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VanNuxter

Hey,

I've never played hockey in my life before but want to start... at 25. I'm pulled towards playing goalie, I love the position, can't keep my eyes off the crease when watching games, but have a few questions... Would it be best to start as a player and then switch to goalie once I've gotten a hang of the game, or would it be best to start off in goal right away? If best to start as a player, what would help me more, forward or D?

Also, anyone know where I could find adult goalie training for beginners in Vancouver? Either during hockey season or in the off-season would work. And should I get proper training first, or try to figure some things out on my own first?

Thanks

P.S.: Also, how badly are mediocre goalies seen by fellow goalies? Kinda scared I'll never truly get the hang of it...

sensinvasion · Posted: Wed Jul 28, 2010 4:27 pm Post subject:

Its never too late to start playing the national pastime, and kudos to you for having the balls to try it out. As a general rule before jumping on the ice and at the risk of making yourself look like an idiot, you probably want to make sure your got basic skating down.

Goalies, beleive it or not, are usually the best skaters as they require quick foot work to move across and in and out of the crease as they play out a shooter's angles. You'll want to develop your "up and down" motion so that they are second nature everytime you drop to your knees, Being mobile and agile is important to the position as you are often the last guy a shooter has to beat on the way to scoring a goal. Unfortunately, this also means your often the goat, Your teammates depend on you to correct a mistake or mismatch and save their bacon... A tap on the pads from your D after a great save will tell you how glad the are you pulled their ......... out of the fire. If you're thin skinned and can't shake off a bad move or performance you will not like this position over the long run. Often its not the 1 goal game thats get you down.. its the 11-2 blow outs. Chalk up a few of those games in a row and you might find yourself looking for another team in short order.

On top of skating abilities, you want to make sure you got good hand eye coordination for catching and deflecting pucks into corners. Not being affraid of the puck is a MUST.

Any self respecting goalie school can teach you the basics but your style and prowess will develop based on mostly your athletic skills, your goalie stance (stand up, vs butterfly style) and equipment type. *Also goalie gear costs a small fortune. Be ready to invest above 1500$ to get decked out in the latest gear. or try to locate some decent used stuff. I tend to not like used items are they are usually worn out by the previous owner and to their own body formations in the equipment. Try using another goalie's trapper and you'll find it won't close as easily for you as it would for them..

If your just startin out, again, skating is the basic skill you will need above all. If you're in shape and can skate like the wind, you might prefer a forward position as they tend to require more skating (forechecking and backchecking) are typical of the forward position. Not to mention you will likely touch puck more often.

A defensemen's role is just a important. You do alot more backwards skating as you try to cut off a forward from going to the net or getting a clear shot at the goal. Your often the goat if your the last man back and get beat. On the offensive, a defense will hold the blue line an maintain pressure. Good puck moving skills and an accurate shot (wrister or slapper) are the staples of a good d-man.

Hope my insight helps you decide well, Cheers!
_________________
Big mobile goalie, Prefers good to higher skilled caliber. Looking to spare when needed. I need only a few hours notice and I'm your guy. Cell. 819-962-3033 Home 819-332-3500 Work 613-960-8046

jonathan · Posted: Mon Aug 02, 2010 4:00 pm Post subject:

I think 1500 is a conservative price for gear if going new and buying good stuff..My chest armour trapper and blocker would push me over the 1500 for just that.

VanNuxter · Posted: Tue Aug 03, 2010 1:00 am Post subject:

Thanks for your response!! Very informative, good post. (You can be sure I'll be getting hold of a ball and racket this week... I hope hand-eye coordination can be improved, cuz mine isn't very good at all...)

So you do think playing forward/defense first will help? Do you think it'll help the same if I play f/d in ball hockey instead for now? Really don't wanna get two sets of gear... not exactly swimming in money, right? lol

I'll be honest with you... I'm kinda starting from zero here haha. It's gonna be a long journey... Only thing I can do on the ice as of now is move forward, can't even stop, so I won't be joining any organized ice hockey yet, although that is the ultimate goal. I've signed up for some skating basics lessons in September, October, November; once I've got that done I'll take powerskating and on-ice stick & puck. So excited!!!

But yeah - would like to get a hockey fix sooner rather than later, so I'm thinking ball hockey would be a good idea. Some guys on the Canucks forum also suggested to start with that to get a feel for the game at a slightly slower pace - makes sense. Would I be able to join a beginner league in September or is it too late now? Though even that shouldn't be too much of a problem - there's always drop-ins at the rec centres, after all.

And one more thing - for the skating classes, do you think I should use regular skates, since I'll be learning the basics, or should I start right away with goalie skates? The first would be rentals, the latter I'd obviously be investing in since they'll be for the long run anyway. Would really like to hear opinions on this, because I'm really conflicted about it... really unsure what to do.

Really appreciate your help and patience with my questions!

P.S.: Jonathan, I've looked through online sales and the cheapest I've managed to make it is about 1800 (obviously since I'm starting out I'll want to try things out, so maybe won't be getting stuff online, but it gives me an idea at least). Will have to save up a bit, but since I'm not hitting the ice in goal just yet I think I have time.

Ajakab · Joined: 02 Jul 2007 Posts: 79 Location: Ottawa

I.M.O skating isn't just a big part of being a goaltender, it is the most important part. When I watch goalies develop they almost invariably are only limited by their skating abilities. I myself have very good hand eye coordination and okay reflexes but I find that that doesn't matter most of the time because my feet put me in a position to stop most shots before those ever factor in, which is why I play a nothing under, nothing through style. When you eye a guy in warmups while shooting around if that goalie doesn't skate well I know almost for a fact that this guy is getting pumped.

Learn to skate as a player and then make the transition, it's what I did. I learned to skate at 17, started playing hockey at 19 and became a goaltender at 21. I play both positions at the same level (about as competitive as beer league gets). I've watched guys try to start as a tender and have found it to be counter productive, here's why; goalies tend to stand around and do nothing for the better part of the game , while that is time on the ice it isn't time necessarily developing your skating ability. Players are always moving and working those skills and acquire them much quicker.

sensinvasion · Posted: Tue Aug 03, 2010 11:06 am Post subject:

So you do think playing forward/defense first will help? Do you think it'll help the same if I play f/d in ball hockey instead for now? Really don't wanna get two sets of gear... not exactly swimming in money, right? lol

Ball hockey will give you a sense of the team play required to play on the ice. Its a little harder on the joints with all the running. Ball hockey and Ice hockey goalies are completly different animals in my book, besides the obvious reasons, you don't slide and you don't skate... things you need to develope the game on the ice. Also the ball tends to whip around and curve on you.. really frustrating if your slow to react.

I'll be honest with you... I'm kinda starting from zero here haha. It's gonna be a long journey... Only thing I can do on the ice as of now is move forward, can't even stop, so I won't be joining any organized ice hockey yet, although that is the ultimate goal. I've signed up for some skating basics lessons in September, October, November; once I've got that done I'll take powerskating and on-ice stick & puck. So excited!!!

But yeah - would like to get a hockey fix sooner rather than later, so I'm thinking ball hockey would be a good idea. Some guys on the Canucks forum also suggested to start with that to get a feel for the game at a slightly slower pace - makes sense. Would I be able to join a beginner league in September or is it too late now? Though even that shouldn't be too much of a problem - there's always drop-ins at the rec centres, after all.

And one more thing - for the skating classes, do you think I should use regular skates, since I'll be learning the basics, or should I start right away with goalie skates? The first would be rentals, the latter I'd obviously be investing in since they'll be for the long run anyway. Would really like to hear opinions on this, because I'm really conflicted about it... really unsure what to do.

Player skates and goalie skate are very different. Goalie skates are flat edged from front to back to allow for better stability when backing up on your net. For experienced golaie skate wearers, this poses no problem when skating up front. However the switch from player skates to golaie skates takes some getting used to. If your goal is to play nets I would get goalie skates and get really comfortable with them. You won't be able to do sharp cuts like you would with player skates, but you'll develop a crossover style of skating when doing your power skating.

Really appreciate your help and patience with my questions!

P.S.: Jonathan, I've looked through online sales and the cheapest I've managed to make it is about 1800 (obviously since I'm starting out I'll want to try things out, so maybe won't be getting stuff online, but it gives me an idea at least). Will have to save up a bit, but since I'm not hitting the ice in goal just yet I think I have time.[/quote]

$1500 is quite conservative. It all depends what you can afford. Thruthfully, if your going in as a beginner,you'll most likely face competition of equal caliber. You won't get 100 mph shots or even hard shots for that matter. So you can get away with the cheaper stuff ( ie not pro or semi-pro gear) Look for intermediate grade or senior grade gear. Once you get good enough and progress into the higher divisions, you'll likely get those few good shots that'll make you think about upgrading the gear for more protection.
_________________
Big mobile goalie, Prefers good to higher skilled caliber. Looking to spare when needed. I need only a few hours notice and I'm your guy. Cell. 819-962-3033 Home 819-332-3500 Work 613-960-8046

VanNuxter · Posted: Tue Aug 03, 2010 11:56 pm Post subject:

Good points, thanks. I was thinking of just joining ball hockey as a player, though, not goalie, to start with, at least. So it'd just be the running bit - but then again, I don't think 25 is THAT old... is it??

OK, so we've got a suggestion here to skate out in order to develop skating abilities, and then we've got a suggestion here to use goalie skates from the start to become really comfortable with them - would meshing these two really work out well?? If I'm going to be playing forward or D on the ice for a good year or so, will I be able to do so effectively on goalie skates?

And, of course, recommendations on goalie skates for someone in my situation are very very welcome!!

Once again thanks a lot for the help Cool

jonathan · Posted: Wed Aug 04, 2010 11:34 am Post subject:

Well here's my two cents..Your goal is to play goalie right....screw the player stuff... i have played both ans still can....Buy the skates (goalie) first and start hitting the public skating to get comfy on them..This will let ya get your feet under you as save for the rest of the gear....Than hit a goalie clinic for bigenners...I so know the spelling is off to many pucks to the head lol....Once the clinic is do and you have an idea of what ya need to do to be a goalie send me a private message....we rent the 3 on 3 rink at minto every so ofetn and your more than welcome to come out and fart around and try and work on some things.... we usually have a few beers and justa fun little skate nothing serious and no pressure....Either way enjoy the journey.
Cheers

sensinvasion · Posted: Wed Aug 04, 2010 11:37 am Post subject:

Good points, thanks. I was thinking of just joining ball hockey as a player, though, not goalie, to start with, at least. So it'd just be the running bit - but then again, I don't think 25 is THAT old... is it??

Not old at all, you're in your prime.. enjoy it!

OK, so we've got a suggestion here to skate out in order to develop skating abilities, and then we've got a suggestion here to use goalie skates from the start to become really comfortable with them - would meshing these two really work out well??

If I'm going to be playing forward or D on the ice for a good year or so, will I be able to do so effectively on goalie skates?

I would answer you no. Experienced goalies can skate just as easily as a forward. Once you have the proper technique and can trust your blades in a tight turn, you'll get it too. But if I were you, I would still get player skates to start. You can get a cheap used pair that will do the job, wheras goalie skates will run you more $$ and won't allow you the turning radius and speed you need as a player. Anything that you can pull off with player skates, you should be able to pull off with goalie skates eventually, including your crossovers with pads on. So you have to get your skating to a level your very comfortable with. In fact a lot of beginner goalies will start out playing with their player skates. It offers a little less protection than goalie skates, but the feeling of stability should remain. I would recommend you try that, and once your comfortable enough with your movements in the crease, make the switch to golaie skates. The biggest difference between forwards and defensment /goalies, ist that forward are skating on the front of the blade while defense and goalies are typicaly skating on their heels.

And, of course, recommendations on goalie skates for someone in my situation are very very welcome!!

I have Bauers and I wouldn't get anthing else. But its a preference thing. You'll have to feel em out and decide.

Once again thanks a lot for the help
_________________
Big mobile goalie, Prefers good to higher skilled caliber. Looking to spare when needed. I need only a few hours notice and I'm your guy. Cell. 819-962-3033 Home 819-332-3500 Work 613-960-8046

VanNuxter · Posted: Thu Aug 05, 2010 2:08 am Post subject:

Jonathan, while your suggestion is tempting, I think I like sensinvasion and Ajakab's safe logic... lol I'm not very quick at picking things up, so the extra time developing my skating will be a good thing, I think. And joining you for some fun sounds great, but you live on the other side of the country, so... not so much. Thanks for the offer, though. Cool

OK so I got my skates (player) today! So excited - there's a public skate tomorrow night at a rink in Surrey. I'll probably have to get them sharpened, I assume...

Thanks, guys, you've been great. Hope you don't mind more questions from me as I go along.

stevcito · Posted: Mon Aug 09, 2010 2:52 pm Post subject:

VanNuxter · Posted: Mon Aug 09, 2010 11:51 pm Post subject:

TBH I don't think I'll be ready to play ice hockey in *any* position until next September, with the way I've been skating at the public skates these past two weeks (or week, whatever it's been)... So the thought of an extra year as a forward/D until I can play goal is kind of killing me, but I think it will probably be the smarter thing to do. But on the subject of ball hockey... the question is, again, should I jump in as a goalie (and get my goalie fix that way haha) or should I play out first? LOL Obviously here we don't have the skating problem, and if I'm in net for ball hockey I like the Ebay idea.

jonathan · Posted: Tue Aug 10, 2010 10:00 am Post subject:

Hahaha never even noticed was in vancouver well can't say i did not offer...Yes will need new skates sharpened....If this is later how did the skate go??

VanNuxter · Posted: Wed Aug 11, 2010 12:18 am Post subject:

LOL it's too bad though, would have been nice

Anyway, yeah, skating is going less than stellar... I've been trying to do the basic one-foot stop and I can't get any friction while gliding slowly, so that's pretty frustrating. I think I've been skating with both feet at once, so next time I'll try gliding with one and pushing with the other and maybe then I'll be able to get some friction haha... Also fell down a couple times, the second time on purpose to try to learn how to get up in a controlled environment with some friends to help me out but even then it didn't happen, sooo.... Yeah it's pretty bad. I don't know how much the lessons in September will be able to help me hahaha Shocked

The next skate is Thursday... if I give this a year, it's inevitable I'll get better... right?

Still don't have the skates sharpened, mostly because I don't really know what cut to ask for... As they are, I swear there is like no hollow because they are insanely slippery. LOL I researched all this goalie stuff but I'm clueless as to what the usual specs are for player skates... I guess I could ask whoever I take them to? Don't even know where to go, though... You guys can't really help me there, what with all of you being in Ontario (is anyone else on this board in the west? lol).

Still thinking of what to do about ball hockey. Also discovered there is no beginner drop-ins ( Evil or Very Mad

). I'm gonna have to post on Craigslist or something, like the guys at the Canucks forum suggested. Could also contact the minor ball hockey leagues here for advice, I guess...

jonathan · Posted: Wed Aug 11, 2010 11:17 am Post subject:

Just take them to a sport experts if u have that there or a play it again sports and ask them to sharpen them...They will know what to do...Cant skate on dull blades thats probably half your problem....Also try making a t with your to feet....One pointing straight ahead and the other behind it horizontal to it..The heel of your foot out front should be in the inside part of the other foot...Can push off like that than stop...push off stop and repeat till ya get it..cheers and good luck