Getting out of hockey

[bulletproof_funk 0]

At 15 you're too young to be in a rut, or so it seems. At the same time it would be good life experience to tough it out with your current team, things only get tougher the older you get. Maybe all you need is a change of pace. I'd suggest finding other activities to keep your brain going during the season/year so you don't feel so burnt out, if you're not already doing that. Find an activity or hobby, or some other areas of interest that are flexible and easily worked into your schedule. Reflect on the season, hockey, life, etc. during the summer. If you're really losing sleep over your current hockey situation, then maybe it is time for a break. It seems too early to decide whether or not to quit hockey for the rest of your life though.

[thejackal 46]

I played an exhibition vs my school's bantam team,we won 9-4, i got a goal, 5 shots and plenty of good hits. Doesnt really mean much though, as we're 2 years older and stronger than them. I kinda like my linemates, but i just feel like im going through the motions. Maybe im just too tight about playing (and not screwing up). Anyway im feeling pretty good right now, but only time will tell and as the season goes on i might either become better or lose all hope.

[s Greens 0]

Last year i took a year off for a few reasons. FOr one i had gotten in a car crash the summer b4 the season was to start and was told not to play. But also i didnt really have the 'passion' to play the game anymore. When i took the year off....towards the end of that season i didnt play i went to a bunch of my buddies playoff games and realized how much i wanted to be out there. Long story short, i worked on everything a ton this summer and game back to play midget AAA this year. :D

[J-Shera 0]

At some times i feel the same as all of you, I was a prospect in my city and even played a game in the dub. But unfortionetly with my knees im lucky to get in half a season untill I just cant play anymore. I went from playing in the whl to playing high school hockey with a bunch of hacks. The pasion though is still there, especially when im out for so long I crave to get back in. But also at times I just feel like giving up and resting my knees so i will be able to walk when im 40.

[s Greens 0]

what did u do to your knees?

[bulletproof_funk 0]

I kinda like my linemates, but i just feel like im going through the motions.  Maybe im just too tight about playing (and not screwing up).

I find it's hard to play a good game or even improve if you're too tense about making mistakes. It sounds like you still like hockey though. If you have the time, play some pickup outside of your current group, or spend time on the outdoor rinks in winter. There are no worries and it gives you a chance to relax a bit, not worry about making mistakes, experiment, and have fun. It'll give you a chance to see how some of the more experienced players do things as well.

Even though I've only ever played pickup, I also only started playing hockey 5-6 yrs. ago (I'm 29, and yes, even pickup can feel like a grind sometimes too). At times I reached some learning plateaus and was not improving, but I managed to overcome them eventually by just letting it go and relaxing, then coming back a few days later feeling more refreshed and willing to work harder. Sometimes getting over these hurdles requires finding different ways to tackle them, and definitely curbing the ego helped me be more receptive to learning new things and correcting lingering bad habits.