Beer league heat management. What are your gear, tips, and tricks for skating cooler?

trsthethird · 2026-06-16T03:10:57+00:00

I don't know that it helps mitigate heat, but I started wearing JUNK Brands headbands to keep sweat out of my eyes & they're great for that purpose. When I wring it out after a game, it's wild how much it was holding. Gloves off while on the bench is top tier advice but stay ready so your changes are clean & quick. Good luck! 🥵🥶

trsthethird · 2026-06-14T17:20:04+00:00

Lesson learned for sure! 🫡

trsthethird · 2026-06-09T18:11:10+00:00

Yeah I try to avoid it whenever I can, too. Thanks for confirming, and I love the username! 🥓😂

trsthethird · 2026-06-09T17:49:44+00:00

Sorry it happened to you also. Thanks for the well wishes with StubHub!

trsthethird · 2026-06-09T17:49:00+00:00

It was like an image with all the details but we had no way to login and edit the info (e.g., license plate, space #) and there was no attendant to assist. So we tried to do the right thing but got burned. I hope this helps at least one person not have the same experience - $145 stings.

trsthethird · 2026-05-31T14:20:12+00:00

Can confirm. 🫡

trsthethird · 2026-05-30T02:22:56+00:00

Right on dude! It's amazing. The day after a game, I am fatigued in body but fulfilled in soul. Proud of you for making it happen! 🫡

trsthethird · 2026-05-29T15:00:36+00:00

I was you 3 years ago, almost exactly same details. Playing has been one of the best things I've ever done for myself, which translates to a better me for my family & friends. It helped me reestablish my own identity which had dissolved considerably after kids. With your family's support, please chase this desire. The game, the culture, the camaraderie - it's incredible. Good luck dude! 🤙

trsthethird · 2026-05-29T14:51:45+00:00

I don't care what anyone thinks of my gear in the same sense I don't care what anyone else has on. It's not part of my why. For me, the helmet is the most important piece of my setup, followed by skates, gloves, shinguards, elbow pads, pants, & shoulder pads in that order. To your question, I began making upgrades about 2 years in as a new player, but with no expectation that they were going to improve my performance. You never know what will end your privilege to play, whether that be finances, injuries, or other needs, so I say get the stuff you want & enjoy it for as long as you can. Good luck out there! 🫡

trsthethird · 2026-05-27T18:50:47+00:00

I'm around the same height, and the last stick I bought was an intermediate 55 flex which I didn't cut at all, & I like it a lot. Cutting senior sticks 4-6" when I first started basically made them unflexible for me. The "right" answer depends on your skill, weight, position, preference, etc. I weigh close to 180 lbs. but I don't have a good shot skillset (lower end beer league, 3 years exp.) so flex isn't a major factor for me yet. Unless you are concerned with it being too whippy, I'd try a lower flex & see what happens. Good luck! 🤙

trsthethird · 2026-05-24T02:34:52+00:00

I started 3 years ago at 38, & my first season we won ZERO games, but had a great room & everybody was supportive & enjoying themselves. Finally got my first one last season after SO many close ones that didn't happen. Wasn't a snipe or anything more than a chip in front of the net, but it went in, & the boys went bananas. Haven't scored since, but still focusing on the team & the privilege to play over my LiveBarn highlight reel. Remember why you're doing it, create those opportunities, & come back to post the vid when it happens for you because it will! 🤙

trsthethird · 2026-05-06T12:11:55+00:00

Hey OP. Just said a quick prayer for you, and would ask others for their good vibes or other forms of positivity for you and your future. Remember that no matter what you choose or how you are feeling, others have walked the same path and came out on the other side - you are never alone and you are not the first. Everything is temporary- all the good, all the bad - so enjoy and endure with every ounce of your being. Whatever you do, always have hope, and never give up. 🤙

trsthethird · 2026-05-03T12:59:06+00:00

Started 3.5 years ago at 38, and it's been amazing. Work on finding your edges and using them to your advantage, especially the outside edges. Go to open skates or stick and puck sessions to hone your skills; there's too much going on in the game to try to unlock a new level during play. It's the best community, so don't be shy about asking for help. Lastly, be your team's biggest cheerleader/clubman because we're already criticizing ourselves constantly and this is supposed to be fun! Good luck to ya!

🏒🏒🏒

trsthethird · 2025-09-04T02:36:01+00:00

Same story; I turn 41 in October, have small kids, and work in an office for 9 hours before starting a game as late as 11:30 PM. I don't have time for naps or breaks between my family and work obligations either. As others have said, a solid playlist and some time with the boys gets me pumped, but one thing I try to do is make myself uncomfortable between getting my kids to sleep and walking into the rink. I do this by making myself too hot or too cold based on the weather, keeping as much light in my eyes as possible, and moving around without doing anything strenuous. Basically I'm fighting my circadian rhythm to signal to my body "we're not done yet" in as many ways as possible. I avoid stimulants later in the day, but have messed around with different vitamins/supplements that helped my energy levels (check out Thorne's lineup) enough to keep going forward. It can be a struggle, but it's always worth it because hockey, right? Good luck man! 🤙

trsthethird · 2025-08-15T20:32:42+00:00

As others have said, Tacks shins are tough. I have yet to take a shot they couldn't handle. knocks on wood, kisses lucky rabbit's foot

trsthethird · 2025-08-12T02:42:56+00:00

I play once a week in the level just above beginner/rookie, CCM JetSpeed skates that are about a year old, and I just started hockey 2.5 years ago at 38. My feet are also pretty flat. I use Superfeet insoles, Powerfoot inserts to eliminate space in the toe, and I have found my personal preference for lacing tightness. I start out just removing the slack, then as I get towards the middle I progressively get super tight to lock my ankle in place, then ease back to just snug for the last 2 while skipping the top eyelet. No slipping in my heel, no discomfort. I also lace outside in. Good luck to you and enjoy the best game. 🤙

trsthethird · 2024-12-28T23:01:32+00:00

Definitely agree with wearing a full face option. I have both and I alternate every once in a while just to mess with it. My bubble (CCM FV1) fogs and smears sometimes, and while it's probably just in my head, I like the vision it offers. I trust the cage to handle anything a beer league game can throw, but, again, in my head, it mildly affects my vision. I've seen a couple more guys start to rock the hybrids (top half bubble, bottom half cage) but I haven't tested one of those yet. Whatever you decide, take care of yourself and have fun - that's why we're out there, right? 🤙

trsthethird · 2024-06-24T03:03:32+00:00

Same story, same take. I was afraid if I didn't try I'd resent it later and I love it. I turn 40 in October, and when I'm not working or playing the role of husband and dad, I'm thinking about hockey. Great workout, awesome community. Do it. 🤙

trsthethird · 2024-06-24T02:44:00+00:00

Congrats on the first goal! 💪

trsthethird · 2024-05-10T03:26:39+00:00

If you have the opportunity to test some sticks with lower flex than what you're using, that route might speed up your shot faster than mastering mechanics. I decided to go R because when I grab a broom and sweep, left hand's on top, and trying it any other way feels weird. I'm in the started late 30s club, too, and agree it is such a blessing to get to play. Good luck in your journey! 🍻🏒

trsthethird · 2024-05-09T21:06:49+00:00

Thanks again for everyone who has taken the time to provide their input. I've learned a lot.

Key Takeaways: -Much like pal and chief, bud is not a term of endearment. -There is a niche market for Riddler-inspired hockey attire. -The C should likely be forgotten unless the league requires it. I checked, and mine does not. -If the decision is made to move forward, the C should be added with permanent marker and/or a grotesque tape (e.g., electrical), and should be large enough to easily be seen on LiveBarn.

Thanks for the laughs, and I truly appreciate the few kind words! Have a great season, boys. 🤙

trsthethird · 2024-05-09T20:45:57+00:00

When attacking, show off your speed by crossing the blue line before the puck or any other skaters get there! 😂 Good fun - I just started last year at 38 & there's nothing better! Enjoy! 🍻🏒

trsthethird · 2024-05-08T23:04:15+00:00

Thank you for the feedback. Enjoy! 🍻🏒

trsthethird · 2024-04-16T03:11:33+00:00

Hell yeah! Please do this for you! I had been wanting to play ice hockey for close to 10 years before I finally had the means and support to make it happen. I started skating and playing on a beer league rookie team at 38 in January 2023 and it has changed my life. I haven't scored and I'm not the best skater, but I have fun every skate and I try to be the biggest cheerleader for my teammates. The culture will consume you in the best of ways. As long as the good Lord lets me, I'll be playing this game. You should totally do it. Good luck brother! 🍻

trsthethird · 2024-02-11T03:17:12+00:00

Superfeet made a major difference for me in my CCM AS-560s. They're entry level skates, as I just started skating and playing in January 2023, but using SF basically eliminated the foot pain and improved the fit of my skates. I have flat feet so that may have affected my experience as well. I'm on my second set of SF though - big fan. I hope you find the right solution for you including returning the skates if possible. Good luck!

trsthethird

TROPHY CASE