Climbing the beer league totem pole

[bendertender33]

This post sort of relates to my previous post regarding playing at a lower skill level. I'm 17, and although I've played high school and travel my whole hockey career, I've been placed in the lowest level league with players who can hardly keep their balance. I know I am capable of playing at a higher level, and it is extremely hard to focus and bring out the competitive instinct in me during these games. I aspire to at least pay at the A level, which is really an advanced intermediate level. Did anyone else have this problem when transitioning to beer league? Am I just going to have to start small, then progress my way up as time allows?

[Clyde]

Originally Posted by bendertender33

This post sort of relates to my previous post regarding playing at a lower skill level. I'm 17, and although I've played high school and travel my whole hockey career, I've been placed in the lowest level league with players who can hardly keep their balance. I know I am capable of playing at a higher level, and it is extremely hard to focus and bring out the competitive instinct in me during these games. I aspire to at least pay at the A level, which is really an advanced intermediate level. Did anyone else have this problem when transitioning to beer league? Am I just going to have to start small, then progress my way up as time allows?

If you are good, the good teams will find you. Hit open hockey as much as you can if you want more exposure.

[Rubberband]

When I first started playing ice at my local rink, I played the pick up or drop in hockey and played with higher level players. It was a great way to get to play a way higher skill level than I am. I got a little exposure there. The best way though was attending the hockey classes or clinics my rink held. It was Saturday morning, but as long as I geared up I could sit in the goal for free of course, and the instructors were glad to have goalies. Many different players would come and I got shot on a lot. I was approached at the end of my first time out there and got on two teams right away. That was the best exposure. After that, I found out about a goalie sub list the rink had in case a team needed a goalie for a game. I subbed on many different levels, and had a great time. Just a few things I did to get on team and get exposure to different level players that may be looking for a new goalie...

[Dolanster]

Just make friends and talk to guys on other teams in other divisions. Make goalie buddies and you'll be asked to sub when they can't make games. Play well and guys will have other teams in other divisions that need a guy. Be patient. Play well and they'll find you as someone said above. Just get yourself out there and give everyone your cell number.

[toddamus]

Finding a team is all about meeting people, being a good guy so they want you around, then performing after you get a chance to sub for them. Being 17, the biggest thing you'll need to do around the older guys is not to talk much. I know it sounds mean but don't go into a locker room talking a ton because ultimately its not how good you are that will get you on a team in a better level, it's how good you are and how well you get along with the guys on the team.

[dholden200]

Subing in is a huge way to find new teams. That's how I moved up in beer league, but you have to, HAVE TO take allllllllllllll the games they call you for, especially in the first year. Leave your number with the league convener so he can call you when he is desperate. Good luck

[DBK81]

Originally Posted by toddamus

it's how good you are and how well you get along with the guys on the team.

100%, I'll take a mediocre player who is a great guy in the dressing room any day over a hot **** tender who is a donkey in the dressing room. I know we had to replace 3 guys on our Rec A team this off season and the first thing we talked about was if a guy would fit in, in the dressing room.

[bendertender33]

I'm definitely not an *** to the guys. I'm very respectful and mindful of all the guys on the team. I didn't mean to sound cocky, I was just trying to explain my situation. I love the camaraderie and laid back atmosphere, but I just know I can be successful at a higher level, that's all

[toddamus]

You didn't sound cocky and I'm sure you're a good kid, I was just giving you a heads up. No matter what age or skill level you are, finding a new team which you fit in with is always some combo of the factors I've listed.

[khabibissell]

Get in touch with the guys that run the senior leagues at all of your local rinks and tell them you are an "A" caliber goalie looking to sub. You will probably have to play some C or D level stuff along the way, but play every time you are asked. If you play well and are reliable, you will be a first call sub... getting the higher level gigs, meeting team managers/organizers along the way. Go to drop in hockey as much as possible and take it seriously. Also, if you notice the same people are running the desk at the rinks you play drop in at, tell them you are available to sub for the private skates as well. You can get alot of work this way. Alot of guys don't play in a league during the summer but rent the ice on regular basis instead.

All of these things worked for me. I was out of hockey for a few years and had to re build my reputation, so I took everything that was offered. Now I'm back playing in an A league and have a semi regular spot on an awesome high caliber weekly skate. If you're good, people will take notice.

Good luck!

[DBK81]

I didn't think you came across as cocky, no worries, I was just stating a truth, not that it's the case here. Good luck I'm sure you'll move up.

[rocki033]

Welcome to beer league! Where drinking ability comes first (your 17 so a mark on you there), then friendships, then hockey.

First step make the lower league hate you because you make the teams uneven. By being so good.

Step two sub at higher levels.

Step three find guys closer to your age that you can try and start your own team.

Step four win the A league every year.

[Spud387]

I didn't get into Ice hockey until I was 20. It is freaking hard to find people to play with when you are just starting. Luckily a friend got me into a weekly pickup hockey and that allowed me to get regular practice. From there I started an ice hockey team at work, all low level guys. It was great, but I constantly wanted to push myself to get better and you can't do that at the lowest level.

I made sure that all of my friends that played hockey knew I was now playing and a goalie. Brought it up casually here and there. Posted to online sites & social media. Eventually I started getting calls through the grapevine from people needing a goalie for pickup hockey. I accepted anytime I could no matter the skill level. This got my name out there as a goalie. Eventually people who attended those pickup games would ask the organizer for my name as they needed a goalie for their league game. This is how I started playing more regularly.

Through all of this practice I have constantly improved and have been able to better prove myself in league or pickup games. Now some of the more skilled players (ringers) ask for my name and that's how I make the jump to higher tiers each time. I am no where near the top, but I went from a 20yr old with zero reputation & minimal options to a mid/upper-mid tier 26yr old goalie who gets called to play frequently.

Rinse and repeat. It takes years to earn a rep and get contacts, but if you get your name out there helping people when they need a goalie, eventually the right people will remember you when they need a goalie. Have fun and make sure the impression you leave is a good one on and off the ice (don't be a dick).