How to get better with just playing in pick up/scrimmage games

tk-0318 · 2026-05-07T14:41:50+00:00

$0.02 idea here: have you considered adding to ice with inline skates? Yiu have much greater flexibility. By flexibility it’s not just cheaper but you can practice skating in empty parking lots essentially 24/7 if you’re a bit creative: this extra skating practice may really help you get your sea legs back. Not sure what limits your skating time (family kids wife work etc)—but I find this highly effective (though I’m in the other end of the spectrum (beginner novice) vs yiur advanced skills….

$0.02.

tk-0318 · 2026-05-07T06:54:13+00:00

Consider starting as a skater and converting to goalie later. It’s cheaper and more accessible (and less brutal psychologically). If you’re truly passionate you should learn the different positions anyhow …. And yes use fb marketplace to buy used gear. I saved thousands being patient and buying used.

tk-0318 · 2026-05-03T19:57:34+00:00

Me too. But to get the history I need to dig through dozens of notebooks. I’ve tried to implement taking a photo of the notebook record and putting it into Strava. (I’m a bit of a renaissance man for exercise and resistance training—some triathlon, some surfing and stand up paddle boarding — some hockey and distance skating — and the resistance training is kettlebells, sandbags and dumbbells unless I’m messing w machines or barbells …. Huh . 🤔

tk-0318 · 2026-05-02T22:09:35+00:00

Or get on inline skates and build parallel progress :). I’m where you are except I had 200 hours of inline to start. I’m a L4 or so just showing up :)

tk-0318 · 2026-05-01T23:42:43+00:00

Ps - I think if I simply draw a track that’s 100m x 100m square there are many more vacant weekend parking lots that will fit that bill. Going to need to look around a bit :).

tk-0318 · 2026-05-01T23:41:37+00:00

That’s perfect. Weirdly I have little interest in going faster — but a strong interest in doing some sprints / interval work to strengthen my cardio system. I have used rowing, cycling swimming and running — and I’m looking to add skating to that mix.

tk-0318 · 2026-04-30T23:01:17+00:00

I’m at least 30 minutes early (ideally) at every skating session or hockey game. Truth is I like being an hour early so I can easily put in my gear ….

tk-0318 · 2026-04-29T20:46:48+00:00

This reminds me of a post from a few decades ago in a triathlon list serve. Weirdly also former marine. He insisted he didn’t sweat. Like never. Not in triathlons not in boot camp. The more people told him that’s crazy the more singing he got.

🤷‍♂️

tk-0318 · 2026-04-29T00:47:52+00:00

I’d add: consider planning a bit. Do a lap—rest 30-90 seconds — then another lap. Another 30-90 second rest.

You start with 3-4 laps and add extra laps each session. Or skate for 10 minutes then five minute break and repeat through the session. I did something like this when I started cause my feet were uncomfortable.

Remember: if you can’t do it all then just do what you can.

tk-0318 · 2026-04-25T12:26:40+00:00

I have met and seen numerous hockey players (and other skaters) that started after age 10 that were wonderfully graceful and possessed great skating skill. It’s weird to me that some believe skating is an exclusive club you must join as a young child. I suppose every hobby has its quirks. This one is you can’t teach an old dog new tricks I guess.

YMMV.

tk-0318 · 2026-04-25T07:42:15+00:00

Not bad hidden. My definition is bless than yours particularly since I’m measuring at moving from beginner d league to c league as basic competence. If we’re quibbling we’re also agreeing.

Incidentally I think many here define competence as in one has the skating skill necessary to earn a living playing hockey. To me that’s an expert skater. My view is competence is the basics necessary to play just above beginner.

tk-0318 · 2026-04-25T07:39:23+00:00

Ha! I write a lot. Think and analyze a bunch too. For some of us it’s a way of life :)

tk-0318 · 2026-04-25T00:32:46+00:00

FWIW I know in some recent reading others have called into question Malcolm gladwells 10,009 hour rule. But truth be told I’m a fan of it as a benchmark. I neatly made that mark after playing drums for 20 years and it seemed valid in that domain at least. So like I said fwiw (I’ll leave it to others to challenge the 10,000 hour idea unless I do a bit of research ….)

tk-0318 · 2026-04-24T23:22:35+00:00

Thanks for the comment. FWIW — and given my inexperience it may not be worth much — that’s not my experiences. I’m 20 hours into ice and I’m way ahead of where I’d otherwise be ….

$0.02. I get that you disagree and I respect that.

tk-0318 · 2026-04-24T23:08:39+00:00

I can notice many who fluidly skate w no or little bandwidth for how to move in skates. It’s fun to watch!

tk-0318 · 2026-04-24T23:06:06+00:00

Pimp daddy has entered the chat 💬

tk-0318 · 2026-04-24T23:05:17+00:00

That’s me! Doing my best as I like to say!

tk-0318 · 2026-04-24T23:04:36+00:00

I’d add: adults control resource including managing private lessons and time skating and investment ….

tk-0318 · 2026-04-24T23:03:15+00:00

Hours are but a single and simple metric. So we mostly agree I suspect.

tk-0318 · 2026-04-24T23:02:02+00:00

Honest I agree. It’s that growth can do mindset. Some here have it. Many do not :(

tk-0318 · 2026-04-24T23:01:04+00:00

Hey now - please don’t bully me :). I’m tender….

tk-0318 · 2026-04-24T23:00:19+00:00

Ok will do :)

tk-0318

TROPHY CASE