I'm really surprised by the negative atmosphere you talk about in learning during ice hockey. What did you get shouted at for in stick 'n' puck?
I’ve probably given an unfair impression, most people are good, but a small number are over competitive. I’ve been shouted at for being out of position, for going for the puck, for not passing forwards etc.
I think the reason I'm so surprised is that as a learning free skater then I get so much positive support from people at my rink. People always want to know how I'm getting on and are always very complimentary of any progress I make, even though they're clearly way ahead of me in terms of ability. I'd go so far as to say they're enthusiastic to discuss what I'm learning and are happy to congratulate me on achievements, even though the things I'm learning must seem trivial to them these days. I would maybe expect this attitude from adults (who are also lovely), but this is coming from the kids and teenagers, which is what impresses me the most. I don't know if I'd have been so mature/friendly when I was their age.
Perhaps this is something to do with the fact that the figure skating disciplines are a largely personal achievement? By which I mean that no matter how good or bad I am, I cannot affect anyone else's performance with my skating prowess (or lack thereof), so it doesn't matter to others how good or bad I am. Whereas, in hockey, every player is part of a team effort so better and worse players have a more meaningful impact on a team's outcomes as a whole? Or is it just that hockey is more macho so that environment of skating skill competition is more standard?
Yes, it’s quite different. One person impacts the team, and some people really compete full on and get quite angry if someone lets the side down, even if that person is playing well by their own standards and ability. It’s bad form, they should encourage the less able. To be fair most are good, and do encourage the less experienced, but the problem is many do not know how. When you get a stream of well meant and good suggestions, it’s too much to take in, and others do not realise it. Only a few are good teachers. That’s why I like the rec team I am in, no-one gets dumped on, everyone is encouraged as long as they try, which we all do.
Too right though, you've paid for ice time and you have every right to practise. This was the attitude I had going into skating on patch sessions for figure skaters. I knew everyone would be better than me, but I paid my money so I was gonna get my practice in. What I found over time though was that it was a bit like the gym, everyone was just there for themselves and they respected anyone else for being there because people are there to self improve and that's a worthy enough reason whatever your ability.
I guess I'm just surprised at how negative the ice hockey environment is, do you experience this regularly? If other figure skaters acted like that towards me then I think I'd really struggle mentally to keep attending sessions.
To be honest there will always be some heated comments given the energy during a scrimmage. I get enough positive comments from people I respect that I can ignore the rest. In one year, and at the age of 54, I’ve gone from being wobbly on skates to playing ice hockey, and getting lots of positive comments from others including our coach.
I don't know a lot about ice hockey, but I do know that you're offside if you enter the defending area ahead of the puck. So if your friend is hanging around between the defending players and the goal while the puck action is happening in the middle or further up the rink then it sounds like it's likely he'd be offside? I guess the more likely interpretation is that he's literally hovering at the blue line before the defenders' area, but I'm just checking. I also desperately want to prove that the time I spent learning the ice hockey offside rule was worth it!
Maybe I explained poorly. Generally when the opposition is in our area, that is our side of the blue line, all of our players will also be in our area, with defenders near the goal, and forwards near the blue line. This young lad hangs round near the red line, so when he gets a pass he sprints to the opposition goal. There should be at least one opposition defender marking him, but they don’t so he gets away with it.