icelaser

Sounds like a dumb question, but let me give some back ground (sorry if this is the wrong place, by the way. I just joined, and I couldn't figure out where to put this)

Let me give you guys the quick version (I had more typed out, but I bet you guys don't wanna read all that). I live in the south (U.S.A.), and I just found out there is a hockey association or whatever here. I've been interested in playing a lot of my life, but never knew there was somewhere to play. The problem? I'm 6'5, 300 pounds. I play football for my highschool as a linemen. Am I just too fat to play hockey, basically? Doesn't seem like many hockey players as big as me. If I did play hockey, I'd just end up as goalie, right? To make matters worse, I don't have any gear, and I've never skated on ice in my life, just rollerblade/inline skates, a long time ago. I think I learn quickly though, because I just started playing football this season (2008) and before this season, I knew almost nothing about football. I was a starter on defense, but then was moved to a starter on offense due to an players injury (yes, I go to a small highschool, but still). Finding skates will be hard too, I wear a size 18. I guess the question is, is it too much to learn too quickly? To skate, then to skate in gear, then to learn how to use the gear, then to learn how to play well?

thanks everyone, sorry about the dumbish question, I just want something more interesting to do in the spring/winter then just weight train for football.

Trapper

If you want to learn to skate and play hockey, I don't see why you should not try. Go to a pro shop and get measured,find someone that makes a hockey skate that big and take few private lessons on how to skate and use your edges.
Skating in gear is no big deal once you've done it.
Someone can learn to skate and play the game at any age.
Good luck

hockeynut019

Hockey isn't about how big you are, its about the dedication to learning the game. You can be any size as long as you're willing to bust your ass to skate and push yourself to learn every aspect of the game.

Start with the skating. Work on strengthening the leg muscles needed for skating. Take long powerful strides. Then practice stopping. At first you'll probably point the two tips of your skates towards each other and do a V stop. When you get more confident, you'll be able to turn your hips and do a snowplow stop. After this, work on turns, cutting your skates into the ice and getting a feel for the sharpness of your turns. Then try skating backwards. First do C-cuts by alternating legs and digging in your blades to make a C. Then once you're comfortable you can try crossovers backwards. This is all just the skating.

Once you've mastered that, add a stick and a puck. Work on control, keeping the puck on your stick, passing, and shooting.

Hockey isn't something you can pick up in a day. It's way too expensive of a sport to just "try out" too. If you're passionate about the game, and really want it, go for it because you'll never regret your decision.

mikey84

If you just want to play recreationally or something like pick up with friends or colleagues than its totally possible. At your size and skill level it will definitely be a challenge but if you intend to just play occasionally with a lot of patience you should be fine.