Sharks Ice Beginner Class

[toddmanley 0]

I told myself that I wouldn't dive into hockey until I got a bit more comfortable on my skates. The way I looked at it, I probably wouldn't get the most enjoyment from the game until I had some basic skating skills under my belt. So after spending the majority of the summer just skating around and getting comfortable, I made the plunge and enrolled in the upcoming (this weekend) beginner hockey class at Sharks Ice in SJ (12 week class).

For you wise souls, what advise would you give a guy like me and how I should approach these clinics? I don't know anyone that has done this class, but I figured it would be a good way to learn some of the fundamentals and get grounded in the basics of the game. I grew up around the game watching my favorite WHL team, Portland Winterhawks, as a kid, but basketball was my game (6'9"). Any feedback is welcome.

-Thanks, Todd

[goaliemanshark 6]

The most important things to remember is to not get embarrassed and have as much fun as possible. Ask the people there for help, and do your best to learn. You will be skating around, having a blast in no time!

[toddmanley 0]

So here's one of my first questions...

I'm using the Reebok Edge socks. Do I need shin tape?

[Chadd 916]

So here's one of my first questions...

I'm using the Reebok Edge socks. Do I need shin tape?

Only if the shin pads feel loose or are sliding around after you put your socks on.

[toddmanley 0]

Given that I'm wearing 18" shins and my calves are pretty big, I know they fill up the space within the sock really well (Yes, I did try these on at home). In my situation I'm wearing some Bauer compression gear w/ the velcro; why do they have velcro on the back of the leg? Are there socks out there that have 2 velcro connection points?

[Chadd 916]

Given that I'm wearing 18" shins and my calves are pretty big, I know they fill up the space within the sock really well (Yes, I did try these on at home). In my situation I'm wearing some Bauer compression gear w/ the velcro; why do they have velcro on the back of the leg? Are there socks out there that have 2 velcro connection points?

It's to hold older style knit socks socks

[SouthpawTRK 1]

Best of luck with the class this weekend! You'll meet a lot of great people and probably find yourself a team for either the winter or spring adult hockey league. If you don't like the fit of the RBK Edge socks, try the yarn style socks (you can get two pairs for the price of one pair of RBK Edge).

[toddmanley 0]

Call me crazy, but I'm really excited to see how my different sticks will be like over the course of this class. Given my height, it's not easy to pick up the right gear. I was able to snag a pro stock Rob Black X:60 from the Sharks sale, and then recently picked up a 65" Synergy ST. And while I was in the buying mood I realized that the Rbk 8k shaft was the longest out there that I could find, so I'm going to give that a try as well. It will be interesting to see what I like best.

BTW, don't be fooled by the extra-long Warrior AK27 shaft. It's only longer because they plugged in a wood extension and painted it black. Pretty much makes it a mute point when you want to add an extension and see that the shaft is already plugged.

[Spikewhtbread 0]

I told myself that I wouldn't dive into hockey until I got a bit more comfortable on my skates. The way I looked at it, I probably wouldn't get the most enjoyment from the game until I had some basic skating skills under my belt. So after spending the majority of the summer just skating around and getting comfortable, I made the plunge and enrolled in the upcoming (this weekend) beginner hockey class at Sharks Ice in SJ (12 week class).

For you wise souls, what advise would you give a guy like me and how I should approach these clinics? I don't know anyone that has done this class, but I figured it would be a good way to learn some of the fundamentals and get grounded in the basics of the game. I grew up around the game watching my favorite WHL team, Portland Winterhawks, as a kid, but basketball was my game (6'9"). Any feedback is welcome.

-Thanks, Todd

I did the exact same thing about four months ago. I had skated before and even played some pond hockey but never dressed and played ice hockey. It was the best decision ever for me. I did it for 8 weeks and noticed significant improvement in both my skills and my confidence. Now I'm loving stick / puck and pickup games. I missed the sign up for my local league but will catch up with them next session. One word of advice is to ask for individual feedback from the people running it. I did and got great tips and pointers! Good luck, and have fun!!!

[regularjoe 1]

Don't be afraid to take the clinic over and over, e.g., once the 12 weeks are up, sign up for the next one. I went to every local learn to play clinic for almost two years straight running and didn't care who made fun of me. The touches you'll get in that practice setting is invaluable.