Printable View
I've taken it both ways, sometimes it just hits the bone of your forearm and the thing swells up like a golf ball. If you hit the soft tissue you usually get the awesome bruise that moves down your arm due to gravity.Quote:
Originally Posted by Luc SkyBomba
Starting my first league in net this coming Sunday! It is "rookie league", but hey, you gotta start somewhere when trying a new position. I have subbed in the Copper Division (league above rookie and felt like I could hang) This should be interesting, I hear it is tough as a goalie to play down too far as it will throw your timing off as newer skaters don't really have smooth mechanics and their shots are often very wonky. Oh well, my buddy is on my team and it is his very first season of ice hockey (he played roller before) so it should be really fun!
In my other post I talked about the LTP program I just wrapped up at Anaheime Ice. For those programs we had a couple of the rookie league goalies practice with us. I talked to one, little Asian kid, he (or she, I honestly can't tell, had mask on the whole time) was there getting in some work. Decent goalie, although in the one rookie league game I watch a bit of a few weeks ago, (s)he got lit up. The other one was our goalie in the scrimmage we had and was honestly, not good at all. Like I said we lost 8-1, probably had a save % of .500, if that. Both seemed very young (and small). I've also talked to another rookie league goalie who is an excellent skater and probably a Bronze or maybe Silver leaguer but he was a beginner goalie so they had him in the rookie league. He was a bit better.Quote:
Originally Posted by beedee
Anyway from what I've seen the level of competition for goalies in the rookie league isn't that great so you should probably do fine. Best of luck, until we meet in the fall!!!
Played a team that I hadn't seen in a couple of years who used to be major douches. I warned the guys in the room before hand that one of their guys was just an angry person and that I thought he'd been banned from the league. Game goes along and sure enough he's out there and sure enough he throws a shoulder into one of our guys way after a whistle just completely wiping him out. Ref took him quick but wasn't too long after that that guys were coming up to me on the bench "you're right, that is one angry dude". We won the game 6-3 but I'm really hoping the league tosses this guy quick. He just has trouble written all over him.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Peggy_GKG
Hows the rookie league overall at anahiem ice? I was gonna sign up for this season but chickened out after i had a bad pick up game my skating is terrible. Have about a month of skate time if anything and i few pick ups under my belt. Not sure if i should even join as of now and put in more time. Im bummed out haha.
My buddy has only played roller up until a month ago. He finally bought hockey skates and started to learn how to skate on the ice. I took him to a clinic at Lakewood maybe a month back, then i brought him out to his next experience on ice, an LGK Midnight pick up game. After that we did a clinic at KHS (where I played goalie). So he has a total of 3 sessions of being geared up on the ice before he joined the Lakewood Ice Rookie League. Lakewood would be closer for you than Anaheim Ice, all games are Sunday afternoons between 4 and 6pm I believe.Quote:
Originally Posted by xLAxKingsx
I can barely skate. Getting better slowly, but I'm also getting older quickly, so I'm probably (maybe even hopefully) never going to play hockey above the lowest tier. That hasn't prevented me from playing beer league hockey. Believe it or not, I am not always the worst skater on my team. Other poor skaters come in, and they also improve, just like me.
I started playing hockey about 20 years ago, when one of my college mates (from Providence) invited me to play pick-up roller hockey with a group that used to play in a school yard. Eventually, the two of us started playing in some casual, friendly ice hockey pick-up games as well. Fortunately, for me, I seemed to be in with a good crowd who were far more amused than annoyed by my lack of skill. I've known plenty of short fuses, but really bad people have been few and far between. Shortly, another college friend (this one from Toronto), encouraged me to join a league at Pickwick, not at the same level as him, mind you; obviously, I was in Division 5, their lowest tier. I also played on a roller hockey team around that time. After a couple of seasons, work dried up for me for a long time, and I had to hang up the skates entirely.
Last year, I started playing again, and, of course, I was still terrible, and also older, but I'm having a blast. I like being part of a team as I'm improving my game. We won a championship in my first season, lost in the finals in the second season, and then won maybe one game in the third season. This season, we are back to being very good again. My skating is still pretty poor, but I try to make up for that by keeping my legs moving the whole time, and playing smart, good position. Also, I am consigned to wing.
We play at a level below Copper, if you can imagine, and that's one of the reason why it's a great situation, if you're looking for a relatively chill situation. True, everyone is competitive, and the will to win can cause tempers to flare at times, but mostly it's friendly competition. So, as you'd expect, at this level, there's a mix of complete beginners looking to improve their game, and experienced players who are either getting older or just maybe burned out from the extra tension that higher levels of competition can bring.
Initially, I thought the pressure to be useful would make me work harder, but that aspect is a mixed bag. One thing is sure, however, and that is skating against better players with something on the line has helped me get better quickly. While my game has improved, I've hit a plateau, and I need to put in more ice time to get to the next level, so that's the next thing on my agenda. Seems like many of you are putting in the work before even jumping into a league, which I commend.
But I thought I'd share my story to let you know that you don't have to be among the strongest skaters on your team to jump into the lowest tiers of beer league, unless you only want to play D.
Update on my broken leg: it feels much better now, and I'm planning on meeting with the doctor to see if I can skate. If I get the OK, I'm going to just do some drills and not play for a bit until the muscles come back. There's only one spot on my ankle that has the slightest bit of discomfort, and that's where the ligament tore. Hope to see you guys out on the rink soon.
Ive played 2 or 3 games with lgk i loved being on the ice at tsc. Ive played with the guys from socal ice hockey at the rinks in westminster great group of guys aswell. I guess i wont really know what im up against until i hit the ice in a league huh? Do you happend to know when the league starts for Lakewood? Ive been to stick times at KHS and have seen some of the instructors teaching looks great and i should try it out.Quote:
Originally Posted by beedee
Last week was the first week of Rookie at Lakewood, I didn't go because it was on Mothers Day...and it was a practice session. This Sunday is the first game. Call them up, ask for Amber, and tell her Bret sent ya.Quote:
Originally Posted by xLAxKingsx
Uh, we're still talking about hockey here, right?Quote:
Originally Posted by jammer06
I only watched about 10 minutes of the game. Some decent skaters, some not so much. From what you described, it sounds like you could probably use a bit more ice time, but others are saying go for it, so what do I know? I'm basically right where you are as far as ability, to be honest. As I said in other post, for me I'd rather wait a bit and get some skill before jumping into the league, but at the same time I don't want to be doing drills forever either trying to perfect my skating, at some point I have to get into a game and just learn that way as well.Quote:
Originally Posted by xLAxKingsx
Hum thats true maybe ill take this summer and skate my heart out and try to get better by fall leagues. I can skate and get around keep up somewhat and play position but its poor i feel. Saw you said about joining fall league? where are you looking to play at?Quote:
Originally Posted by Peggy_GKG
Woot, i've been picked for a team! The season of pickup is paying off!
Definitely Anaheim. I don't think Yorba Linda has a rookie league. I'll keep an eye on Westminster and Lakewood as well, but Anaheim is right up the road for me.Quote:
Originally Posted by xLAxKingsx
We ain't getting any younger, thats for sure. You can do drills til you are blue in the face, but I'd take the rookie league plunge sooner than later. You will surprise yourself most likely and I think you or someone else mentioned in another post, when in a game situation, you just get stuff done. You don't worry about what body part is doing what, you see the puck over there, you skate to it, you get a stick on it, and make a play. You won't really have time to over think stuff in a game, on the other hand, I see a lot of rookie players not taking that extra split second to look at where they are passing the puck. So, to contradict myself, you actually do have a little more time to think than you might think you do. Did that make sense?Quote:
Originally Posted by Peggy_GKG
Anyhow, I am loving all the action these threads are getting lately!
LOL yeah that made sense. When we had our scrimmage for the LTP clinic, I felt real good out there. Maybe it's just from years and years of watching but it just felt like I had a good grasp of what was going on. But realize the competition was as about as low as it gets, and we were all moving at a slug's pace, so in a real game that would likely change. My GF shot some video and watching later it was like, "are we really skating that slow?!" I did have a couple of real grade A scoring chances. And I totally agree about the over-thinking thing. This is why I'm not following the suggested path, which if I were I wouldn't be playing until next year. Get some skating in, some stick work, and jump into the league in the fall. I know I won't be horrible. Maybe do some pick ups in between now and then to get my feet wet. I'm OK with that.Quote:
Originally Posted by beedee
And I also think its great and refreshing that I'm not the only one in this boat. I remember posting in the learning to skate thread that hadn't had a new post in 2 years thinking, why bother? Turns out there's at least a few of us out there and maybe more lurkers.
Yeah when you're in a game, you start doing things you didn't know you could do. For years I couldn't crossover to the right! I just started learning how a couple weeks ago and I've already put it in my game without even thinking. #NotAnAmbi-TurnerQuote:
Originally Posted by beedee
Keep it Up Guys!
Anyone who does the LGK/MHC pickups at TSC who want pointers please feel free to ask. I'm generally there. One of the taller players who generally has Boston Socks and white Boston jersey without the crest on.
Try to get in a rookie league. Doing drills is fine and pickups are great. But a league will get you use to game speed of play.
Anaheimice pickups on Friday night(10pm) have been little advanced recently so that probably is not the best option at the moment for beginners.
i was at the last game, #13 in black with white helmet on the other team...you shared your elixir with me before the game, so tasty!Quote:
Originally Posted by mudfisher
mudfisher is a great skater and a great guy, definitely hit him up if you skate at a LGK pickup.
Just had our first Rookie League game yesterday afternoon…well that was brutal! I must have faced at least 30 shots, gave up one in the 2nd, and two in the third. First goal went 7-hole, felt it go off my left bicep. Second goal I was completely screened on, saw it right as it went through the D's legs and over my left pad. Third goal was blocker side and I was so exhausted at that point that I couldnt get it in front of the shot. Our team only had 10 shots, and was shutout.
So about this team, literally 8 of the 10 skaters seriously looked like they have never skated before. My buddy whom is also brand new looked like a super star compared to them. I cant even tell you how many breakaways I stopped, 2 on 0's, men left all alone wide open in the slot. The refs were giving me propps, and said this game would be so out of hand if I wasnt standing on my head. I even had two sprawling saves that I surprised myself with.
My buddy joked that it was like keystone cops on ice! Our team was clearly outmatched, meaning the other team had people that knew what they were doing, had hockey sense, and ability. Our team, not so much. People were literally falling down as they tried to play the puck. I finally had to use our timeout halfway through the 3rd when it was only 2-0. I calmly told the team what I was seeing and was asking for help because I was gassed...I almost puked, thats how many shots I was facing.
I guess thats what you get when you sign up for Rookie League. I was just hoping that we had more players with more hockey sense, and even margianally better skills (hopefully those will develop). I was also helping them with their positioning on lining up for faceoffs in our zone. The plus side of all this is that I will learn very quickly, I have no choice.
Overall I felt strong but my endurance declined fast as the 3rd period wound down. I focused on keeping my stick down and my butt down as well. My stance felt good, I pushed it a bit wider than last time out and that helped with my b-fly. During warmups I actually did some b-fly slides and it was fun!
A gal was taking pix at the game tonight from our bench, I will post some when she uploads them. Tomorrow I am doing that StickTime with my goalie buddy whom is going to give me instruction. I will be bringing my GoPro, so I will put together another video to watch and learn from.
Thanks for this update BD. I was real curious as to the ability of the skaters. After the LTP clinic I took a few weeks ago they were pushing people to sign up for the rookie league despite the fact that, out of say 40 people, maybe 7 or 8 had any business playing any kind of organized game at that point. I don't want to sound cynical but it really seems like they just want to get people signed up and get the money, and then they sort of throw them out to the wolves with little to no direction or coaching. I know when you join the rookie league they also include a couple of coaching clinics, but there needs to be some basic instruction too, stuff you pointed out like positioning, etc. One of the big reasons I just want to get a little bit of clinic time under my belt.
Speaking of, did the first session of the LTP/Be a Player Clinic at TSC yesterday. Definitely a step up from the Anaheim LTP which was for true beginners. They combined the classes which I thought might happen since pretty much everyone there had basic skating and stick-handling ability. There were more than few guys right at my level, just starting out but could at least get up and down OK, but also quite a few experienced players who were much better than us too. We did several game drills which for me, highlighted the fact that I still need a lot of work in those situations, just moving around, transitioning, getting in position, that sort of thing. Fortunately have 6 more of these clinics to work on it.
I really wish I could just watch a bit of your rookie league game just to see how the action is but Lakewood is a bit out of the way for me just to drive out. Not sure how it works out there but I'm pretty sure they have a draft for the Anaheim league, meaning you won't get a team full of n00bs vs. a team full of ringers, it should be evenly matched up...theoretically anyway.
Two games yesterday. First one was a blast, had a couple of assists and even nailed a lob pass over the d's head to a streaking winger who caught it out of the air. Also got a PPG off a beautiful screen, goalie had no chance. We were up 4-1, blew the lead and then slowly drew away to win 4-7.
Second game was not as good, about 3 minutes in my skate kinda stuck in a rut when I was trying to move out of the way from a shot. Pulled/aggravated my abs/hip flexor. I could skate kinda ok after but a couple of times I tried to open up for a pass or a shot and my body was having none of that. Should have stopped playing because today not only is the original side injured but my other hip is letting me know it didn't appreciate all the compensation. Seems like I'm constantly dealing with a nagging groin now. Guess I get to keep doing my PT for even longer. Thankfully we won the game.
Isn't getting old just a blast? Hell even after skating I'm home with an ice pack on my knee and another on my shoulder. I don't dare skate without my knee brace now.
Congrats on the wins.
It cant get much worse, a Canuck uni with a Ducks logo on the front. :/
Here are a few pix from Sunday's game.
Sweet pics. I like that 2nd one, three yellow jerseys and you. LOL.
I really want to see this league in action.
Drinks is mildly original. Nice pics.
Played the first place team in my roller league last night. They beat us 12-5 first time we played them.
Down 2-1 at the end of one.
We scored six in the second, I had five of them. Up 7-2.
So of course we blew the lead. 7-7. Overtime. 3 minutes of 3 on 3.
I get the draw, the other team is just looking at me to give it up. They're just standing there.
I skate around the left D, he doesn't even touch me, goalie misses the poke check. Game over 15 seconds in. 8-7.
A great deal of puck luck involved.
I finally skated for the first time on Saturday since I broke my leg in December. I had a little sensitivity on the skin, but the leg didn't hurt at all. I skated for a bit myself and decided to take a few shifts in the pickup game on the other rink. The only pain I have is from when I fell on my hip. The damn ER doctor cut off my cup and my girdle, so I was a little under protected. Oh well... I talked with the guy who runs the league and he's made me eligible for the playoffs, which start next week. It's going to be an interesting weekend.
Glad to hear you're getting back in action Daxx!
Just a side note question. The eyelet protectors in my graff skates came loose on a couple of my skate holes. Going to try and get to a shop in the next couple weeks. So far it's not bothering me but anyone have a feel for how many times might tear the boot? I don't care if I cut a lace but I definitely don't want to have to buy new skates.
Quote:
Originally Posted by jammer06
I have a bunch of eyelet's missing in my grafs and no apparent wear for a couple of them over the years. I should go and repair them.
Should I use "pad wraps" or "pad skins" to mod my leg pads?
Yes, you love those skates. Take care of them and they will last longer.Quote:
Originally Posted by mudfisher
http://40.media.tumblr.com/0fe217fbf...71lo1_1280.jpg
game 1 on wednesday!
Welp, got waxed last night...8-1 (we are now 0-2). Once again, the other team had 3 or 4 players that clearly were not "Rookie" level, and again I faced countless 2 on 0, 2 on 1 and at one point, a freaking 4 on 0!!! I'd honestly say I was responsible for 4 goals, 3 were bad 5-holes, where I didn't keep my stick down on the ice. The 4th one beat me low blocker side, was a tough one to try to get. The other goals were results of out numbered attacks where I made the first save, but then one of their players was left unattended to knock in the rebound on my far side. It got to the point where the non-rookie player would dangle through our entire team, enter the zone then wait for his teammate to enter and pass it to them. Overall though I felt I played much better, these clinics are really paying off. My wife even said I looked almost 100% better than I did the first time she watched me, which was only my 3rd time on the ice in my goalie gear...last night marked my 9th I believe.
My stance felt much better, I was lower in my butt squat, my hands were in the right spot, my back was straighter and my legs were wider. I have really been working on my lateral slides to the post from the top of the crease and made a few saves last night using those when faced with 2 on 1 or 2 on 0. There were a few times when I was lazy and got up on the wrong foot when recovering, luckily it didn't cost us a goal. All in all, I felt like I played much better this game than our first game. I'm trying not to worry about the score, but it does get frustrating when time after time a 2 on 0 is coming my way or when no one is there to pick up a rebound or an opponent after I make the initial save. And again, the refs told me that I did a great job on keeping my team in the game. I faced at least 25 shots this time, our team only had 10...I don't even think their goalie broke a sweat!
Those nights can be rough BD. Just stick with it and remember it's ice time. Also remember it's way better than being on the other side of it as a goalie when you're standing around for 40 of the 45 minutes and start getting bored.
Not sure if I'm happy or sad I had a stomach bug yesterday. Our team iced 5 skaters and then had to forfeit when one of them got tossed for having too many penalties.
Can anyone help me figure out what size of a bag I should use for roller? Right now I'm using a duffel bag that is as long as my shin pads and as well as those, fits my helmet, gloves and elbows. I'm maxed out on space and I'm planning on getting a girdle and protective shirt also.
thanks!
I just use the same bag I use for ice. With wheels. Comes in handy sometimes. Hope that helps.Quote:
Originally Posted by Luc SkyBomba