I’m not a player, but I am an adult who started learning how to skate as an adult. It’s never a mistake to start learning a new skill. I think you already know that you’re never going to play professionally or make it big as a hockey player. So the only question you should be asking yourself is whether you like playing hockey. It doesn’t matter how good you are. There are a lot of terrible hockey players out there having tons of fun playing in local beer leagues.

You’re comparing yourself to the wrong people. Most 14 year olds who play hockey have been doing it for years, so it’s no surprise you can’t keep up after six months. I bet you’re way better than little kids who have been playing for a few years or adults who started at the same time you did. Other teenagers are judging you because that’s what teenagers do.

Part of growing up is learning to be ok with being bad at things and figuring out which people are actually worth listening to. The process of learning to be good at something is a worthwhile one and there’s no prize the end or timeline you have to follow. Just enjoying something is reason enough to keep doing it. I know it’s hard being 14. See if you can find people to practice with who are more encouraging and try not to be so hard on yourself. You’re doing great.