Bad Luck for Hockey Newbie

[3mar67 17]

Hi everyone.

I recently started playing hockey for the first time in my life at the age of 53! (just recently learned to skate)

Signed up a few weeks ago for 21 sessions of hockey lessons with a hockey school in the Toronto area.

it's been great....30-40 minutes of drills, followed by a scrimmage.

My first lesson was filled with fear and nervousness, and I felt I was in over my head.

But I've been steadily improving and starting to really look forward to these Friday morning sessions.

Unfortunately, a few days ago I fell while rollerblading and completely severed a thumb ligament in my right hand.

I went in for surgery to re-attach the ligament.

There's a lot of pain, and a pin holding the thumb in place won't be removed for 5-6 weeks

Can't even pick up a piece of paper, let alone tie my skates.

The surgeon says I'm done with hockey for the summer.

I've had 8 lessons....with 13 that I will have to miss.

Do you guys think I should ask if the hockey school will let me make up my lessons at a future date,

or am I out of luck (and a bunch of money) ?

Anyone ever have a similar experience?

[Chadd 916]

It never hurts to ask for them to roll over the credit, it's not like you are asking for a cash refund. Explain what happened and hopefully they will take care of you. Best of luck on your recovery.

[Monty22 833]

Agree with Chad-Cant hurt to ask. Go in person if possible, showing them the bandaged thumb won't hurt.

[flyers10 57]

Go with a note from your doctor saying your not allowed to play for X weeks.

[ktang 34]

Let them know that you were doing homework, practicing what they were teaching!

[MN old and slow 92]

Rub some dirt in it and get back in da game.

Just kidding I would bet you will get ze credit.

I hope you are better by the time the outside park ice is in.

Get well soon!

[boo10 323]

Another thing is to look into any insurance coverage you have that might cover the cost of your missed lessons, including any coverage you have through the hockey school, credit cards, etc.

As a matter of customer service, it's likely that the school will accomodate you, but you never know.

[MThockeydad 469]

If it were me, I'd let you come back to finish up next session.

They're in the hockey business. It's good business to get as many people as possible infected..er..sorry, addicted to the hockey bug.

Heal quickly!

[3mar67 17]

I saw the surgeon this morning.

He said he'll remove the pin in my thumb in three weeks.

I asked him about playing hockey, and he told me not to even think about it yet :(

The hockey school hasn't answered my call or returned my email yet.

[MThockeydad 469]

Walk in with the bandage on. You'll be harder to ignore in person.

Heal first. Look forward to your return. :)

[JAG 20]

Damn, that really sucks.

I agree with everyone else, show up to the rink and show them your paw. I highly doubt they will tell you that if you miss those remaining lessons that you are SOL. That would be bad business on their part.

I hope you can recover fully, and get back out there. And welcome to the greatest game on earth!

[3mar67 17]

UPDATE...finally got my splint off and am starting physio....oh the pain.

And, the hockey school says they'll credit my missed lessons so I can continue when the surgeon gives me the go-ahead

[3mar67 17]

Well, my surgeon says I can resume hockey lessons

I'll be back on the ice this Sunday.

Getting excited.

[MThockeydad 469]

I'm stoked for you. Have FUN!

[3mar67 17]

Just got back from my hockey lesson.
Wow...had a lot of fun, and a great workout.
I'm glad I decided to get back to hockey after my injury.
So many people were telling me I'm "too old for this kind of stuff."
Glad I decided to go for it...it'll be a fun winter.