My HS Roller Hockey Season

[Prophet of Mike Zagurski 0]

I went to a lot of Ducks game during the 2002-03. During these games, I thought it would be great to be one of them one day. After the season was over, I bought my first pair of Roller Blades. They were street skates that were one size too big and I went to the local Wayne Gretzky center to learn how use them (well I did practice before that). It helped a little bit. The lessons started to become tough because I was wearing oversized skates. Moving on to February, I had my stick and my puck and I added to my collection a decent pair of roller hockey skates. I was still practicing in my garage at least two times a week. I signed up for Learning Roller Hockey so I could be able to join the first season of Roller Hockey at my school. My father spent more than $200 on the equipment needed to play hockey. The first lesson, I had my gear on for the first time and she saw me. We had talked on the phone for maybe three or four times. She was the parent who was arranging this whole roller hockey program. I stumbled out on the floor just knowing she and her son is who infinitely better than me were watch. What I did not matter that day? They knew who would show up for the first practice/tryout.

 

About two weeks later, I think seven high schoolers ranging from Freshmen to Juniors and I (lone Senior) piled in the locker. The coach came; he was the grandfather of the talented/more experience player. He asked if anyone did not have roller hockey experience. I raised my hand. He told the team, if I need anything that they should help me. The players knew who I was and they were friendly to me. The experienced kid taped my stick for me. We slowly put our gear on and headed out in the playing area. When I got there, I attempted to give the biggest slap shot of all time, that what I could show them what I could do. I missed the puck several times and skated using one foot over to where the other players were. My friend who was the assistant coach at the time explained the basic drill to me. The player skates to the half court mark, stops, catches a pass, handles the puck to the goal and then shoots it. Yeah, I wished I could have done it then. I tried several times and while I was leaving the net, I fell. I felt so bad. After the drill was over, I took one of three breaks because I was out of shape. Brent, my friend, took me aside to work on shooting, passing, and puck handling. I was starting to get it. We ended the practice in a skirmish situation. The coach in the locker room told me that I should skate in front of the opposing net and screen the goalie and catch rebounds. I was at the point where I did not want to be there anymore. I kept watching the puck and I was slow turning around and I was shot in the thigh. (This why we wear girdles when we play). My father told me to ask the coach if I was off the team because I might hamper the team. I was only told there was going to be another practice next week. Pretty much the same things happen but this time I really did keep my eye on the puck. (I have the scores listed at school.) Our first game, I was pushed down by a defenseman twice and we lost 2-1. I thought that was a good start and gave me more expirience. We were losing games before Easter vacation. My father told me and I observe during my time out there that most roller hockey players pick up their feet while skating. I spent Easter vacation working on that and then we played and we won. It really was not due because of my skating revelation but we just clicked.

 

Today we were in the playoffs and we lost in the first round to a team we hated. I was mad and upset because I did not score any goals for them and I almost had assist (I passed it, to a guy who passed it to someone who scored.) I liked my teammates and stories they shared. I liked putting on the uniform and trying my best in front of everyone. I put to much time and money into this, so hopefully I'll be playing somewhere else. I realize now, it was not about the game: it was about the people. It was great when we scored, when the people cheered, and I could pump my fist in the air. I know I am thankful to everyone on the team, my parents, and the coach for giving me the opportunity.

[Tawren 0]

Sounds like you put in a lot of effort and improved a lot. Keep on truckin, you will get better.

 

If there is a community league (which I'm sure there is), join that. If you are going to college, I'm sure you will find many other people who enjoy playing and will either find a league there or be able to (at least) do some street hockey stuff.

[kkktookmybabyaway 0]

I played roller hockey for fun in high school.

 

Well, I didn't exactly roller blade -- I was always a goalie...

[Internet Warfare 0]

Thats pretty cool. My school is trying to get roller hockey for girls and lacross for boys & girls. I wish I could join the roller hockey team, but I would have to do a lot of running which I am good at but I hate. Hm, maybe I can be goalie.