Started organized ice hockey at 37 after growing up inline skating and playing in the street until i was in my teens. Within 6 months if playing I was captaining a beer league team 😂 it’s addictive. It’s a blast. And the community is incredible!
Started playing at 40. It's the most fun thing I do with my life. Play in 2 separate beer leagues, have gone up two divisons. Always looking to improve. If you are thinking of playing, I STRONGLY suggest playing. I know guys in their sixties that play at a good level.
Thanks for this! I'm 54 and looking to sign up for ice hockey for the first time (trying to decide on the best "learn to play" program out here in the SF Bay Area). I've been playing roller hockey since the early 90s though and as someone who went through much of what you touched on, I would strongly advise to go with a full cage for your helmet - beginner leagues have a lot of guys who don't know how to control their sticks yet!
I am 40 and started a Learn to Play program this year and this channel was a big help in giving me the confidence to start, so first of all thank you for that! I got into hockey in my teens but gave up because I was told by someone that I was too old to start playing. Looking back, that frustrated me but I suppose UA-cam didn't exist back then and the info was just not there. I totally agree that teams should be more visible. I'm at the stage now that I believe I'm good enough to join a beginner's team but not sure where to start. It's daunting trying to find a team that would accept beginners.
Wow well done for starting at 40, I'd love to start I live a 2 minute walk from Whitley Bay ice rink but the only time the allow puck n stick is from 10pm which is a bit naff and only 2 days a week! What is it like in your area?
It's never too late and you're never too old. At the age of 14 was the first time I was on ice. At 15 started puck shooting and a clinic. At 18 played college club hockey. It's never too late. Nick Fotiu first learned to ice skate at the age of 15 and he made it to the NHL. Playing for the New York Rangers and Hartford Walers. It is never too late and you're never too old!
I'm 39 years old I started playing when I was seven till about the age of 18 I started with the initiation program but then was skipped through it because I already knew how to ice skate pretty good because I had a friend who played since he was like 2 years old and I always skated with him and then I went into a shooting and stick handling clinic and then I used to do camps from there in the offseason I'm looking to get back into it a 39 years old just watched the skate buying video I come from the air of the Bower supreme 3000 and 7,000 where they had the diamonds cut out of the blades😂😂😂😂
@@gchaul4220 tore ACL late 2023, had surgery April 2024, back on the ice Aug 2024 :) no speed right now but there are still lots of aspects of the game to work on.
Not enough videos like this out there, thanks. I'm starting out at 34, been a few months and I love it. You're right though, it's got to be the right bunch of guys.
@@HockeyTutorialOfficial thanks. The point about the lack of information is huge. There's little information on if teams actually are willing to take beginners. Some teams have development systems here in Yorkshire which is great. But other teams don't advertise it at all - not sure whether that is stubbornness though! Everybody has to start somewhere!
respect for this video. you're truly helping to grow the game. i remember starting hockey at age 28, and i was lucky enough to be on a team with a bunch of friendly guys who helped me learn and didnt discourage me even though i absolutely sucked!
I'm 56 and have been playing for years and years. I'm still not very good but I enjoy the sport immensely and am always looking to improve. Plus the community is awesome.
I’m in it to get as high as I can go. I started 2 years ago, but I’m already contending against the college level players in my town. The main thing I need to work on is speed. But I’d say don’t wait if you’re interested, if I started when I was 18 there’s no doubt my name would be known… now I’m just trying to be the best I can
“The best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago. The next best time is today.” Chris, I wanted to start playing back in late 2019, at 40, and if your video about how to get started as an adult wasn’t the very first one I watched, it was in that first search result. By 2020 I was taking lessons (only for a HOT minute…thanks, ‘Rona), I started beer league in ‘22, and two years later, I’ve become a serviceable player and even won a couple of championships. So thank you for your part in turning a whim into a childhood dream realized🙏 It was good to just see a video that it was an actual possibility, because I come from a hockey-heavy area and figured you either started young or didn’t start at all. Other people have made enough comments about their late starts that I’d just be echoing, but I’d just tell anyone interested to go for it if possible, and practice, practice, practice, on and off the ice. Your level of passion will heavily influence your results. But the effort, for me anyway, is worth it. It’s the reason I get out of bed in the morning.
Thank you so much for sharing this. I'm so glad that old video helped. I can actually remember filming that one pretty shortly after I got started. I knew how difficult it was to get a foot in and wanted to share what I thought would be helpful. Awesome to hear it helped ! Thanks for sharing your advise too ! much love.
@ My pleasure, man. And seriously, it was the difference between perpetually driving by the local rink and saying “maybe I’ll stop in one day and inquire” to “I’m going there TOMORROW.” To my delight, they had brochures for adult Learn To Play classes at another rink managed by the same company, and although I’ve never had a single hockey event take place there since then, conveniently 5 minutes from home (🤦♂️😂), those were the very first steps of the yellow brick road for me, and the rest is history. Driving all over the map to play is well worth it, one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. So, yeah, thanks again, man. Best of luck, and I’ll still be watching for product reviews, etc🫡 Be well, bro🙏
The rink I play at has only been open a few years and they put a program in place called Ice Breakers. It is for adults who want to learn to play. It is a great program that has just blossomed at our rink. They have instruction, clinics, tournaments, pick up times and even get them into teams with all beginning players on the same team(s). This is the ideal situation and certainly helps with many of the points you made in this video.
I've been playing ice hockey since I was 7 years old until I was 18 I'm 39 after watching my dad die at cancer I hit active addiction I'm 6 years sober off alcohol and seven years clean off drugs at 39 I'm going to buy a new pair of skates and get back into playing hockey there's an ice rink 5 minutes from my house they have beginner leagues all the way up to advanced but I think I'm going to start off in a intermediate league and then go from there I played center and right wing
I had a few late 40-50 year olds in my adult learn to play class as an early 20s guy, I dont think age is really a limiting factor when everyone is new becuase skating is such an interesting skill in its own right. It was like learning to walk again for basically everyone.
I played with a guy who I think was in his early 80's if I remember right. Always happy, always having fun, and admittedly, always a moment of held breath when he would fall on the ice until we saw him pop back up. He was still playing after all of these years, and I assume he's been playing for a while, because he was still using an aluminum shaft on his 2-piece stick that was older than me...and I was 36 at the time.
ITS NEVER TOO LATE i started at 16 living in canada. never skated before and joined a team. everyone had been playing since they were kids so i was at a huge disadvantage. luckily we have free out door rinks to practice and work on your skills. i wanted to play for fun and its one of the best decisions i ever made!
I live in the uk and I’m just starting out but the thing that’s holding me back from being fully committed is if I can find a team as I think I will struggle to find teams in the uk
I started about 2-3 years ago but only played for about a year now a half ish, really hoping I can move to an area where it's more easily accessible because I really did have fun
I’m 35, not the best skater but tomorrow I’m going to the rink and get myself signed up. Nervous but excited to get started and have a laugh on the way
I'd say never too late, I started just before covid at 37-38 in inline hockey. After a few years of unable to play, I was able to get back into it with training and then games. Equipment I have pieced together some new a lot second hand but in great condition. I do aim to try and at least train with an icehockey team once a month, but unfortunately to living on the island of Ireland there is only 1 ice rink that's publicly accessible to train and game.
Thanks for sharing Andrew. I actually visited Longford to film a piece on inline hockey, in the republic a few years back. I know the difficulties of playing over there. PS: love Ireland! half my family is from there :D spending Xmas over there again this year
I myself have been playing since I was 3 but my wife has just recently started but was scared cause of the "I'm too old to play!" But with a bit of push she's started to play and loves it as much as me and the kids! Also would love to see a no name hockey review! Local company that don't get enough love in my opinion.
Started in my 50s but already had multiple knee surgeries, and that has hampered me getting a proper knee bend, so my skating has big limitations. I'm in the lowest league for 2 seasons now and that in and of itself is a danger with dirty plays and NHL bound wannabes. All other players on my team are 1/2 my age and progressing quicker and will level up next season. I'm probably done after this season and will just stick to stick and puck sessions only.
I'm 39 years old my last game was at 18 years old the ice hockey I grew up 30 years in Omaha Nebraska we had a played against sports in 2015 I moved to Memphis Tennessee to get my life in order because I was caught and active addiction I'm 6 years sober off alcohol and 7 years clean out drugs but we don't have a plate against sports around here I wish we did cuz man I got all my equipment my first year of hockey there when I was a kid and it made a huge difference but I'm getting ready to get back into it there's an ice rink 5 minutes down the street from the house
See my other comments but I started playing at 7 years old my last game was at 18 years old I practice with college squads but I watch my dad die Cancer and unfortunately it negatively impacted my life as I spent 20 years in active addiction I'm 6 years sober off alcohol and seven years clean off drugs and I'm looking at skates and equipment now there's an ice rink 5 minutes from my house I was going to start off in a beer leak but I really want to play check hockey again but I haven't skated in 20 years but I know I can get right back out there and do it so I may start off on like a beginner beer league and just so I get the basics back in hand I'm 39 and can't wait to get back out there
I started a year ago at 42. I skated alot as a kid, but only public skating and pond hockey, so I didn't have to learn how to skate, just knock the dust off a bit. I know some guys around my age who had no previous experience and picked it up, they don't have the skating skills, but they learn and they all love it. If youre considering it, Stop thinking about it and just do it, you will love it.
I agree. I reccomend pro stock pants. I had "high end" retail pants and fell on my ass. My tail bone was bruised and painful for about a month. I upgraded to pro stock pants and a tail bone protector meant for snowboarders. I've only fallen on my butt once since then and I got right back up no issues. Pants are very important. The retail stuff is garbage.
I just bought everything I needed to play hockey for $300 US. I got sized at a hockey vendor saw the cost and decided to resources it all from FB marketplace. Well worth it for me and I start in a couple of weeks in a learn to play where I live.
I literally started the day I turned 40. It was the best thing I've ever done. The earlier you start, the better, but it is never too late to start! Hockey rules. Beer League is amazing.
Started playing at 38. Got a whole kit second hand for $100. wrt League costs, I started reffing for extra time on ice and they pay to help with reducing cost. That has also allowed me to upgrade my kit piece by piece over time.
I resumed playing hockey in a team in 2024 after quitting it as a kid to focus on football id say after a 20 year break. It has been fun. I'd say the most difficult thing for me at least has been to find a team that is on a suitable level to me in a country like Finland where there are a lot of good players who have not had a break like this. 😅 edit. An in addition to that, as you said the first stage of entering a team be it hockey or other sports or even hobby, it may be one of the biggest hurdles psycologially especially if you are not extremely extrovertde. I think what helped me was that the company I work had a team and I knew at least a few people there, which also helped me to ask references to the level of play and would I survive on the ice. That said during those 20 years I obviously have skated outdoors and played pick-up hockey during winters which helps a bit but there's still a leap from a casual game without pads to a game in a proper rink with pads on. I think I'm still a bit behind on skating ability and that might never change, specially when it seems that everyone else I'm playing hockey in a team for longer when they were kids, but it is still 100% fun. Cost didn't affect me much, because I had a goal or a dream to enter into hobbyist/amateur level hockey ever since i finished university, so I started procuring gear from sales through the years. It did feel dumb at points because I was not playing but I had a stash of gear in various stages of completion for years, however I did pay only about 30% of their normal price, my most expensive purchases being skates & helmet, not counting the sticks I went through even just playing pick-up hockey at outdoor rinks. So maybe if someone is thinking about starting and ready to do it as a long term plan, this tactic of preparing might help you and your wallet. In my opinion rushing in to things usually does not work out in the long run, but maybe that is just me.
I started playing at 39. One year later i love it and im so addicted to skating. Current playing LC at the moment. It’s the hardest but most fun sport ive ever played
Never too late I started at age 6 but my buddy started at age 35 and his skating in a few years was amazing he is naturally gifted so never too late for anyone
I agree on the difficulty with starting. I had such a challenge for my 13 year old son. Ice hockey seemed like a secret society that needed a special invite to join. After joining the truth is league is always looking for more kids. The reason is lack of admin help for league and not being secret on purpose.
It's never too late to start! The reality in the UK though is it's a postcode lottery for where you are if you are able to nevermind the cost here as it's incredibly expensive and used kit is really hard to come by for adults.
Yeah they have the best testing in the world when it comes to helmets same thing in the mountain bike industry I'm huge in the mountain bike racing and riding
Appreciate the video, I started playing around 40. Just one thing though, if you start playing at 17, you are not making the NHL. Maybe back 50 years ago it would be possible but not nowadays, minor and junior hockey has been professionalized from a very young age (I am in Toronto). Unfortunately, you just can’t catch up to the hundreds of hours of ice time you’re behind. Also, no shame in wearing a cage. Seen my share of guys get hurt by errant sticks and pucks so my cage stays on. And who is thinking you look cool wearing your visor at the rink at 11pm on a Tuesday?
I'm 39 and I read a mountain bike 20 miles a day I played 13 years of ice hockey from young age till I was 18 years old I'm looking to get back into it I just watched your video 2 years ago on skates I come from the air of the Bower supreme 3000s Easton's Nikes it's a whole different game now as far as equipment but there's an ice rink 5 minutes down the street from my house that has adult leagues it's been years since I've skated but I feel like I could just jump right on the ice with a good pair of skates and get back at it any videos you suggest I watch about buying gear and stuff I'm a very fast skater I played center and right wing
HockeyJam is the only one that springs to mind. But we’re a little disconnected from the scene here in the UK. We (mainly me) need to spend more time here
Any beginners from the Philadelphia/ South Jersey area looking for a men’s league to join, I highly recommend checking out the UAHL out of Voorhees, NJ. The league is ran by great guys and they currently have a Rusty division and are considering a future developmental league for true beginners.
There's an ice rink 5 minutes down the street from my house see my other comment but I'm getting back into it after years of not playing I started playing ice hockey when I was seven until the age of 18 are practice with a college team and then my dad died of cancer and I hit the streets I'm now 6 years so broth alcohol and 7 years clean up drugs at 39 I'm wanting to get back into it I guess I'm blessed to have an ice rink 5 minutes from the house but I got to buy a pair of skates first and then start buying gear after that
I’ve been playing hockey for 30 years (39) years old. I still blow people away with speed and dangles. I urge anyone wanting to learn how to play to do so, you only live once! I still dangle college players
Not really but age 6-8 yes. My son started at 12 and now at 15 his skating and stick skill is pretty much the same as kids who played since mites but the problem is game sense and hockey IQ, that’s what takes years and why kids need to start young. It’s hard to build confidence when you’re always playing catch up or second guessing yourself. When you play in hundreds of games at ages 6 to 12 you just have a much better understanding of the game.
Last time I played was in 2023 :( I really miss it, stopped cause I didn't feel well. Being a goalie was the best! But now I don't have any contact with my prior team, a girls/womans team, and I got to use the gear that the team lent out for us players. And now I'm 20 Sooo, first, goalie gear is super expensive. Second, there aren't that many womens or unisex teams out there 😭. Help
A lot of the teams around me are unisex which is great. im not sure where you are based but hopefully if you share. Someone in the comments may be able to help
Never. I started at 27 in a workshop I think, Bowie MD. LoL. It's difficult to find a pick-up lesson.. lol I'm not paying $400 to learn. I need more ⛸️ 🛼 time . LoL im 58. 😅😅
I started a few weeks ago learn to play at the age of 49 and it's so much fun!! the price of the gear is the biggest hurdle.
Welcome to hockey! Happy to have you!
That's awesome ! Hope you watched the section of this video on how to save money on gear.
@HockeyTutorialOfficial I seen it great video!! but I went ahead with door number 3 credit card! 🤣 nice having new gear though.
@@conwayandbanks Thanks!! 😀
Did the same earlier this year🤘🏻
One plus about starting late: you won’t outgrow your gear 👍🏾 💰
Hahah ! so true ! never had to buy new skates because I out grew the old ones lol
Started organized ice hockey at 37 after growing up inline skating and playing in the street until i was in my teens. Within 6 months if playing I was captaining a beer league team 😂 it’s addictive. It’s a blast. And the community is incredible!
Started playing at 40. It's the most fun thing I do with my life. Play in 2 separate beer leagues, have gone up two divisons. Always looking to improve. If you are thinking of playing, I STRONGLY suggest playing. I know guys in their sixties that play at a good level.
Started at 31 and what a mid-life gift that was.
Don't plan on stopping until I can't tie the laces anymore.
Same. Here !
Thanks for this! I'm 54 and looking to sign up for ice hockey for the first time (trying to decide on the best "learn to play" program out here in the SF Bay Area). I've been playing roller hockey since the early 90s though and as someone who went through much of what you touched on, I would strongly advise to go with a full cage for your helmet - beginner leagues have a lot of guys who don't know how to control their sticks yet!
I am 40 and started a Learn to Play program this year and this channel was a big help in giving me the confidence to start, so first of all thank you for that!
I got into hockey in my teens but gave up because I was told by someone that I was too old to start playing. Looking back, that frustrated me but I suppose UA-cam didn't exist back then and the info was just not there.
I totally agree that teams should be more visible. I'm at the stage now that I believe I'm good enough to join a beginner's team but not sure where to start. It's daunting trying to find a team that would accept beginners.
Wow well done for starting at 40, I'd love to start I live a 2 minute walk from Whitley Bay ice rink but the only time the allow puck n stick is from 10pm which is a bit naff and only 2 days a week! What is it like in your area?
It's never too late and you're never too old. At the age of 14 was the first time I was on ice. At 15 started puck shooting and a clinic. At 18 played college club hockey. It's never too late. Nick Fotiu first learned to ice skate at the age of 15 and he made it to the NHL. Playing for the New York Rangers and Hartford Walers. It is never too late and you're never too old!
Til you tear your acl or a other muscle group x
Agreed ! never too late or too old !
@@gchaul4220just got ACL reconstruction surgery in Feb and got back on the ice in July.
I'm 39 years old I started playing when I was seven till about the age of 18 I started with the initiation program but then was skipped through it because I already knew how to ice skate pretty good because I had a friend who played since he was like 2 years old and I always skated with him and then I went into a shooting and stick handling clinic and then I used to do camps from there in the offseason I'm looking to get back into it a 39 years old just watched the skate buying video I come from the air of the Bower supreme 3000 and 7,000 where they had the diamonds cut out of the blades😂😂😂😂
@@gchaul4220 tore ACL late 2023, had surgery April 2024, back on the ice Aug 2024 :) no speed right now but there are still lots of aspects of the game to work on.
I started this year with 45, because my kid is playing since 3 years. It’s hard, but also i can now understand what my kid was feeling the last years.
Good for you! Never too late to start!
Awesome!
Yes, it’s hilarious to hear parents yell at their kids to skate or shoot, or battle for the puck, when the parents can’t even skate.
Thanks!
Thank you!
Not enough videos like this out there, thanks. I'm starting out at 34, been a few months and I love it. You're right though, it's got to be the right bunch of guys.
Respect!
I'll try and make more videos like this
@@HockeyTutorialOfficial thanks. The point about the lack of information is huge. There's little information on if teams actually are willing to take beginners. Some teams have development systems here in Yorkshire which is great. But other teams don't advertise it at all - not sure whether that is stubbornness though! Everybody has to start somewhere!
respect for this video. you're truly helping to grow the game. i remember starting hockey at age 28, and i was lucky enough to be on a team with a bunch of friendly guys who helped me learn and didnt discourage me even though i absolutely sucked!
Thanks guys !
I'm 56 and have been playing for years and years. I'm still not very good but I enjoy the sport immensely and am always looking to improve. Plus the community is awesome.
I’m in it to get as high as I can go. I started 2 years ago, but I’m already contending against the college level players in my town. The main thing I need to work on is speed. But I’d say don’t wait if you’re interested, if I started when I was 18 there’s no doubt my name would be known… now I’m just trying to be the best I can
“The best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago. The next best time is today.”
Chris, I wanted to start playing back in late 2019, at 40, and if your video about how to get started as an adult wasn’t the very first one I watched, it was in that first search result. By 2020 I was taking lessons (only for a HOT minute…thanks, ‘Rona), I started beer league in ‘22, and two years later, I’ve become a serviceable player and even won a couple of championships.
So thank you for your part in turning a whim into a childhood dream realized🙏 It was good to just see a video that it was an actual possibility, because I come from a hockey-heavy area and figured you either started young or didn’t start at all.
Other people have made enough comments about their late starts that I’d just be echoing, but I’d just tell anyone interested to go for it if possible, and practice, practice, practice, on and off the ice. Your level of passion will heavily influence your results. But the effort, for me anyway, is worth it. It’s the reason I get out of bed in the morning.
Thank you so much for sharing this. I'm so glad that old video helped. I can actually remember filming that one pretty shortly after I got started. I knew how difficult it was to get a foot in and wanted to share what I thought would be helpful. Awesome to hear it helped !
Thanks for sharing your advise too ! much love.
@ My pleasure, man. And seriously, it was the difference between perpetually driving by the local rink and saying “maybe I’ll stop in one day and inquire” to “I’m going there TOMORROW.” To my delight, they had brochures for adult Learn To Play classes at another rink managed by the same company, and although I’ve never had a single hockey event take place there since then, conveniently 5 minutes from home (🤦♂️😂), those were the very first steps of the yellow brick road for me, and the rest is history. Driving all over the map to play is well worth it, one of the best decisions I’ve ever made.
So, yeah, thanks again, man. Best of luck, and I’ll still be watching for product reviews, etc🫡 Be well, bro🙏
The rink I play at has only been open a few years and they put a program in place called Ice Breakers. It is for adults who want to learn to play. It is a great program that has just blossomed at our rink. They have instruction, clinics, tournaments, pick up times and even get them into teams with all beginning players on the same team(s). This is the ideal situation and certainly helps with many of the points you made in this video.
I wish more rinks worked like this !
I've been playing ice hockey since I was 7 years old until I was 18 I'm 39 after watching my dad die at cancer I hit active addiction I'm 6 years sober off alcohol and seven years clean off drugs at 39 I'm going to buy a new pair of skates and get back into playing hockey there's an ice rink 5 minutes from my house they have beginner leagues all the way up to advanced but I think I'm going to start off in a intermediate league and then go from there I played center and right wing
I had a few late 40-50 year olds in my adult learn to play class as an early 20s guy, I dont think age is really a limiting factor when everyone is new becuase skating is such an interesting skill in its own right. It was like learning to walk again for basically everyone.
I played with a guy who I think was in his early 80's if I remember right. Always happy, always having fun, and admittedly, always a moment of held breath when he would fall on the ice until we saw him pop back up.
He was still playing after all of these years, and I assume he's been playing for a while, because he was still using an aluminum shaft on his 2-piece stick that was older than me...and I was 36 at the time.
ITS NEVER TOO LATE
i started at 16 living in canada. never skated before and joined a team. everyone had been playing since they were kids so i was at a huge disadvantage. luckily we have free out door rinks to practice and work on your skills. i wanted to play for fun and its one of the best decisions i ever made!
I live in the uk and I’m just starting out but the thing that’s holding me back from being fully committed is if I can find a team as I think I will struggle to find teams in the uk
I started about 2-3 years ago but only played for about a year now a half ish, really hoping I can move to an area where it's more easily accessible because I really did have fun
I’m 35, not the best skater but tomorrow I’m going to the rink and get myself signed up. Nervous but excited to get started and have a laugh on the way
I'd say never too late, I started just before covid at 37-38 in inline hockey. After a few years of unable to play, I was able to get back into it with training and then games. Equipment I have pieced together some new a lot second hand but in great condition. I do aim to try and at least train with an icehockey team once a month, but unfortunately to living on the island of Ireland there is only 1 ice rink that's publicly accessible to train and game.
Thanks for sharing Andrew. I actually visited Longford to film a piece on inline hockey, in the republic a few years back. I know the difficulties of playing over there. PS: love Ireland! half my family is from there :D spending Xmas over there again this year
I myself have been playing since I was 3 but my wife has just recently started but was scared cause of the "I'm too old to play!" But with a bit of push she's started to play and loves it as much as me and the kids! Also would love to see a no name hockey review! Local company that don't get enough love in my opinion.
That is awesome ! the whole family playing hockey :D. I'll see if its possible for us to get some of those sticks.
Started in my 50s but already had multiple knee surgeries, and that has hampered me getting a proper knee bend, so my skating has big limitations. I'm in the lowest league for 2 seasons now and that in and of itself is a danger with dirty plays and NHL bound wannabes. All other players on my team are 1/2 my age and progressing quicker and will level up next season. I'm probably done after this season and will just stick to stick and puck sessions only.
Sucks that you have to stop but I totally get why. stick and puck is still hockey tho
Started at 35 after my kids started playing. One of the best most fun decisions I’ve made!
In the US we have Play It Again Sports. They sell second hand and older model gear for cheap(er)
Thanks for the suggestion
I'm 39 years old my last game was at 18 years old the ice hockey I grew up 30 years in Omaha Nebraska we had a played against sports in 2015 I moved to Memphis Tennessee to get my life in order because I was caught and active addiction I'm 6 years sober off alcohol and 7 years clean out drugs but we don't have a plate against sports around here I wish we did cuz man I got all my equipment my first year of hockey there when I was a kid and it made a huge difference but I'm getting ready to get back into it there's an ice rink 5 minutes down the street from the house
See my other comments but I started playing at 7 years old my last game was at 18 years old I practice with college squads but I watch my dad die Cancer and unfortunately it negatively impacted my life as I spent 20 years in active addiction I'm 6 years sober off alcohol and seven years clean off drugs and I'm looking at skates and equipment now there's an ice rink 5 minutes from my house I was going to start off in a beer leak but I really want to play check hockey again but I haven't skated in 20 years but I know I can get right back out there and do it so I may start off on like a beginner beer league and just so I get the basics back in hand I'm 39 and can't wait to get back out there
I started a year ago at 42. I skated alot as a kid, but only public skating and pond hockey, so I didn't have to learn how to skate, just knock the dust off a bit. I know some guys around my age who had no previous experience and picked it up, they don't have the skating skills, but they learn and they all love it. If youre considering it, Stop thinking about it and just do it, you will love it.
Well said !
I allways wanted to play but finally last season at 27 i could afford organised hockey (been playing bond hockey all my life)
Inline hockey is a really good way to start
It is ! lower cost vs ice for sure
I would say the most important equipment to avoid injury is the pants. A very good hockey pants protect you from fall, shots, hits....
I agree. I reccomend pro stock pants. I had "high end" retail pants and fell on my ass. My tail bone was bruised and painful for about a month. I upgraded to pro stock pants and a tail bone protector meant for snowboarders. I've only fallen on my butt once since then and I got right back up no issues. Pants are very important. The retail stuff is garbage.
I would say hockey pants also known as breezers and shoulder and chest protectors those are probably the two number one and of course a good helmet
I just bought everything I needed to play hockey for $300 US. I got sized at a hockey vendor saw the cost and decided to resources it all from FB marketplace. Well worth it for me and I start in a couple of weeks in a learn to play where I live.
Never to late! I have had students in the 30’s what I taught to play. So, no, it’s never too late!
I literally started the day I turned 40. It was the best thing I've ever done. The earlier you start, the better, but it is never too late to start! Hockey rules. Beer League is amazing.
Started playing at 38. Got a whole kit second hand for $100. wrt League costs, I started reffing for extra time on ice and they pay to help with reducing cost. That has also allowed me to upgrade my kit piece by piece over time.
Great way to upgrade over time !
I started at 36 but play with a couple guys that started in their 60s.
I resumed playing hockey in a team in 2024 after quitting it as a kid to focus on football id say after a 20 year break. It has been fun. I'd say the most difficult thing for me at least has been to find a team that is on a suitable level to me in a country like Finland where there are a lot of good players who have not had a break like this. 😅
edit. An in addition to that, as you said the first stage of entering a team be it hockey or other sports or even hobby, it may be one of the biggest hurdles psycologially especially if you are not extremely extrovertde. I think what helped me was that the company I work had a team and I knew at least a few people there, which also helped me to ask references to the level of play and would I survive on the ice.
That said during those 20 years I obviously have skated outdoors and played pick-up hockey during winters which helps a bit but there's still a leap from a casual game without pads to a game in a proper rink with pads on. I think I'm still a bit behind on skating ability and that might never change, specially when it seems that everyone else I'm playing hockey in a team for longer when they were kids, but it is still 100% fun.
Cost didn't affect me much, because I had a goal or a dream to enter into hobbyist/amateur level hockey ever since i finished university, so I started procuring gear from sales through the years. It did feel dumb at points because I was not playing but I had a stash of gear in various stages of completion for years, however I did pay only about 30% of their normal price, my most expensive purchases being skates & helmet, not counting the sticks I went through even just playing pick-up hockey at outdoor rinks. So maybe if someone is thinking about starting and ready to do it as a long term plan, this tactic of preparing might help you and your wallet. In my opinion rushing in to things usually does not work out in the long run, but maybe that is just me.
I started playing at 39. One year later i love it and im so addicted to skating. Current playing LC at the moment. It’s the hardest but most fun sport ive ever played
good on you! my feeling exactly. hard as F, but i wont give it up for the world
Helmet, skates then stick is the 3 best equipment not to cheap out on oh and breezers/pants
Sideline swap is really good
Great recommendation!
Never too late I started at age 6 but my buddy started at age 35 and his skating in a few years was amazing he is naturally gifted so never too late for anyone
Started at 24, playing for just over 2 years now. Training is at 11:15pm. The day after sucks but its all worth it
I agree on the difficulty with starting. I had such a challenge for my 13 year old son. Ice hockey seemed like a secret society that needed a special invite to join. After joining the truth is league is always looking for more kids. The reason is lack of admin help for league and not being secret on purpose.
It's never too late to start! The reality in the UK though is it's a postcode lottery for where you are if you are able to nevermind the cost here as it's incredibly expensive and used kit is really hard to come by for adults.
I can relate! but still we try
It’s never too late. I’ve played hockey with dudes in their 90s. I actually heard that skating is easier on your knees than running.
That makes a lot of sense. Specially with mars blade
Here I am watching, I need to learn to skate
I started at 34 and I’m loving it. Best decision I’ve ever made. Just jump in and have fun!
100% agree!
I really love this channel. Chris and Tommy… you gents are fucking great. Cheers from Boston, MA.
Started at 52, have 2 boys in an academy squad, my dream is to play them on the ice.
Touching on the helmet tip, I always try to use the Virginia Tech helmet safety guide before buying a new bucket
Some people don't agree with the testing they do. but I believe its the best we have right now
Yeah they have the best testing in the world when it comes to helmets same thing in the mountain bike industry I'm huge in the mountain bike racing and riding
Appreciate the video, I started playing around 40. Just one thing though, if you start playing at 17, you are not making the NHL. Maybe back 50 years ago it would be possible but not nowadays, minor and junior hockey has been professionalized from a very young age (I am in Toronto). Unfortunately, you just can’t catch up to the hundreds of hours of ice time you’re behind.
Also, no shame in wearing a cage. Seen my share of guys get hurt by errant sticks and pucks so my cage stays on. And who is thinking you look cool wearing your visor at the rink at 11pm on a Tuesday?
3rd year in a 44 year old here. best decision ever! go for it
That is awesome !
I'm 39 and I read a mountain bike 20 miles a day I played 13 years of ice hockey from young age till I was 18 years old I'm looking to get back into it I just watched your video 2 years ago on skates I come from the air of the Bower supreme 3000s Easton's Nikes it's a whole different game now as far as equipment but there's an ice rink 5 minutes down the street from my house that has adult leagues it's been years since I've skated but I feel like I could just jump right on the ice with a good pair of skates and get back at it any videos you suggest I watch about buying gear and stuff I'm a very fast skater I played center and right wing
Any recommendations for stores selling past seasons kit in the UK?
HockeyJam is the only one that springs to mind. But we’re a little disconnected from the scene here in the UK. We (mainly me) need to spend more time here
Any beginners from the Philadelphia/ South Jersey area looking for a men’s league to join, I highly recommend checking out the UAHL out of Voorhees, NJ. The league is ran by great guys and they currently have a Rusty division and are considering a future developmental league for true beginners.
Is it possible for me to start hockey even tho im 13 and I could make a u14 team ?
Why don't you have Shinny games, something to look into starting for people to get into the game
Liability, insurance. We’ve held events before and the legal risk is simply not worth it
There's an ice rink 5 minutes down the street from my house see my other comment but I'm getting back into it after years of not playing I started playing ice hockey when I was seven until the age of 18 are practice with a college team and then my dad died of cancer and I hit the streets I'm now 6 years so broth alcohol and 7 years clean up drugs at 39 I'm wanting to get back into it I guess I'm blessed to have an ice rink 5 minutes from the house but I got to buy a pair of skates first and then start buying gear after that
I’ve been playing hockey for 30 years (39) years old. I still blow people away with speed and dangles. I urge anyone wanting to learn how to play to do so, you only live once! I still dangle college players
Is there any NHL players who started from 12-17 years old?
Not really but age 6-8 yes. My son started at 12 and now at 15 his skating and stick skill is pretty much the same as kids who played since mites but the problem is game sense and hockey IQ, that’s what takes years and why kids need to start young. It’s hard to build confidence when you’re always playing catch up or second guessing yourself. When you play in hundreds of games at ages 6 to 12 you just have a much better understanding of the game.
@@mattlewis6833 thanks for the feedback!
Just curious, but who do you know who has gone from not knowing how to play to being a pro player?
never is too late
Last time I played was in 2023 :( I really miss it, stopped cause I didn't feel well. Being a goalie was the best!
But now I don't have any contact with my prior team, a girls/womans team, and I got to use the gear that the team lent out for us players. And now I'm 20
Sooo, first, goalie gear is super expensive. Second, there aren't that many womens or unisex teams out there 😭. Help
A lot of the teams around me are unisex which is great. im not sure where you are based but hopefully if you share. Someone in the comments may be able to help
It’s too late for a project x smoke review
We haven't had any requests for that
@@HockeyTutorialOfficial you didn’t get my 3 requests? 🤦🏻♂️
Also…play it again sports
EIHA won't insure you if you are over 70!
Hockey ain't no fun if it's not a contact or check league😂😂😂😂😂 just playing
The problem in uk is there’s barely any stick and puck
Never. I started at 27 in a workshop I think, Bowie MD. LoL. It's difficult to find a pick-up lesson.. lol I'm not paying $400 to learn. I need more ⛸️ 🛼 time . LoL im 58. 😅😅