first time at pickup.....

[skeeter14 0]

So tomorrow night i'm hitting the ice for pickup for the first time in a LONG while (i've had a series of medical complications for the past 6 years which have kept me out).

I know one of the goalies, since he's a really good friend, and we played together at the youth level. Aside from that though, I know no one, so aside from the fear of a lot of rust, I'm quite nervous about just being "the new guy". Any tips for not letting my nerves get the best of me?

I've been reading a lot of the do's and don'ts of pickup and I'm not a shit disturber by any means so i think i should be OK, but I was wondering if any of you out there have any tips/positive reinforcement.

thanks in advance guys (and gals)!

[lappin27 0]

just go out and play a team game lol, dont hog the puck or make huge hits

[Shayno 1]

There's nothing worse than some dude, that can't score in his leauge....and won't pass the puck in shinny!!..I mean, who can't score in shinny? lol..Just make sure you pass the puck to other guys, no matter what their skill level, and you'll be fine!! Good luck out there!! Thanks for letting me vent!! Cheers!

[vek 0]

I know one of the goalies, since he's a really good friend, and we played together at the youth level. Aside from that though, I know no one, so aside from the fear of a lot of rust, I'm quite nervous about just being "the new guy". Any tips for not letting my nerves get the best of me?

Take a look before you move the puck.

Its usually pretty easy to spot the new nervous guy because as soon as the puck is on his stick, its off again before he's taken a look and made a smarter play.

[rinkrat94 1]

Just relax and have fun. It is just shinny. Do not be a puck or ice hog and you will be fine.

[skeeter14 0]

Thanks guys for all the tips. I'm not a puck hog, and I won't be taking long shifts, so judging by that, I shouldn't really have a problem I guess:-)

[raganblink 82]

also if you hear chirps about the new guy... just have it rub off you. no matter the skill level people who aren't assholes don't care. so their just aholes and forget about it. when i play against guys waaaaay above my level they 99% of the time just make sure everyone is getting the puck and having fun. usually the best players i've found are actually the ones who try to help the less skilled players out more. basically just have fun

[shotty 7]

i'd say just go out there and have fun. don't even think about making sure you throw passes constanty, just play hockey. everyone is there to get some exercise and work on skill development, if you want to carry the puck, go for it.

[HattrickSwayze 3]

Yeah I would say don't think about the passing too much, because sometimes it can be just as aggravating to play with a guy that passes way too much as it is to play with a puckhog. Just go out, talk to people, have fun, and play the game. At all the skates I've been too, 99% of the people are cool and just look to have fun. If there's way better players there, don't be intimidated by them. A lot of times I see the weaker players get the puck and the only guy they look for is the best player. I don't know why? When I've been severely outgunned the best players are normally pretty helpful and laid back. They've played in way more serious games, so pick-up is just a fun time for them. Be conscious of whether you're holding the puck too much, or taking too long of shifts, but don't let it rule your mind. If you think you're doing something wrong, just ask someone else on the bench.

[SouthpawTRK 1]

Just be mindful of playing your position, keep the shifts short, keep the puck moving and try to make the smart play. Other than that, glad to hear that you are getting back to hockey; enjoy!

[jds 20]

I just started playing the game three years ago after watching my kids have too much fun playing. I felt like I was missing out on the quintessential Canadian game (no offence to my US friends) and one of my goals was to be able to join my friends and colleagues playing pickup on the weekends or whenever. I have to say I was totally nervous about going to the rink on my own because I sucked and thought I would be either ignored on the ice or ridiculed out of the dressing room. I have yet to go to a game of pickup and not feel welcome. I have been truly amazed at how everyone makes room for the weaker players and tries to include them. Yes there have been puckhogging dicks who snicker at my spectacular fails and show off endlessly but those guys seem to be the ones who get ridiculed. Go for it and have fun. It's a shame I didn't figure this out years ago and plucked up the courage to give the game a go. Hockey players seem to be a real welcoming bunch.

[Axxion89 32]

I started playing a year ago and so far have had nothing but good experiences at pick up. As echoed above me as long as you don't hog the puck and try hard you will be fine. HOWEVER, I will say that some players will take advantage of you (when I play in NYC) not being too good by cutting ahead of you in line changes and staying longer when you are about to go on the ice. My advice is to not let anyone push you around if they try and trust me when I say that more people will stick up for you than will try and make you uncomfortable.

[Axxion89 32]

I started playing a year ago and so far have had nothing but good experiences at pick up. As echoed above me as long as you don't hog the puck and try hard you will be fine. HOWEVER, I will say that some players will take advantage of you (when I play in NYC) not being too good by cutting ahead of you in line changes and staying longer when you are about to go on the ice. My advice is to not let anyone push you around if they try and trust me when I say that more people will stick up for you than will try and make you uncomfortable.

I started playing a year ago and so far have had nothing but good experiences at pick up. As echoed above me as long as you don't hog the puck and try hard you will be fine. HOWEVER, I will say that some players will take advantage of you (when I play in NYC) not being too good by cutting ahead of you in line changes and staying longer when you are about to go on the ice. My advice is to not let anyone push you around if they try and trust me when I say that more people will stick up for you than will try and make you uncomfortable.

[chippa13 1844]

Being new to a pick up skate, I'd say the rules are pretty simple.

1. Hustle - everyone will notice if the new guy is just gliding around

2. Change appropriately - don't overstay your shift

3. Be supportive - talk up the guys you're playing with, someone makes a good pass or a nice defensive play, let them know, regardless of which side their playing on.

4. Don't play the body - even if you see some guys bodying it up a little, they may be friends and you aren't on the inside of that joke yet

5. Have fun - noone likes a new guy who is just Joe Serious