Another session this evening, and I am improving slowly. We had the usual drills and then scrimmage. I made a big effort to bend my knees to keep low, and hold the stick with both hands, as instructed by team mates. I did some decent tackles, including placing my stick across an opponants stick to prevent him getting to the puck, as taught in a drill. Drills work!
I had some lovely passes from my team, and managed to score twice, to my surprise. Admittedly they were grass cutters, which went under the board (we had no goalie) and would have been intercepted by most real goalies. In each case I managed to find some free space, with a clear line to the player with the puck, so he could easily pass to me, which he did, nicely so. I felt we were playing more as a team, and passing to each other which made it more rewarding than usual. I was told by one lad not to rush, and I now try to think more, and panic less. I can't recall any gaffs, apart from staying on once when the rest changed over.
Doh! Quite how I missed that I know not, it must have been exhaustion.
I am sure the new stick is helping, as it is lighter and does not throw me off balance so much. Also, as mentioned above, I am learning to find an open space away from opponants, giving my team mates an opportunity to pass to me if they wish. And of course I try to pass to my team mates when they are well placed and can make good use of the puck. I don't yet feel confidant enough to skate forward with the puck, and fend off opposing players.
I am finding I am getting more exhausted during each 'innings' and I think that is because my sprinting technique is better, thanks to guidance from a speed skating friend who has taught me how to get more power from my strides.
I'm still surprised how much fun it is, and that someone who was always completely awful at sports can make a half decent attempt to learn.