apollo Posted November 7, 2016 Share Posted November 7, 2016 Hi all, hoping to get some useful info and advice... Long story short, we didn't have much money growing up and never got into playing ice hockey. Only skated a bunch of times... And hundreds of road hockey games. I can kind of skate, went today and it was a blast so I definitely want to start now that I'm stable in life. Edit: I'm in my 20s if that matters So a few questions, if there's any other useful info, please let me know A) where can I play? Without having to break the bank to the arbutus club? My work schedule is 7am to 7pm Monday-Fridays, can sometimes get off by 4-5 if necessary. Then completely free on weekends. I live on the north shore and work in Richmond... Drive thru dt most days. The rec centre by my place which I skated at today doesn't have beginner adult hockey drop in during hours that would work for me. They are thru the work day hours. B)where do I buy gear, I want them to make sure I have my skates perfectly fitted, I've got pronation and achy feet if I don't have enough support /cushion C) do I have to buy super expensive sticks? Thanks in advance! EDIT: Updated Post on page 4 seeking more advice, pasted below as well Quote So I had some health issues from Mid January that dragged almost to May and I fell off the rails with my training. Went to some public skates and stick and pucks during the summer but not many as there wasn't that many rinks to chose from considering my schedule. I've been back at it all September going to as many public skates and stick and pucks as possible... I think I'm ready to join a beginner league. I've learned how to stop pretty well on both sides... to the point I can't contain my smile when I shred and see the snow shower... SO EXCITING! I can't believe I can finally do it. My passing I think is decent... my shots are 75% of the time bad... 22% of the time decent, and 3% off the post and in (best feeling on the planet). I can skate forward pretty fast... I'm still a donkey when it comes to skating backwards but I think I'm ready for a beginner league? Does anyone have any recommendations where I might be able to play? Vancouver or North Shore would be ideal... but I could always do Richmond, New West or Burnaby if need be. Or are there any drop in games? I had someone at one of the rinks I go to, tell me Richmond had drop in hockey in the morning but I haven't seen that guy in a while... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MoneypuckOverlord Posted November 7, 2016 Share Posted November 7, 2016 5 minutes ago, apollo said: Hi all, hoping to get some useful info and advice... Long story short, we didn't have much money growing up and never got into playing ice hockey. Only skated a bunch of times... And hundreds of road hockey games. I can kind of skate, went today and it was a blast so I definitely want to start now that I'm stable in life. Edit: I'm in my 20s if that matters So a few questions, if there's any other useful info, please let me know A) where can I play? Without having to break the bank to the arbutus club? My work schedule is 7am to 7pm Monday-Fridays, can sometimes get off by 4-5 if necessary. Then completely free on weekends. I live on the north shore and work in Richmond... Drive thru dt most days. The rec centre by my place which I skated at today doesn't have beginner adult hockey drop in during hours that would work for me. They are thru the work day hours. B)where do I buy gear, I want them to make sure I have my skates perfectly fitted, I've got pronation and achy feet if I don't have enough support /cushion C) do I have to buy super expensive sticks? Thanks in advance! hockeycommunity.com is a place were people post drop ins, I suggest you start out with drop in hockey, and play at a place that allows all levels of hockey. If you go right into a league is quite unforgiving. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
apollo Posted November 7, 2016 Author Share Posted November 7, 2016 3 minutes ago, MoneypuckOverlord said: hockeycommunity.com is a place were people post drop ins, I suggest you start out with drop in hockey, and play at a place that allows all levels of hockey. If you go right into a league is quite unforgiving. Hmmm so how much gear would I need initially? Or should I just get it all? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
diesel_3 Posted November 7, 2016 Share Posted November 7, 2016 Lots of places have Can Skate or Learn 2 Play for adults. I suggest starting there. A buddy of mine started playing a few years ago in his late 20's, Went to one of those programs and put his time in playing at drop-in and has come a long way since then. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
diesel_3 Posted November 7, 2016 Share Posted November 7, 2016 Just now, apollo said: Hmmm so how much gear would I need initially? Or should I just get it all? If you are just starting, I would only recommend getting a new bucket, everything else you can buy at a Sports Traders for a fraction of the cost. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
apollo Posted November 7, 2016 Author Share Posted November 7, 2016 3 minutes ago, diesel_3 said: If you are just starting, I would only recommend getting a new bucket, everything else you can buy at a Sports Traders for a fraction of the cost. Hmmm is this the place? I see one in maple ridge and Duncan's too but they are a little farther than I'd like https://www.google.ca/search?ie=UTF-8&client=ms-android-rogers-ca&source=android-browser&q=sports+traders&gfe_rd=cr&ei=_gfWOH_OK3P8gf6nJTwBA#gfe_rd=cr&istate=lrl:iv&rlimm=15801854783392246554 It's encouraging to hear 20s isn't too late! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
numb3r 16 Posted November 7, 2016 Share Posted November 7, 2016 13 minutes ago, apollo said: Long story short, we didn't have much money growing up and never got into playing ice hockey. Only skated a bunch of times... And hundreds of road hockey games. Relatable Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
diesel_3 Posted November 7, 2016 Share Posted November 7, 2016 Just now, apollo said: Hmmm is this the place? I see one in maple ridge and Duncan's too but they are a little farther than I'd like https://www.google.ca/search?ie=UTF-8&client=ms-android-rogers-ca&source=android-browser&q=sports+traders&gfe_rd=cr&ei=_gfWOH_OK3P8gf6nJTwBA#gfe_rd=cr&istate=lrl:iv&rlimm=15801854783392246554 It's encouraging to hear 20s isn't too late! Do you live in Courtenay? If so, I do, too lol....and Blue Toque is a good spot, they have lots of used stuff, good selection of skates. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MoneypuckOverlord Posted November 7, 2016 Share Posted November 7, 2016 1 minute ago, apollo said: Hmmm so how much gear would I need initially? Or should I just get it all? ohhh boy, you will need everything, for facial protection is up to you if you want to go with visor, or cage, or none at all, but its required for ice hockey to be fully geared up. Hockey is an expensive sport buddy, decent pair of skates is 200 bucks, a decent stick is 150, if your strong enough, you might be able to pull up a 90 dollar stick. if your in Vancouver, theres a place called cheapskates or something like that, where its used equipment.... but if your not interested in used gear, sportchek is your best bet for deals on equipment. Do you know ANYONE at work, a friend that plays hockey? I originally started because I knew someone that ran drop ins on friday, and I too started in my early 20's. feel free to join those trainning programs, I never actually joinnned any trainning program, kinda learned on my way. Not a great player, but I am for some reason a talented skater, which really helped . Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
apollo Posted November 7, 2016 Author Share Posted November 7, 2016 8 minutes ago, diesel_3 said: Do you live in Courtenay? If so, I do, too lol....and Blue Toque is a good spot, they have lots of used stuff, good selection of skates. Nope, north shore =/ I googled sports traders and closest one was this address in the link I sent Sports junkies clearance 102 W Broadway, Vancouver, BC V5Y 1P3 8 minutes ago, MoneypuckOverlord said: ohhh boy, you will need everything, for facial protection is up to you if you want to go with visor, or cage, or none at all, but its required for ice hockey to be fully geared up. Hockey is an expensive sport buddy, decent pair of skates is 200 bucks, a decent stick is 150, if your strong enough, you might be able to pull up a 90 dollar stick. if your in Vancouver, theres a place called cheapskates or something like that, where its used equipment.... but if your not interested in used gear, sportchek is your best bet for deals on equipment. Do you know ANYONE at work, a friend that plays hockey? I originally started because I knew someone that ran drop ins on friday, and I too started in my early 20's. feel free to join those trainning programs, I never actually joinnned any trainning program, kinda learned on my way. Not a great player, but I am for some reason a talented skater, which really helped . I think I'll just go to SportChek then, I assume one of their hockey guys should know exactly what I need? Do I specifically need to gear up entirely, like all the body padding? I can't do drop ins with just skate, helmet, stick and gloves can I? Hoping people don't hit right off the bat... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jam126 Posted November 7, 2016 Share Posted November 7, 2016 The next Gretzky right here! Good luck @apollo! Same story for me too, except my parents thought I was too weak to play hockey. I was pretty mad at them for telling me that. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dekey Pete Posted November 7, 2016 Share Posted November 7, 2016 You can actually get outfitted for a pretty decent amount of money. Don't let people tell you you need $200+ skates and $150+ sticks to play. Keep an eye on the classifieds and ask friends you know that play hockey. Usually they'll have some old gear they won't mind getting rid of. Sport chek has decent gear for the level of hockey you'll be playing, spending lot's of money isn't going to help you early on. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
two drink minimum Posted November 7, 2016 Share Posted November 7, 2016 46 minutes ago, apollo said: Nope, north shore =/ I googled sports traders and closest one was this address in the link I sent Sports junkies clearance 102 W Broadway, Vancouver, BC V5Y 1P3 I think I'll just go to SportChek then, I assume one of their hockey guys should know exactly what I need? Do I specifically need to gear up entirely, like all the body padding? I can't do drop ins with just skate, helmet, stick and gloves can I? Hoping people don't hit right off the bat... You'll want to gear up tip to toe. I say if you could afford it and are serious buy yourself some good new equipment. I bought used crap and it fell apart on me. I then bought new and its still in good shape 20 years later. Pants, shoulder and shin guards last quite a while and they really don't cost all that much Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wilbur Posted November 7, 2016 Share Posted November 7, 2016 40 minutes ago, apollo said: Nope, north shore =/ I googled sports traders and closest one was this address in the link I sent Sports junkies clearance 102 W Broadway, Vancouver, BC V5Y 1P3 I think I'll just go to SportChek then, I assume one of their hockey guys should know exactly what I need? Do I specifically need to gear up entirely, like all the body padding? I can't do drop ins with just skate, helmet, stick and gloves can I? Hoping people don't hit right off the bat... You'll need the full gear not so much for hitting but for when you hit the ice, it really is unforgiving. You'll probably need the following: skates shin pads hockey socks garter belt jock hockey pants shoulder pads elbow pads gloves helmet mouth guard (unless going full cage) jersey (if you don't feel like soiling one of your doubtless many Canuck jerseys) I'd try to get most of it used at first, particularly the shoulder pads, elbow pads, hockey pants, and shin pads. I wouldn't break the bank on a stick at first either (but I'm a goalie so what would I know). Good luck and have a blast! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tystick Posted November 7, 2016 Share Posted November 7, 2016 Stick'N'Pucks are a great place to start. Nothing competitive or intimidating. It's all for fun. The guys there are usually older but they'll help you out. All you need is a helmet and skates. Eventually get all your equipment though! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Miss Korea Bob.Loblaw Posted November 7, 2016 Share Posted November 7, 2016 Put a lot into your skates and your helmet. You can skimp out on the rest but do NOT be cheap on those things. Learn to skate, especially stopping. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ryan Strome Posted November 7, 2016 Share Posted November 7, 2016 3 hours ago, apollo said: Hi all, hoping to get some useful info and advice... Long story short, we didn't have much money growing up and never got into playing ice hockey. Only skated a bunch of times... And hundreds of road hockey games. I can kind of skate, went today and it was a blast so I definitely want to start now that I'm stable in life. Edit: I'm in my 20s if that matters So a few questions, if there's any other useful info, please let me know A) where can I play? Without having to break the bank to the arbutus club? My work schedule is 7am to 7pm Monday-Fridays, can sometimes get off by 4-5 if necessary. Then completely free on weekends. I live on the north shore and work in Richmond... Drive thru dt most days. The rec centre by my place which I skated at today doesn't have beginner adult hockey drop in during hours that would work for me. They are thru the work day hours. B)where do I buy gear, I want them to make sure I have my skates perfectly fitted, I've got pronation and achy feet if I don't have enough support /cushion C) do I have to buy super expensive sticks? Thanks in advance! Hurry up, get'er done! We need a winger on the top line Apollo. They made Carter a star, why not Apollo. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Derp... Posted November 7, 2016 Share Posted November 7, 2016 Check out the adult coed hockey lessons through north van rec. Every weekend on Sundays, it's for beginners, but you basically go through a 45 min practise and then scrimmage for 15. That's how I started on North Shore at age 22. I couldn't skate or stick handle very well though in the beginning. Skating has come a long way and I keep my head up way more from practising doing that. Might be too low level for you with your history, but there's also a drop in on Sunday nights later too I think for anyone to come and play. Usually around $15-$20 per session. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
terrible.dee Posted November 7, 2016 Share Posted November 7, 2016 Hockey schools buddy, Every rink has adult hockey schools, go sign up then show up But DO NOT buy any gear, until you are a confident skater and have completed the 6-8 weeks of hockey school, "sort of " being able to skate doesn't cut it . I've skimmed some responses and you are getting some bad advice in this thread Don't show up for any drop in games, don't go and buy hockey equipment, it starts with the fundamentals and you have no business carrying a stick onto the ice until you have those down, this is for your safety and everyone else's. Do it right and you could be in for a lifetime of fun, do it wrong and you could get hurt and disappointed and so could your bank account. Hockey is extremely difficult and the ice is extremely hard. Do this the right way. One more piece of advice, as you are learning the basics in class, skate on your own every chance you get, Follow my advice and in two months you'll be blown away by what you can do, and ready to suite up for some casual games Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
falcon45ca Posted November 7, 2016 Share Posted November 7, 2016 Learn to skate first. After that, helmet, shin pads and gloves are enough to start off. Get the other gear as your skill level increases...for instance, you won't really need shoulder pads unless you're planning on throwing some body checks. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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