bunnyman666 445 Report post Posted October 3, 2013 I am hitting the ice for the first time since 1996. I don't believe I will play on a league again because I have taken too many shots to the head. The last time I tried playing in a "no-check" league, there was always one or two hot dogs who thought they had one more shot for the NHL and would give dirty hits. But I do think I will play in a stick and puck time on occasion.The gear is what I have noticed changing the most. The last pair of skates I had were Bauer Supreme 90. I had Cooper pants, Sk600 helmet with cage and gloves. I used old WinnWell shin pads, Jofa foam shoulder pads and my mind is foggy with what elbow pads I had. These items were "state of the art" in the late '80s, now would be laughable.Even though I played at a higher level "back in the day", you wouldn't know it now. My skating is abysmal. I haven't even tried stick handling. I am going to look like a right idiot out there the first time or two. Anyway- I have been lurking for awhile and love the knowledge around here. I also love the gear porn, especially the pro stock stuff!!! I look forward to interacting with you lot. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
chk hrd 164 Report post Posted October 3, 2013 Buy the best gear you can afford and that fits the best. I look for last ears or even older for the best prices. Gear that was top of the line 2-3 years ago works just fine for beer league.As far as idiots, you'll find just as many if not more in stick and puck. Get back into the swing of things and join a low level beer league. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
bunnyman666 445 Report post Posted October 3, 2013 That's what I understand, chk hrd.I was spoiled- I got to skate nearly daily when I was a kid with my teammates. Reading the shinny thread is kinda scaring me a bit. I loved mixing it up when I was in Juniors, but several head injuries make me want to keep things super-low key. I stopped playing dirty when I left juniors. I suffered my last two concussions in my mid-late twenties- one from boxing and one from being jumped from behind. I really felt the last one and it rung my bell for awhile. I don't want another one...I was invited to a stick time that is generally intended for police and firefighters but was widened to get numbers up. Certainly cops and firefighters wouldn't be d-bags at a stick and puck (or so you'd think)? I know the police could make your off-ice life miserable if you gave them a cross-check... Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Stewie 721 Report post Posted October 3, 2013 yeah, organized drop ins are usually pretty good when its a regular group of guys, but drop in hockey in and of itself has way more deuche bags than leagues I have found, but its hit and miss. ask around and look for a well organized and run league in your area, but that drop in group should be fine.chk hrd is completely correct about the gear. The only full price piece i am wearing is my CL pants. its ok to splurge on a piece every now and again, but for me, i just need adequate protection for my level at a reasonable price, closeouts afford me that. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
bunnyman666 445 Report post Posted October 3, 2013 I heard that Stewie!!! I shop at the monkey and while I am still spending tonnes, I got a nice pair of TPS gloves at the price of a mid level glove. i never pay full retail for ANYTHING!!!! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
AfftonDad 88 Report post Posted October 4, 2013 I play with some cops that are known for mixing it up. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
hunt3rsean 44 Report post Posted October 4, 2013 +1 on finding previous years top end gear to save a few dollars. Many times there hasn't been huge increases in technology or features. And higher end gear tends to last longer as well. So in the long long run you're saving money. I say drop into a couple stick & pucks or pickup games just to get your legs. Helps get the brain used to the speed as well. Then go join a low level league. I didn't do the pickup games first and went right into a league. I was brutal. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
bunnyman666 445 Report post Posted October 11, 2013 Today was the first day back. Felt weird. Everyone was gentlemanly. I fell on me arse a few times, gave away the puck more than that and got three goals playing three on three (no goalie). Eight blokes showed up, so each three on three team had a sub. I can't commit weekly because of work, but I think I could do this and have plenty of fun. There was a bloke who wished he were in the NHL, but he was a gentleman. To summarise-no d-bags, several skill levels. Not terrible. My shot was bad, passes would bounce from my stick, and I just looked BAD out there. Ugh. But I want to try again.Thanks for all the input. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
