Source
r/hockeyplayers•
phyarr

I've got the bug

I've been watching NHL for almost ten years now but never went skating in that time. In Australia, hockey is a pretty niche sport and I never even considered that I could play it here. Even going ice skating casually isn't a big thing here at all.

A few weeks ago, some mates randomly decided to go to a public skating session. There are actually two rinks in my city, which was a surprise to me.

After the first 20 minutes or so of shuffling around and falling over, I started getting the hang of it.

Since then, I've been to as many skating sessions as I can and I honestly can't get enough. I've got the bug. It's such a great feeling being on the ice. I'm pretty shit but I'm very slowly learning to stop and skate backwards.

I talked to some guys at the rink and there's actually a 5-division league system, from developmental league all the way up. I'm hoping to join the bottom league sometime this year.

I haven't been this excited about a new hobby in ages!

Posted Feb 8, 2023, 6:21 AM UTC

7424
KaprizusKhristSince I could walk•

The blessings of Minnesota are upon you friend.

35
bro-away-•

Even if you never end up playing hockey or decide it isn't for you, skating is the best. I've never regretted going for a skate. Crazy to think you can do it for your entire life and it's actually pretty easy on the knees. Keep skating!

16
sine_nomine_1•

A big reason I got into hockey was that I am now in my mid 40s and I used to love playing soccer and basketball, but I was always having foot/Achilles injuries and had to give it up. Luckily skating doesn’t hurt my tendons/joints so I can play hockey and go hard and I don’t have a sore Achilles the next day. It’s wonderful for us old people!

10
Swadda•

Beer league at ice hq by any chance?

7
phyarrOP•

Nah up in Brissy. What's it like in Melbourne?

2
Swadda•

It’s pretty great. Lots of players down here the sports really growing and it’s great to see. You’ve just started on the path in the greatest sport on earth. You’re going to have a ball. Who do you follow in the nhl? Rangers fan here. Have been for 21 years.

5
danglesnipenwheelSince I could walk•

Good team choice my friend. Also, awesome to see it's growing in places I'd not have expected, to be honest.

2
phyarrOP•

That's awesome to hear. Looks like a pretty extensive league system here which is really pleasantly surprising. I follow the Jets - started watching in 2013 and didn't really have a team but the 2018 playoff run stole my heart. I like the Rangers too, even if only because you have the best jumpers in the league ;)

2
steel865-10 Years•

Good luck mate. I started here in Perth AU as a 28 year old and now still loving it 10 years later.

6
phyarrOP•

So good!

1
ghudson46•

My advice to you is to just jump right in. Don’t think “I need to be able to do X,Y, and Z before I can play”. Just get the necessary equipment as quickly as you can financially afford to and find a league and join

A lot of places have adult learn to skate and learn play programs which would be ideal but I just went to a few public skates, bought a helmet stick gloves and skates and went to 2 stick and pucks, then got my pads and went to a practice, and last night went to my first pickup. A lot of the guys skated circles around me and I didn’t record a single statistic but I had a lot of fun just playing hockey, chasing after a 2 on 1 break to try to get the rebound and clear the puck or getting the puck past the red line and dumping it in deep.

I figure I’ll get better at skating as I go and if I hit a plateau I’ll sign up for some power skating classes

5
phyarrOP•

This is good advice. Sounds like you're having fun!

3
GrassyKnoll95•

Once the hockey bug bites you, there's no going back

3
allusions14•

If you haven't yet I recommend buying a pair of entry level skates and you will find it much easier than those blue hire ones. Keep practicing the basics and don't be afraid to ask people for tips, you'll find most people are very enthusiastic and willing to give you some pointers.

3
phyarrOP•

I went out and got some today. So excited to try them on the ice tomorrow!

1
StzNutz3-5 Years•

Keep it going! Great sport/hobby for fun and exercise!

2
HockeyHawkins•

That’s awesome, who cares if you aren’t ‘good’ if it makes you happy keep it up and you’ll improve your skills, especially if it’s making you happy and you’re enjoying it. It’s healthy for you. I love seeing posts like this. Keep the bug lol

2
phyarrOP•

Cheers!!

2
mildlysceptical22•

Welcome to the best game in the world! As a long time skater, I recommend you buy a decent, mid level pair of skates. Entry level skate boots will break down sooner than later and you’ll have to buy another pair so spend more money now to save money later.

2
LameGretzsky•

Go for it. There is one way to do this, and that is as much as possible. The more ice time the better.

2
NoHead7349•

Enjoy it mate!!!! Don’t be scare to jump in even if you feel you are not at that skill level, every one will help you along and give you tips 🍻

2
Days_of_Static•

I love seeing adults join the sport. Many that I’ve talked to report hockey as “the most fun they’ve ever had playing a sport”, and I agree with that wholeheartedly. I only wish we could share the sport to even more people when they’re young, but luckily you can play this game pretty much forever.

2
phyarrOP•

I'm lucky I'm only 22, plenty of hockey ahead I hope!

2
Mark-Jr-it-is•

Fuck yeah! It never gets old, man!

2