Hockey Clinic: Give Hockey a Try

I have met some wonderful people on Twitter.  In the beginning, most of my followers were hockey and SJ Shark fans.  They were following along with me on my journey of better health.

Often I would express my love of hockey and how I wanted to play the game. One follower suggested that I do a clinic that was hosted by my local rink called “Give Hockey a Try”.  It was put on my the Northern California Women’s hockey League and they use the great event to recruit league players.  Of course they would mostly be beginners but we all have to start somewhere right?

All the league players lend their equipment for the clinic participants.  The cost was only $20.00.  I already had my skates and another Twitter follower gave me a Nike hockey stick. The day of the clinic I felt like it was the night before xmas. (yes I am a bit crazy about hockey)  I checked in and started getting set up with my gear.  Now I have done this before (suited up) and knew what to wear under the gear.  One thing I can tell you is that there is a science and process to putting all that stuff on.  Like if you put your shin guards on before your skates you can’t lace your skates, etc. I think putting your gear on is a perfect warm up before you get on the ice.  You are sweating and totally exhausted before your blade hits the ice.

The clinic was made up of drills to see what level everyone was at.  Then they spilt us into two groups, one that can skate better than the other group.  I made it to the “can skate better” group and they had us work on stick and puck handling.  We paired up with someone and did “pass the puck” drills.  Then we did the same but skated the length of the rink.

By the time we got to the end of the drills, I thought I was going to pass out.  I made it to the bench and then, of course, they all took a water break.  I downed a bunch of water and was ready to go.

Now this is when the fun started.  They split us into teams of 5 and we did 2 min scrimmages.  I chose to play defense. I have no idea where that came from, it just sounded fun to me.

The Gang - I'm in the back row 5th from the right.

OMG, the 2 mins went by in 20 seconds.  It was so much fun to actually (well kind of) play a game.  Since you are fully geared up, your are not concerned about falling.  If you do, you really don’t feel anything and you just pop up and skate off.  The puck would drop in the face off and then I would start skating like a maniac. I was flying around the rink at speeds I never imaged, ok I am sure it looked like I was in slow motion to the spectators but that’s how it felt to me.

It was the one of my favorite experiences of my life.  For a week after I dreamt of ice skating and playing with my boys, SJ Sharks.  How cool is that, exercise and happiness all rolled up in one thing.  Can’t ask for more!

New Used Ice Skates

Years ago I choose to become a NHL Hockey fan.  I had gone to few San Jose Sharks games and fell in love with the game.  It is fast pace and exciting.  Plus the players are not bad to look at.  Over the years I learned more about the strategy of the game, terminology and teams.  On my quest to “just keep moving”, I thought that ice skating would be a great activity to add to my menu of choices.

Skating Day

Everyone I know told me to never use the rental skates at the local rinks.  Not only is the blade dull, they do not support your ankles.  So since I am on a very tight budget (got laid off from my job in July 08)  I choose to buy used skates.

Depending on time of year and when the hockey season begins/ends, the inventory in used equipment stores varies.  I did find one store “Play it Again Sports” that had a huge selection.  I found a great pair of Bauer (men’s) skates.  I got the the blades sharpened and was on my way to the rink.  Well, little did I know how important it is to have a well fitted skate.  Ends up that my skates were a half size too big.  I had to wear very thick socks just to be partially comfortable in them.

Me and My New Skates

I did try a drop-in beginners hockey class.  The rink let you borrow the full gear needed.  I got there early, they fitted me for the gear and 30 mins later I was on the ice.  It ended up being more of an advance class.  Most of the classmates were on league teams and skating circles around me.  My focus was to not fall down no matter what.  I had to get through the class with my dignity.  The instructor knew that I couldn’t do the various drills he had everyone else doing, so he had me take a stick and puck and move it up and down the ice.

Let me tell you something, it is NOT as easy as it looks during a NHL game.  The puck would either go super slow and I would skate right over it or it would go fast and I couldn’t keep up with it.  After about 15 mins. my feet were hurting so bad (from big skates with no arch support) that I had to sit down a couple of times.  I felt so defeated. I love this sport and pictured myself on a team zooming around the ice making goal after goal. I kept my skates in the car for months.  Each time I opened the trunk it reminded me to get back on the ice.  I tried a couple of times but had the same aching problem.  I finally got waxed laces and even thicker socks.  It wasn’t a perfect solution but at least it kept me moving.

About a year later a twitter friend said she had a pair of skates for me.  They fit perfect.  They feel like slippers compared to my men’s Bauer skates.  Now I skate when I can.  Still dreaming of being on a league team and getting closer to making that happen.