........it won't be the last beautiful girl..........".

[Gongshow11 1]

what you will regret is not moving away to play...home will always be there but not jr hockey. I regret never playing jrs and going to university early, it paid off though cuz im still playing high hockey today (not high mens league, but well ill let you figure that out), but i still wonder if i played jrs maybe i could have gone to a better school? i left home at 17 for prep school and havent been back since besides summers, and with the experiences ive made ive been more than happy and would trade it up ever

o and in terms of a girl, what is your dream, her or hockey? if she cant be part of hockey i.e. not willing to visit and stuff, then she isn't the one. And plus at jr age you shouldnt be thinking of marriage anyways, because with what your exposed to in jrs, you'll forget about her quick lol

[All Torhs Team 0]

This girl is part of my future. I could be silly but why shut-out a good thing? Shes willing too let me do whatever, shes a legit girlfriend. The issue was just leaving her for 9 months, we're together every day.

I was hoping too play NAHL, backup would be CSHL.

Im not going too play any college hockey because all I plan on going too is trade school. Like I said the problem I have is attatchment issues but like you guys have said I think down the road I could be kicking myself in the ass for not seeing what I could've done with this.

Thanks for all your input guys its been helpful.

EDIT: I would be playing NAHL - def have the talent. But I dont have that hockey resume that those coaches look for. Im the kid right out of HS, the last NAHL team I tried out for wasn't impressed that I didnt have any other junior experience before hand. Political bs.

[IniNew 53]

Then go get that experience! Don't sell yourself short, if a good college offers you free schooling I'd take it.

[chippa13 1844]

Again, if this girl is "legit" then she will still be there when the season ends. Not to mention, they have these things called telephones and this other thing called the internet. I won't even get into the whole thing about only being an hour away. Cut the apron strings and go play hockey.

[lampliter87 8]

It sounds like you need to do some honest judgment of yourself and your life. What is more important to do/have: the girl and the hometown life or chasing the dream away from the ones you love in a place you don't know. Both are commendable and yes, this is a difficult thing to do.

Personally I left my high school and my friends and family to play a higher level of hockey, which I believe was the right decision for me but may not be for you. Trust me, I wasn't completely happy but in the long run I believe it was the right decision. Do I still have regrets? Sure.

I've also had a very close friend that I grew up with and played hockey with for years decide to stay at home when he had a chance to leave to play at a higher level (hockey around here is good but not that good). His career is now over while mine is still ongoing.

Just some food for thought. It all comes down to what is more important in your life. Either decision is commendable.

[dontdumpdangle 0]

Im pretty sure that the cshl is pay to play and not that good of a league. If you're not planning on playing in college than you'd be wasting your time and money playing JR's.

[ronnychencharik 0]

Im pretty sure that the cshl is pay to play and not that good of a league. If you're not planning on playing in college than you'd be wasting your time and money playing JR's.

If the OP is 16-17 then he would be fine. Plenty of people advance out of the CSHL. Especially if he plays for St. Louis or Dubuque(sp?).

[dontdumpdangle 0]

Im pretty sure that the cshl is pay to play and not that good of a league. If you're not planning on playing in college than you'd be wasting your time and money playing JR's.

If the OP is 16-17 then he would be fine. Plenty of people advance out of the CSHL. Especially if he plays for St. Louis or Dubuque(sp?).

???

[mxihockey 0]

Your going to have a tough time walking onto an NAHL team..

[shooter27 116]

I left home at 16 to play and it was far and away the best decision I ever made. I got to chase my dream of playing hockey for a living, I learned a lot about myself, about people, and about being "on your own" out in the world. While I never ended up playing for a living, I got to go to school and play hockey for four years which at the end of the day was a great experience in and of itself.

As for the leaving home thing, I also had some prior issues in my hometown and moving away to play was just the change of scenery I needed to get my life going on the right track.

When it comes to the girl, while I understand your feelings, at your age you can't let that affect decisions that will shape your future. When I was 18 I was with a girl that I thought I was going to be with the rest of my life, I was deeply in love. In fact, shortly before my 19th birthday I proposed to her (big diamond ring and all) and she accepted. Long story short, we never made it to the wedding, and looking back today on the person that I have become I can't believe I ever dated her, let alone thought I would marry her. I can tell you with all honesty, if I was married to that girl today (10 years later) I would be absolutely miserable. People change a lot between the ages of, say, 18 and 25. The person you are today is not the person you will be 5 years from now. If the relationship is meant to be it will work out, but you have to put your future first.

[Gongshow11 1]

like i said school and girls will always be there, hockey wont.

[Giroux28 0]

like i said school and girls will always be there, hockey wont.

your exactly right..put it this way would you rather have a girlfriend and no future or a future and a family is the way i see it and from what i've read in prior posts the girl sounds like she would understand if you moved away for your future and would still want to be with you

[All Torhs Team 0]

I tried out for a NAHL team and was cut. I strongly believe it was due too the lack of JR experience because I was one of the biggest and smarter defensemen that had skills too work with a team at that caliber. But was lacking any fast hockey experience prior. Which is going too force me into play CSHL, now that the NAHL tryouts are over. Yea CSHL has a covercharge of $7,000 too play a season. Pretty pricey if your not planning on climbing the hockey latter all your life.

But its good too know that there have been other people out there that had to make similar choices, and thanks for posting them up.