New to area: North/Central NJ Adult "learning" resources?

[krisdrum 233]

Hi all,

The "Barnabas" thread pulled me in.  New to the area, new to skating and playing hockey (I watch the game regularly).  My son (almost 6) has been playing for 3 years and skates circles around me.  About a year ago I got some skates and started to learn in an attempt to keep up and spend some good time together.  I took lessons, did open skates, etc.  

 

Fast forward to moving this past summer to NJ.  We found him hockey no problem.  I've been slow to re-up my learning, but would like to get going again.  Would appreciate any input on local adult "learn to skate" or "learn hockey" programs.  I have full equipment pieced together and have started doing open skates a bit, but could use some focused instruction/coaching.

[GreatestAmericanBeardo 258]

It seems I'm becoming the ambassador for new NJ and new to hockey in jersey guy, so here goes.

 

being a bit more of a northern NJ guy, here what i can tell you. 

Clinics:

Floyd Hall in Montclair does a learn to Hockey program thats pretty good.  Sunday mornings and or Thursday night

http://www.floydhallarena.com/

 

Palisades Mall (in NY)

some of the guys i hockey with go to the Palisades Mall in W. Nyack NY (right off I95) for a clinic with Bruce Fowler.  i can't really speak to it, but if they go the morning before we have a game, i know i'm getting longer shifts and extra ice time b/c they are pretty dead.   i think this is the link:  www.buds4hockey.com

 

Cutting Edge Ice Academy 

http://edgeiceacademy.pointstreaksites.com/view/edgeiceacademy

these guys to clinics that i hear are like nothing else around.  the sheets are small and so is the group

 

 

Open Hockey:

Floyd Hall has open but its slows down during the summer.  (they also do "family hockey" which is AWESOME to go out and play with your kid.  i do with my lil beardos every chance i get) again, thats pretty slow for the summer.

 

Clary Anderson also in Montclair, has open, but its late and i hear the rink in kinda sh!ty.  BUT i've also heard some Pros will pop in and play, so theres that.

http://www.claryandersonarena.com/

 

The Ice House http://icehousenj.com/

in hackensack does not do open, but they always field a "house" team in the lowest division (8W, yeah theres a lot of division here) that you could get into this summer if you wanted to... they do a team for every season tho

 

Mackay Ice Arena (semi outdoor)

http://www.mackayicerink.com/

i love playing open here.  once the weather is cold the ice is really REALLY good. they're only open from October to March (being outdoors, but covered) and the "locker rooms" converted trailers are hot as hell. and some have good showers.  last year it was Monday nights 9:45 to 11:15

 

if you're on the facespace i have a group for NJ guys looking to play.  its still a fledgeling project, but i hope to have a bi-monthly game set up by mid-summer to early fall.

heres the link to the group https://www.facebook.com/groups/929301830502255/

 

others to look into: 

http://www.icevault.com/indexb.php

http://www.unionsportsarena.com/

http://www.twinoaksicerink.com/

http://protechockey.com/

 

welcome to NJ and adult hockey

GAB 

 

 

 

 

[GreatestAmericanBeardo 258]

huh! and look at that, now i'm getting email from floyd

 

http://campaign.r20.constantcontact.com/render?m=1101959111116&ca=91e8173a-02fd-46a9-8a72-7578f009863a

 

[krisdrum 233]

Thanks Beardo.  Huge help.  Just to set expectations, I am VERY green.  Probably been on ice once with a stick and puck.  Still getting my sea legs on skates (doesn't help I had neary a year long lay-off after some consistent lessons and switched skates in between).  But perhaps there is some wisdom to "just do it".  

 

I'm a mile from Codey in W. Orange.  Looks like they are also doing some adult open and family open sessions.  Already asked my boy and seems he could be up for trying the family thing.  I just hope I don't embarrass him too much.

 

Monclair isn't far (20 minutes) so good to have options.  Been to Twin Oaks as a spectator, nice place.  Seen their open hockey and not sure I could hang with the guys I saw there.  

 

Going to also look into Mennen in Morristown.  I think for right now I need some skate instruction to get me feeling a bit better about being out on the ice with another 9 players.

[GreatestAmericanBeardo 258]

16 minutes ago, krisdrum said:

 I think for right now I need some skate instruction to get me feeling a bit better about being out on the ice with another 9 players.

 

its i little bit of a hike for you, but try the Cutting Edge too.  the Captain (yes the Captain) of my ice vault team has only been skating a year this September.  he attributes this to the cutting edge. Granted, we're at the bottom of the lower division, but i've been skating with this guy since he's started and he is a sh!t ton better.  he was the guy last year at open you had had to watch out for cuz he was a true risk for both teams. i enjoy skating with him now...

 

 get you legs under you, and hit me up when you're ready to play open, and i'll wingman ya.  

[BenderHockey 127]

Try the adult clinics at Floyd.  They have instructors there and do skating, passing, and shooting drills. 

[krisdrum 233]

Thanks gents.  Yeah, CuttingEdge is a hike (like 45 one way), but I'll see if I can get up there and give it a try.  Been also thinking about seeing if some buddies from NY who coach (run their own skills business) might be willing to work with me a bit.  Logistics would be a pain, but might be worth it as these guys have some pretty serious talent coming out of their programs.  That is probably a short-term, ramp up solution though.

[BH_HockeyHouse 5]

On 5/13/2016 at 0:44 PM, krisdrum said:

Hi all,

The "Barnabas" thread pulled me in.  New to the area, new to skating and playing hockey (I watch the game regularly).  My son (almost 6) has been playing for 3 years and skates circles around me.  About a year ago I got some skates and started to learn in an attempt to keep up and spend some good time together.  I took lessons, did open skates, etc.  

 

Fast forward to moving this past summer to NJ.  We found him hockey no problem.  I've been slow to re-up my learning, but would like to get going again.  Would appreciate any input on local adult "learn to skate" or "learn hockey" programs.  I have full equipment pieced together and have started doing open skates a bit, but could use some focused instruction/coaching.

The Barnabas Health Hockey House will be hosting two 3-day Adult Camps with Devils Alumni this summer that may benefit you! The first camp is July 26th-28th and the second camp is August 23rd-25th. If interested, please reach out to Andy Gojdycz at agojdycz@prucenter.com for some more information. Hope to see you out there!

[GreatestAmericanBeardo 258]

On 5/14/2016 at 11:59 AM, krisdrum said:

Been also thinking about seeing if some buddies from NY who coach (run their own skills business) might be willing to work with me a bit.

 

are you talking about Sport-O_rama?

[krisdrum 233]

No, other side of the river.  Erik Nates Euro Hockey.  He teaches in several locations.  Almost exclusively coaches kids, but he is a friend of the family, so...

[NJSwede 1]

Not sure if this is too far for you, but Proskate in South Brunswick has a D-league which includes practices and coaching (even in games). You sign up and they will watch a couple of practices and then make the teams so that they are even. It is really for beginners. Here is a video about it. I skate there in C and C+ and I know the D guys are really happy about the league.

 

[krisdrum 233]

Just saw this last post.  Thanks.  ProSkate is about an hour, so maybe a bit too far, but sounds like it could be worth it.  Great video.  I've been to the rink with my kid (first game of the season was against the Stars), so it isn't a bad drive. 

Unfortunately I am just getting back on skates after dislocating my knee back in early July while playing hockey.  Was at a family stick and puck, "battling" for the puck with a 7 y.o. and caught an edge, didn't want to crush the little dude, so ended up falling awkwardly and POP, knee went.  Popped right back in, but was a done deal.  Stupidly didn't realize what had happened and after a sit on the bench tried to skate on it again.  Couldn't.  And so began a long process toward recovery.  Probably only been a month or so since I didn't have twinges or soreness just about every day.

Got the guts to skate on it this past weekend (I was really nervous) and it actually felt decent (thankfully).  So, I am thinking with a few more sessions to get my legs back under me, I should be ready to try again. 

[krisdrum 233]

Update... I've got some new skates, feeling much more comfortable on the ice.  So have been skating a bit the last few weeks.  Going to start building the skills. 

 

Anyone do the Sunday night Adult Hockey Clinic at Union Sports Arena?  Wondering how the instruction is and any other impressions. 

[GreatestAmericanBeardo 258]

34 minutes ago, krisdrum said:

Update... I've got some new skates, feeling much more comfortable on the ice.  So have been skating a bit the last few weeks.  Going to start building the skills. 

 

Anyone do the Sunday night Adult Hockey Clinic at Union Sports Arena?  Wondering how the instruction is and any other impressions. 

ask this in the NJAOHC FB group too...  i know theres a few guys who skate down there

 

[krisdrum 233]

45 minutes ago, GreatestAmericanBeardo said:

ask this in the NJAOHC FB group too...  i know theres a few guys who skate down there

 

Roger that Beardo, thanks.  Will ask now. 

[Jamarquan 201]

On 5/13/2016 at 1:37 PM, GreatestAmericanBeardo said:

It seems I'm becoming the ambassador for new NJ and new to hockey in jersey guy, so here goes.

 

being a bit more of a northern NJ guy, here what i can tell you. 

Clinics:

Floyd Hall in Montclair does a learn to Hockey program thats pretty good.  Sunday mornings and or Thursday night

http://www.floydhallarena.com/

 

Palisades Mall (in NY)

some of the guys i hockey with go to the Palisades Mall in W. Nyack NY (right off I95) for a clinic with Bruce Fowler.  i can't really speak to it, but if they go the morning before we have a game, i know i'm getting longer shifts and extra ice time b/c they are pretty dead.   i think this is the link:  www.buds4hockey.com

 

Cutting Edge Ice Academy 

http://edgeiceacademy.pointstreaksites.com/view/edgeiceacademy

these guys to clinics that i hear are like nothing else around.  the sheets are small and so is the group

 

 

Open Hockey:

Floyd Hall has open but its slows down during the summer.  (they also do "family hockey" which is AWESOME to go out and play with your kid.  i do with my lil beardos every chance i get) again, thats pretty slow for the summer.

 

Clary Anderson also in Montclair, has open, but its late and i hear the rink in kinda sh!ty.  BUT i've also heard some Pros will pop in and play, so theres that.

http://www.claryandersonarena.com/

 

The Ice House http://icehousenj.com/

in hackensack does not do open, but they always field a "house" team in the lowest division (8W, yeah theres a lot of division here) that you could get into this summer if you wanted to... they do a team for every season tho

 

Mackay Ice Arena (semi outdoor)

http://www.mackayicerink.com/

i love playing open here.  once the weather is cold the ice is really REALLY good. they're only open from October to March (being outdoors, but covered) and the "locker rooms" converted trailers are hot as hell. and some have good showers.  last year it was Monday nights 9:45 to 11:15

 

if you're on the facespace i have a group for NJ guys looking to play.  its still a fledgeling project, but i hope to have a bi-monthly game set up by mid-summer to early fall.

heres the link to the group https://www.facebook.com/groups/929301830502255/

 

others to look into: 

http://www.icevault.com/indexb.php

http://www.unionsportsarena.com/

http://www.twinoaksicerink.com/

http://protechockey.com/

 

welcome to NJ and adult hockey

GAB 

 

 

 

 

Don't know about you, and not to revive an old thread, but as someone who lives right off I - 95 in a different state (CT), it's a very busy highway and not fun to drive very far on, so double check Palisades.

 

[krisdrum 233]

28 minutes ago, Jamarquan said:

Don't know about you, and not to revive an old thread, but as someone who lives right off I - 95 in a different state (CT), it's a very busy highway and not fun to drive very far on, so double check Palisades.

 

This directed at me?  Or Beardo? 

Palisades is probably the furthest away of the original suggestions.  That would be my least preferred option.  And I'm very familiar with the "only nice part of CT" being born and bred in Westchester and spending plenty of years along the I-95 corridor for work and play.  It can be a hassle at times, but there are some good rinks along that route.  I half wish I was still up there.

[Jamarquan 201]

17 minutes ago, krisdrum said:

This directed at me?  Or Beardo? 

Palisades is probably the furthest away of the original suggestions.  That would be my least preferred option.  And I'm very familiar with the "only nice part of CT" being born and bred in Westchester and spending plenty of years along the I-95 corridor for work and play.  It can be a hassle at times, but there are some good rinks along that route.  I half wish I was still up there.

Both really, I didn't know you were from Westchester however. 

[aintitthelife98 28]

I've been attending the Sunday morning clinics at Floyd Hall every week since October and really enjoy it. There is a good mix of players out there in terms of skill level and the instructors are very good. They mix the drills up every week too which makes it nice. 

I also do a 6am Saturday Morning Adult Clinic at Skylands Ice World in Stockholm. It's an early start but you get an hour and a half of ice and it's a small group of good guys every week. 

[krisdrum 233]

14 hours ago, Jamarquan said:

Both really, I didn't know you were from Westchester however. 

Yep, we just moved to NJ a year and a half ago.  Otherwise, I've pretty much lived in Westchester all my life.  Used to date a girl who lived in Greenwich.  ;) 

My son was doing clinics and spring league with Erik Nates, if you are familiar.  My niece and nephew also played for Erik until they moved to NJ as well.

I'll double check the commute time to Palisades, as it seems alot of people recommend it. 

[krisdrum 233]

11 hours ago, aintitthelife98 said:

I've been attending the Sunday morning clinics at Floyd Hall every week since October and really enjoy it. There is a good mix of players out there in terms of skill level and the instructors are very good. They mix the drills up every week too which makes it nice. 

I also do a 6am Saturday Morning Adult Clinic at Skylands Ice World in Stockholm. It's an early start but you get an hour and a half of ice and it's a small group of good guys every week. 

Cool, thanks for weighing in.  Everyone seems to like the Floyd Hall offerings.  Just not sure Sunday mornings work for me, as my son often has games at the same time.  But it sounds like it would be worth checking out.  Maybe I can swing the Thursday night session with permission from the boss.  I assume the sessions would be similar to Sunday's.

I've heard some folks mention Skylands as well.  Looks like that would be a good 45 minutes 1-way, which would make for a super early morning.  Again, son's game schedule may conflict.  Logistics, logistics, logistics. 

I talked to Union Sports Arena over email, and they encouraged me to come check it out and see how it goes.  So I will very likely take them up on that.  I probably just need to start "taste testing" all the sessions in a radius around me, see how they are, weigh pros/cons and travel time and pick 1 or 2 to do on a regular basis. 

[GreatestAmericanBeardo 258]

17 hours ago, Jamarquan said:

Both really, I didn't know you were from Westchester however. 

I grew up in Rockland, and still know all the back roads to get to the Palisades Center. so yes, 95 is a pain in the a$$     I was laid off for a few months and played in the mornings at Palisades.  it was usually a good skate.    BUT, all and all, i'd prefer to NOT go to a MALL to play hockey, but ice time is ice time