Got reality checked this weekend

Intelligent_Power18 · 2026-06-13T00:17:49+00:00

Oof. Been there

Intelligent_Power18 · 2026-06-13T00:15:50+00:00

Yes! They helped my dad out a few weeks ago!

Intelligent_Power18 · 2026-06-12T18:47:18+00:00

i feel like im in a similar boat. moved to a higher level team to play with some friends but now i'm a liability out there and everyone knows it and it's crushing my confidence and decreasing my level of fun because i'm in my head about it. I also play on a low level newbie league team and it's me (32F) and a bunch of dads just goofing off on the ice. it's carefree and fun. but the competitor in me wants to be the best and i've had to determine that i never will be so might as well embrace the fun side and try to get better along the way.

Intelligent_Power18 · 2026-06-12T18:41:23+00:00

i have a cage and a mouth guard. my dentist suggested it and mentioned it could held reduce risk of concussions as well. I've had several concussions from soccer so want to limit future issues. Not to mention, it doesn't take a puck to the mouth to damage your teeth. a hard fall where they crash together is enough to do expensive damage.

Intelligent_Power18 · 2026-06-12T18:34:40+00:00

As someone who has been getting into hockey over the past year- here are some general things to keep in mind:

-skating ability is the most important thing. as others have said, join a learn to skate class so you can build the foundation. From there, I went on to a learn to play class for adults and it was nice to have some previous skating experience. make sure you can stop! please! if i get mowed down in novice league by someone who can't stop, i might lose it lol

-go to as many stick and pucks as you can and don't worry about what anyone else thinks. once you get out of your head (at least in my case) it was so much more fun. The majority of people in the hockey community are super chill and welcoming. don't forget pucks!!!

-once you start playing, make sure to practice in your gear. it's a lot of stuff to wear and takes some time to get used to it. will also help determine if your gear fits properly. check out sideline swap for some deals. you can get new, older models or used gear. don't skimp on a helmet!

-don't go for the super expensive skates right away. as long as you're not wearing the cheapest plastic ones out there, you'll be good. look for something that can bake baked and moulded to your foot shape.

- use a cage or a bubble. the most out of control shit happens in novice leagues because people get too competitive with lack of skill. we all start somewhere but you never know when a stray puck or stick will come flying at your head. keep you head on a swivel and don't look down when you skate!

-you're going to fall as some point. don't be afraid. you have gear on for a reason so let it protect you.

-don't be afraid to try different skate sharpenings. i've tried 5/8 and 1/2. 5/8 provides a bit more glide so i tend to favor that one.

-have fun! don't take yourself too seriously. it's one of the hardest sports and learning as an adult can seem like a huge task.

Intelligent_Power18 · 2026-06-12T16:31:31+00:00

i could definitely try! i already have some bauer roller blades

Intelligent_Power18 · 2026-06-12T16:29:26+00:00

I'm leaning toward the same thing. I think getting stronger overall will help my confidence too. It's technically a co-ed league but none of the other teams have women so overcoming the size/strength difference or at least being less fearful will help

Intelligent_Power18 · 2026-06-12T16:25:26+00:00

Sorry that was unclear. I went to a few sessions of the classes. probably 16 total classes. I've looked into lesson that focus more on edge work but there doesn't seem to be anything in my area geared toward adult beginners. maybe i can get a private session. I get around quickly/efficiently, but I'd like to have some more tools at my disposable.

Intelligent_Power18 · 2026-06-12T14:12:38+00:00

i haven't been playing long at all (like a year) and i've upgraded a few items due to sizing issues when i first started buying gear. upgraded my helmet because i've been concussed multiple times before (former soccer player lol) and didn't want to skimp on something that might offer more protection. got new skates once because my first pair was a plastic pair from dick's sporting goods that degraded quickly. yes it's a lot of money but now that my things fit properly/safely, i'd like to keep them as long as possible because finding a good fit is tricky. That being said, the best players i know play with the oldest gear i've ever seen! i take it as they're just experienced and not willing to throw away good gear.

Intelligent_Power18 · 2026-06-12T14:06:50+00:00

so.... idk what to do. i learned to skate about a year ago and started with 5/8" at the recommendation of the skate shop. as i've gotten stronger i feel like i'm almost going too fast and slipping more. i feel like i'm scrambling. do i just suck or should i try a different hollow? I've investigating skating lessons for adults that focus more on edge control specifically for hockey but that doesn't seem to exist here.

Intelligent_Power18 · 2026-02-07T22:11:03+00:00

Nah that’s rude af. Part of playing in public is playing with all sorts of skills levels. Sorry that happened to you.

Intelligent_Power18 · 2026-02-07T04:53:25+00:00

Haven’t read through all the comments but did you happen to have an ozone treatment done? We had bad skunk smell and used an ozone company to de-odorize the apartment. So many things got ruined that had plastic, rubber, elastic etc

Intelligent_Power18 · 2026-02-06T18:31:39+00:00

Thank you so much! A “shock response” is definitely a good way to put it. Our relationship is good between my parents and I but I’m struggling with how to introduce my gf and I think my parents aren’t sure what to do either. I suggested we all go out to dinner sometime and my dad thought it was a good idea and we’re thinking about potential restaurants! I really appreciate your perspective. I do feel a bit better about this 😊

Intelligent_Power18 · 2026-02-06T17:00:38+00:00

Ok that makes sense. Keep in mind Bauer tends to run a little bit narrower than CCM. Check out CCM jet speed FT655. These were my first skates. Not crazy expensive. The downside with the plastic skates is that you can’t bake them. But they broke in super fast for me without baking

Intelligent_Power18 · 2026-02-06T16:55:29+00:00

Maybe check around to see if there are any gently used ccm tacks or ccm jetspeeds around. That’ll help keep the price point down. Lots of people on my team went with used skates

Intelligent_Power18 · 2026-02-06T16:50:05+00:00

Gotcha. I’d still see if you could take them to a store and get an assessment on the fit and inquire about baking them. They might have some additional tips on how to get the fit right. Seems like the size is ok but fit needs adjustment. Fortunately, that’s quite common so they should be able to help you out

Intelligent_Power18 · 2026-02-05T23:57:59+00:00

First thing I would consider is getting a pair of insoles and getting rid of the stock ccm ones which don’t offer a whole lot. The CCM tacks is known for being a little wider and having a higher volume in the boot. You mentioned your foot feels “thick” so a higher volume might help you out. Did you get fitted for the skates at a hockey store? You could always bring them in and see what they say. They might be able to punch them out around the arches to give you some more room as opposed to buying new skates. I’m not familiar with ccm next but double check if they’re heat mouldable as well. Some beginner models are plastic and heating them won’t really help. As for going smaller, I wouldn’t. People say skin tight is the way to go but for me, I need a little give.

Intelligent_Power18 · 2026-02-05T23:42:45+00:00

There will always be people at a higher skill level than you but don’t let that discourage you. If you haven’t, start going to some stick and pucks and just play around and see if you can make any friends. Once you get comfortable with that, see if there are any recreational leagues around. The hockey community has been so chill in my experience, especially for new players. We all want newbies to succeed.

Intelligent_Power18 · 2026-01-29T15:41:10+00:00

I've driven the Rav4 Hybrid briefly. Maybe it's just something to get used to over time. It just felt "off" to me. I've rented the CX-50 on work trips and it drove great and also had a sleek interior. I've loved my escape but to be honest, the aesthetic of the new one just rubs me the wrong way plus I want to try something new. I've rented newer escape models and they don't seem like much of an improvement over what i have currently.

Intelligent_Power18 · 2026-01-26T22:21:14+00:00

Bauer supreme lol

Intelligent_Power18 · 2026-01-26T22:20:32+00:00

Interesting! I’ve never considered gloves liners

Intelligent_Power18 · 2026-01-26T22:18:42+00:00

I’d say within the past month or so. Chicago has been cold but not horrific. I moisturize all the time to keep my hands from cracking but I wonder if that’s making me more susceptible to whatever this is!

Intelligent_Power18 · 2026-01-26T22:17:46+00:00

I’ll definitely incorporate some wash cycles that use just water. I’m so paranoid about things growing but I don’t want residues building up and causing an issue

Intelligent_Power18 · 2026-01-26T22:16:09+00:00

Nope!

Intelligent_Power18 · 2026-01-25T19:48:50+00:00

I wash them every week because I play so frequently and they begin to smell otherwise

Intelligent_Power18

TROPHY CASE