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Am I too old to start playing hockey?

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soulskier
Posts: 17806 - Karma: 3,841
At 24, I'm slowly starting to get out of shape and feel hockey might be a good way to stay active.

I've been out skating a couple times and am picking it all up pretty quickly. My biggest question is should I take the next step and invest in hockey gear?

It seems like an absolute blast and I'm pretty sure my local men's league is saturated with old men more interested in drinking beer than being hardcore players.

Sounds like my kind of crowd, any advice?
Jan 21 2014 9:49AM
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Aidan-G
Posts: 9415 - Karma: 10,861
I'd rent/borrow it at first and try playing a bit before investing in equipment
Jan 21 2014 9:51AM
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LiquorLanch
Posts: 1909 - Karma: 1,046
Definitely not, it might be hard at first but hockey is so much fun, especially in low key rec leagues and pick up where people show up to have fun. With gear invest in stuff that protects well. Bauer and Reebok make good shit.

See if anyone around you does skills clinics and so forth because that will help you pick up the game faster as well.
Jan 21 2014 9:54AM
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Ski_the_east01
Posts: 5203 - Karma: 2,306
hell no.

I know a few guys in my office that still play in mens leagues in their 40's and they love it. You can play for a long long time in a non checking league and it's a crazy good workout

Do not go and buy new equipment. If you live anywhere near a hockey city/town there should be a used sporting goods store where people trade in old equipment. Near me there are about 3 or 4 within 20 minutes that have tons and tons of really nice hockey gear. I stop by maybe once or twice a winter and cruise the selection and get a great deal of some nice equipment. Hockey stuff is way too expensive to buy new for someone just looking to get out every once and a while
Jan 21 2014 9:55AM
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Dylan_
Posts: 9824 - Karma: 1,404
Buy used gear. You'd be surprised how good the old guys are. invest in the sport, you'll love it.
Jan 21 2014 10:12AM
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arnie_grape
Posts: 3451 - Karma: 11,688
it's fun as fuck. I played it until I was in grade 9 then decided I'd rather ski more. when I have time I'll go back to it.

just get some cheap gear and have at it. maybe go to a few clinics if you can to learn some shit
Jan 21 2014 10:32AM
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Stadtski
Posts: 972 - Karma: 3,349
I wish i played. It sounds like ton of fun
Jan 21 2014 11:17AM
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ged.bend
Posts: 156 - Karma: 1,483
my dad started at 40, and he actually was pretty good, better than me
Jan 21 2014 11:18AM
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Charlie_Kelly
Posts: 11954 - Karma: 12,302
This.

If there is a play it again sports anywhere near you you can get shit real cheap.

I'm sort of in the same boat. I played in elementary, middle, and a little highschool. Looking to join a mens league at my school next year, just gotta get enough money for the pads and a helmet. I also play puck rather frequently, sometimes with other hockey players, sometimes with my friends, and holy shit it kicks your ass just skating hard for a few minutes. Such a better alternative to running in the gym and who doesn't like a little hockey?
Jan 21 2014 11:22AM
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b-kul
Posts: 4350 - Karma: 1,111
you're never to old to start having fun. just dont have any assperations to be the next crosby or you'll burn yourself out.
Jan 21 2014 12:50PM
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CJ_S
Posts: 543 - Karma: 312
Have played for as long as I have been able to stand. One of the best sports to be a part of. If you're joining a beer league you should have no problem adjusting.
Jan 21 2014 1:06PM
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neutralzombie
Posts: 8629 - Karma: 606
tons of "older" people have their own little leagues. my brother started his own 'beer league' baseball teams, they play every sunday in the summer, and he's been doing it for probably 5+ years now. they just head to a local park. he's turning 27 - granted has played baseball most of his life, hockey as well. but you can always just find some buddies to start just playing a night or a few a week at an outdoor rink. there's even a few 30 yr old+ hockey teams where i live. my friend plays soccer and volleyball, and her bf hockey and soccer. they play like semi serious games against other cities. you don't have to be professional grade to join. she keeps trying to get me into the teams too and i have no prior experience.
Jan 21 2014 1:13PM
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XtRemE11
Posts: 5680 - Karma: 246
your 24 and wondering if your too old to play a sport? you sound like a big ol puss. you could use a little hockey.
Jan 21 2014 1:16PM
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CJ_S
Posts: 543 - Karma: 312
http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=6KoaMBvw9q8

+k to whoever can embed this.
Jan 21 2014 1:16PM
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ABalls
Posts: 2091 - Karma: 3,754
Click for larger image
Jan 21 2014 1:21PM
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ABalls
Posts: 2091 - Karma: 3,754
Fuck, I tried.
Jan 21 2014 1:21PM
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CJ_S
Posts: 543 - Karma: 312
+k anyways, it's a fucking hilarious video so if you get a chance check it out.
Jan 21 2014 1:24PM
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BLADEE
Posts: 1017 - Karma: 778
My dads friend is 58 and wins against most college kids he plays against, so I would say you are fine!
Jan 21 2014 2:05PM
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LiquorLanch
Posts: 1909 - Karma: 1,046
Dont buy helmets, the underlayers like a cup and socks used, same with skates stick and glove everything else used. My local hockey shop pure hockey has discount bins and sales where ive gotten crazy good deals on new stuff. More than anything, buy comfortable skates. Get them fitted
Jan 21 2014 5:02PM
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Anathema
Posts: 21048 - Karma: 5,061
you're never too old.

dare to dream, my friend. dare to dream.
Jan 21 2014 5:04PM
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Snowtorious_BIG
Posts: 659 - Karma: 1,467
My friend's dad still plays hockey and he's gotta be at least 55 so you should for sure go for it
Jan 21 2014 7:45PM
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casual
Posts: 6712 - Karma: 6,748
I'm 30, I started last Thursday night in the Breck D-League. Just hit up a bunch of people for old bullshit.

Jesus Christ...are you too old? Really?
Jan 21 2014 7:47PM
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Theskiingguy
Posts: 476 - Karma: 2,514
Yeah, you're fine hahah switch the numbers around and it might be slightly different.
I had to film for a kids hockey promo video, and after his game a bunch of 40y/o people came from after work, in their dress clothes, ready to change and hit the ice.
You're fine, just be careful
Jan 21 2014 7:47PM
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Dylan_
Posts: 9824 - Karma: 1,404
Just remember, dangle, snipe, and celly and you'll be on your way to the show.
Jan 21 2014 7:54PM
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GayWolf420
Posts: 37540 - Karma: 121,592
no way, my dad was well into his thirties when he taught me how to skate. you're never too old. just lace em up and go have some fun.
Jan 21 2014 7:57PM
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PizzaKid
Posts: 297 - Karma: 309
You arent and you will have a blast! also just look for new gear that is just not the latest, in general things dont drastically change. That way Ive gotten even some top of the line equipment for like one fourth of the original price just cause it wasnt the latest gear on the market
Jan 21 2014 8:21PM
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Charlie_Kelly
Posts: 11954 - Karma: 12,302
And chirp any chance you get for the kheds. And when shooting make sure you go top cheddah bar down, glove side of course for extra points.
Jan 21 2014 8:27PM
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Dylan_
Posts: 9824 - Karma: 1,404
top cheddar blocker side if you aren't a plug.
Jan 21 2014 8:44PM
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Static
Posts: 8561 - Karma: 4,139
if you have to ask, you probably are. better start taking your Metamucil.
Jan 21 2014 8:45PM
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casual
Posts: 6712 - Karma: 6,748
hahahaha

This reminds me of those threads, "Am I too old to learn park?!"....and the guy is 23. For fuck's sake!

Here's the questionaire:

Are you coordinated? Are you a swollen vagina? Have you played sports, been active, and done crazy shit like jump off of roofs since you were like 5 years old? Have you taken a high speed crash and tomahawked/cartwheeled out of the park and gotten up and been fine? Do you think you're physically capable of approaching a box 3" off the ground and turning sideways without shitting your pants? Can you stand up right now and jump and spin a 360?

If you answered yes, no, yes, yes, yes, and yes, you're not too old to do ________.
Jan 21 2014 9:18PM
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Halo1junkie
Posts: 202 - Karma: 435
In a mens league youre gonna get crushed by guys who have been playing since being kids. Still might be fun tho
Jan 21 2014 10:12PM
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Jewschoolers
Posts: 1785 - Karma: 1,142
you arent too old but i would recommend learning how to skate well before trying to play hockey
Jan 21 2014 10:21PM
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Dylan_
Posts: 9824 - Karma: 1,404
shut up you duster.
Jan 21 2014 10:22PM
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Bagina
Posts: 849 - Karma: 2,888
So you want to get into shape, but you plan on joining a team where you drink beer the whole time. Nice.
Jan 21 2014 10:37PM
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PacificRimJob
Posts: 24730 - Karma: 29,989
Do it. I played in a beer league the last 2 years up in Oregon.
Jan 21 2014 10:41PM
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E__
Posts: 5751 - Karma: 4,635
Shortside connector and in on the blocker side makes goalies want to kill themselves.
Jan 21 2014 11:13PM
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Dylan_
Posts: 9824 - Karma: 1,404
exactly, the plug said go glove side, fuckin heater up in here.
Jan 22 2014 1:30AM
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soulskier
Posts: 17806 - Karma: 3,841
You guys caught me, I'm Already committed to it
I'm just excited and wanted to talk about it
Jan 22 2014 7:17AM
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LiquorLanch
Posts: 1909 - Karma: 1,046
hahaha nope...

one of the more fun saves is gettin across the crease and stopping that shit
Jan 22 2014 8:47AM
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Bar_Down
Posts: 5896 - Karma: 395
Fuckin do it bahd
Jan 22 2014 10:54AM
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Charlie_Kelly
Posts: 11954 - Karma: 12,302
Ah a hoser calling me a plug, lol. Bet you were a cherry picker back in the day. Stick side is for pussies.
Jan 22 2014 2:04PM
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kevmac
Posts: 347 - Karma: 1,172
NO! my goalie coach didnt start till he was 20. he got asked to try out for an echl hockey team in ohio, practiced with the predators 16 times and now just got a job coaching for a college. its never to late to start
Jan 22 2014 2:17PM
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Dylan_
Posts: 9824 - Karma: 1,404
Aw bender had to look up some hockey slang, I actually play in college. Quit talkin' you're fucking 10 ply bud.
Jan 22 2014 2:34PM
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Bar_Down
Posts: 5896 - Karma: 395
Just a great chirp
Jan 22 2014 2:53PM
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Charlie_Kelly
Posts: 11954 - Karma: 12,302
haha you must be so proud playing D III.
Jan 22 2014 3:03PM
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Charlie_Kelly
Posts: 11954 - Karma: 12,302
also straight outta letterkenny, nice one.
Jan 22 2014 3:10PM
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brandonloos_21
Posts: 395 - Karma: 2,695
Can't rent hockey bud. Gotta cough up the thousand or so and commit.
Jan 22 2014 8:21PM
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PeppermillReno
Posts: 4814 - Karma: -704
Its not as expensive as people make it out to be buying used. Feel free to PM me equipment questions.


If you can get on your rollerblades and find someeone to play with a little that might ease the transition. (Not sure if anyone plays street hockey anymore though I haven't seen it in years.)

This thread's go for it attitude is good- however you will need to play against people who like you have never played before to have any fun. And that could be hard to do. Its not basketball or soccer I've played my whole life and I feel like a beginner if I play against competition that is too good (former pros or D1 players.)

So my recommendation is to look for a rink that has open ice where you can shoot around and do that at least 10 times and then look for the easist and least competitive mens league to get started.
Jan 22 2014 8:41PM
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E__
Posts: 5751 - Karma: 4,635
Alright, well I'm looking top blocker side, see you slide, rip it 5 hole as you push over, or low glove slide as you swing your arm for momentum. Maybe even forget about the shot curl around the net or into the corner and look for an open slot pass. Fuck I love hockey so much.
Jan 22 2014 11:05PM
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PeppermillReno
Posts: 4814 - Karma: -704
Where you play D1 hockey?

D3 hockey is good noone who knows anything about the game would be hating.
Jan 23 2014 1:38AM
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