Kind of new here

[CHIEF22 0]

Hello all. I'm kind of new here, so I thought that I would muster the courage to say it. I have been reading posts for the last couple of months and it seems like alot of knowledge here. I am not a player(yet) so thats why I don't post alot. I said yet because I have an 8yo son who is taking up the sport and has inspired me to do the same. So if I'm not being to forward I will take any advise that anyone wants to give. Thanks in advance.

[Dan_The_Man_16 0]

Invest in good skates, bend your knees, keep your head up and your stick down.

[Chadd 916]

When you start playing, just go. Don't worry about how it looks or trying to keep some dignity, just go full out. Getting on teh ice as much as possible will help and a couple of private lessons will help significantly too.

[LetsGoWings13 0]

Try to buy the best equipment you can afford and make sure it fits you well. Try and take some hockey camps also.

[this guy 0]

1.) Don't be one of the parents in youth hockey that takes it WAY too seriousily.

2.) If I were you I would get skates that fit well and go to public skates as often as possible.

3.) As stated earlier, keep your head up. A simple drill for this is getting your stick and a golf ball, go to your driveway and practice handling the ball while watching something in front of you.

[WINGS 0]

Welcome to MSH Chief.

[dddatsyuk--48 0]

Have some fun when your on the ice....best advice to any of us

[Neo5370 132]

That guy said it best..................have fun!!!

As for the technical aspects, work on skating the most, grab a power skating book, buy lessons if you can afford it and copy what other good skaters do (esp. their posture!), don't be afraid to steal a few tricks from figure skaters..........nobody's better on their edges.

Skating t is your chief asset!

[sdcopp 1]

In addition to all of this wonderful advice that precedes mine, find good players/coaches in your area to help you out. No one is a better critic than an experienced player or coach who will be honest with you. Making friends with the experienced people can be very beneficial, as they can help you avoid bad habits, or give you honest feedback to help improve your game

[Fury of One 6]

I remember running a roller clinic for "older" guys that were in their 30's and 40's, some inn their later 20's and they were the easiest guys to teach. they all listened to what I had to say and took the advice I gave. And it was cool to see some of them really make a lot of progress.

[Modo22 0]

don't be affraid!! just do it

welcome

[asdfa 0]

welcome to the board, don't got for the shiniest and most expensive equipment, go to your LHS and ask the guys on their opinion, spend time and make sure your stuff fits properly and suites you, you'll be glad in the long run.

as for on the ice, go as hard as you can, and that way you'll improve as fast as you can. don't be afraid to look stupid, because you will improve that much faster.

finally, welcome to the sport of hockey, i'm sure you'll have lots of fun

[Jordan6969 0]

welcome welcome

Since I only started hockey like 2 years ago I know what it feels like and I must say one of the best things I learned was to not to be intimidated or kind of embaressed to do anything. The first year I played I must have been the worst player ever because I was so intimidated by better players or bigger players. But if you got determination and work hard you will improve a TON.

[Dan_The_Man_16 0]

One more thing. If you have a local store that is dedicated to hockey, or mostly hockey buy your gear there. They will be more knowledgable and probably won't rip you off just for a sale like the chain store would.

[ladystorm3 0]

if your son is up for it, it would be cool for u to do a father son type camp if anywhere offers them

[CHIEF22 0]

Thanks for all the advise so far. I would say that so far i am headed in the right direction. I am taking some skating lessons(been over 20 years since I have skated) and am giong to take an adult basic clinic in the fall (Rousseaus if anybody from the Maine has heard of them). I guess my biggest thing is equipment. I will probally play in a no-check league, but am concerned with procecting myself from myself, if you know what I mean. Should I look at mid to upper level stuff, provided the cost is within reason and fit is OK. Got good skates, 652 Tacks. Thanks again for the advise so far and for any it the future...

There is a LHS in the rink where I skate. Would like to get a relationship going there. For me and my sons sake..

[Hooah4 12]

I'd invest in some mid to upper level protective equipment. You'll need it as you learn to take more chances and push yourslef out of your "safe" zone. Don't be afraid to fall. Get back up and do it again. Don't quit.

My son just started this year also. He's 6 and the smallest out there. He's also one of the fastest. I notice that if I don't keep my expectations too high for him, he does better. Make sure he's having fun and have fun with him.

I've already seen people yelling through the glass at their kids who are just starting.