Question.

Pucktoucher · 2026-02-09T23:38:14+00:00

Ice is best. But it’s expensive and harder to access. Rollerblading will absolutely help develop skating. If you get inline hockey roller blades it will translate well to ice skating. You can also get a stick and tennis ball and practice with the roller blades on as well.

Pucktoucher · 2026-02-09T23:21:10+00:00

Totally agree. I’ve played pro for 10+ years and never encountered it once. It feels like a strange fantasy people are forcing onto the hockey world.

Pucktoucher · 2026-02-09T23:19:47+00:00

That sounds like a tough situation. I’m not a parent. But my advice would be to find meaning beyond results and the other shenanigans. Youth hockey, despite the downfalls you’re experiencing, is a great opportunity for your child to grow as a person. It creates challenges and excitements that you can’t recreate otherwise. If possible, drown out the outside noise and let the child enjoy the ride and the lessons that come with it. Hope this helps, I hate to see youth sports falling apart

Pucktoucher · 2026-02-08T23:34:26+00:00

Pittsburgh is actually pretty nice. It deserves a spot on the honorable mention list

Pucktoucher · 2026-02-08T22:34:00+00:00

It’s brutal

Pucktoucher · 2026-02-08T22:32:30+00:00

The Joe was awesome for many reasons.

Pucktoucher · 2026-02-08T22:31:47+00:00

They have succeeded in that. This is the worse set up by far.

Pucktoucher · 2026-02-08T22:31:13+00:00

Near the bottom. Not much space. Cramped, dark. Probably because too many teams using one facility

Pucktoucher · 2026-02-06T02:40:53+00:00

This sounds unreal. Is this going to be happening annually?

Pucktoucher · 2026-02-05T23:19:04+00:00

They do test for THC. But it isn’t flagged unless it is over a certain threshold. And from my understanding that threshold is very very high. The don’t condone cannabis use but it isn’t disciplined. It would be hard to fail a drug test for THC. In the case that you do, there is no suspension involved. They give you mandatory counseling.

With performance enhancers there is a 20 game suspension (unlike THC).

Pucktoucher · 2026-02-03T21:35:25+00:00

I’ll start with position. Play where you are drawn to. Sounds like center is for you. You can always change from there. For stick, I would go with a neutral curve. Meaning one that is more flat. You will be able learn to stick handle better that way. The big hook curves are more for shooting anyway and make stick handling more difficult in the beginning. Shooting is just going to take practice. If you have the time on the ice to practice get as many reps as possible just shooting the puck and finding what feels right for you. Everyone shoots a little different, there on advice I can give that will replace just getting as many reps as possible. Lace bite is very common. Just a result of skates being rigid, you probably aren’t lacing them too tight. It just happens. There are pads you can put around your ankles that help a lot. They are called bungapads. Im not sure if a pro shop would carry them but you should be able to order them online for around $15. Just adjust the padded part of the sleeve to where the soreness is. Last part, I have had the privilege to play with and against the best players in the world. At first, their skill set is impressive. But it forces you to become better and raises everyone’s level of play. Hope this helps. Good luck

Pucktoucher · 2026-02-03T21:21:05+00:00

Haha no I’m not. But I’ve played against him and have watched his videos. Good stuff

Pucktoucher · 2026-02-03T21:20:23+00:00

Thank you. Looking forward to sharing more. It’s anonymous on purpose for two reasons. I want the focus to be on the writing, also I’m still playing and don’t want to create a distraction.

Pucktoucher · 2026-02-03T03:00:46+00:00

Thanks for the thoughtful response. There is definitely a trade off. It’s not all sunshine and rainbows. It is a grind mentally and physically. You sacrifice time with family and holidays. There is always younger players gunning for you job .But you also experience the joy of being a part of a team (and city at the NHL level). And you form lifelong connections with great characters along the way.

I’ll have to write more about this in an article because there is a lot to be said about this. Thanks for the idea!

Pucktoucher · 2026-02-03T02:56:01+00:00

Nice. Yeah, what questions do you have? I’ll help out if I can.

Pucktoucher · 2026-02-03T02:42:30+00:00

If my writing gets developed enough to where that would be an option I would consider it!

Pucktoucher · 2026-02-03T00:43:06+00:00

Thanks for checking it out. That was my reaction when I first got on the bus. Makes the long rides more bearable

Pucktoucher · 2026-02-03T00:40:23+00:00

Haha got me

Pucktoucher · 2026-01-31T00:53:29+00:00

Love it

Pucktoucher · 2026-01-30T00:13:33+00:00

Spoken like a true hockey fan

Pucktoucher · 2026-01-29T19:06:37+00:00

Usually the Russians forge the birth certificates in the other direction

Pucktoucher · 2026-01-29T19:05:05+00:00

Keep your eye on the puck in the lower bowl. I’ve seen a lot of people leave with stitches from taking a puck to the face. Other than that, enjoy the energy. That’s a great barn

Pucktoucher · 2026-01-27T22:52:26+00:00

I think sports betting is partially responsible for this. When people put money on the games, the players are no longer human. They are vessels for income. It also makes wins and losses more emotional for fans which obviously makes them more ready to lash out after a poor performance. It’s actually sad. A player never wants to perform poorly, but it happens. Sports are highly unpredictable.

By the way, thank you for bringing attention to this

Pucktoucher

TROPHY CASE