Ice Hockey
Insider Info
He shoots. He misses! She passes. She scores! In the world of recreational
hockey, the action is always exciting. Whether you play for the exercise or
just to have fun, there are plenty of benefits to getting involved.
And one of the great things about hockey is that anyone can play. "One
of the beauties of recreational hockey is that players can play with other
players of similar age and skill level," says David Cohen. He's the president
of a recreational hockey tournament and vacation company in California. He's
also played hockey for 24 years.
That might come as a surprise to fans of professional hockey. As anyone
who's watched a game knows, professional games can be rough and fast-paced.
So what exactly is the difference between professional hockey and recreational
hockey? Well, like most sports, in the big leagues there's money, more stress
and a higher risk of injury. Everyone seems to agree that in the recreational
leagues, hockey is more of a fun, social activity.
"The difference between recreational and pro hockey is that recreational
hockey is meant to be more of a social activity, with emphasis on physical
activity and getting out... to have a good time," says Jeff Beck. He's the
new business coordinator of a hockey league. Beck has been playing hockey
for 20 years.
"The main difference between recreational and pro hockey would be the money
factor," says Ryan Petersen. Petersen is a shipping clerk who has been playing
recreational hockey for 11 years. "Pros get paid to play, but in recreational
hockey you have to pay to play. The time for the ice is not free, so the whole
team pays for the season.
"With the pros, they have to work out and practice all the time, because
that's their life," he continues. "In recreational hockey most players only
play once or twice a week. The intensity of recreational hockey is a lot less
than professional hockey because we all realize that we have to go to work
tomorrow and no one wants to get hurt. Professionals seem happy to sacrifice
their bodies."
"Recreational hockey is played for the love of the sport," says Amy Fraser.
She works at a university. "Pro hockey is played first for the love of the
sport."
Recreational hockey leagues meet at local arenas or ice rinks, where they
often pre-book the time.
People sometimes even end up with a career in recreational hockey! Leagues
need someone to be in charge, after all.
But don't go into it expecting to make money. After all, with recreation
hockey, it's fun first.
Hockey can also be accessible for those with physical disabilities.
"If you can walk, you can learn to skate," says Petersen. "That's about
it. I knew of a deaf man who played for our team many years ago. Even old-timer
leagues are around for the elderly who want to get out and enjoy such a great
game."
Actually, Dobell points out there is even something called sledge hockey
now. Sledge hockey is essentially hockey played while sitting down, for those
who don't have the ability to walk.
It's possible to find leagues for any level, and sometimes those levels
just end up blurring together in one fun game.
Playing can be a bit intimidating at first, but trust us, that will go
away.
"When I started out playing it was a bit intimidating," admits Julie Dobell.
Dobell is a student and grocery clerk who has been playing recreational hockey
for eight years. "I didn't know how to skate very well, and didn't even know
where to stand on the ice at face-offs, but my coaches and teammates were
very supportive. So, I would say the atmosphere is mainly fun."
Dobell adds that recreational hockey has many benefits, physically and
mentally. "It's a great way to let off some steam," she says. "I live a pretty
busy life; between going to school and working, it's a good stress reliever."
"It's a great way to meet new people if you are like me and don't go out
a lot," says Petersen. "You really learn to work with others in a team environment.
The exercise keeps you in great shape. The fun you can have is probably the
best part of it all though.
"It doesn't matter how good or bad you are, as long as you try your hardest.
You'll always learn new moves and get better all the time. It can really help
with self confidence and social skills as well."
Getting Started
If it sounds like hockey is for you, there are some things you'll need
to buy first. Unlike those sports where you can simply show up and play, with
hockey you'll need to be prepared.
Beck says that the equipment you'll use includes shin pads and other protective
gear, hockey socks, hockey pants, skates, shoulder pads, elbow pads, a neck
guard, a jersey, helmet and stick.
"It depends on the position you play," adds Petersen. "As a goalie, I need
most of the same stuff, but it is created different because I am supposed
to get hit by fast-moving pucks. My helmet covers my face, so I don't use
a mouth guard. The shoulder pads and pants are all much thicker than the other
players."
"I wear big goalie pads instead of shin guards," he continues, "and my
skates have a hard plastic shell in case a puck hits my foot. Instead of wearing
regular gloves, I have a catching glove and a blocker to stop the puck. My
stick has to be bigger and stronger as well."
In general, it doesn't hurt to be in shape, but players all agree that
no matter what your skill level, you can find others at that same level to
play with.
Links
Hockey Player
Now an online-only magazine, this is great for fans of recreational
and pro hockey alike
California Hockey Productions
An California recreational hockey league
USA Hockey
Great site for all things hockey
Back to Career Cluster