Is it Too Late to Start Playing Goal?
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- Опубликовано: 29 сен 2024
- Is it ever too late to start something?
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(Spoiler) No.
If you're a new goalie or someone who wants to play goal, don't be discouraged! It's never to late to start playing goal (or to do anything else for that matter!)
Tell me your story in the Comments below!
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Hey all you puck stoppers, my name is Mike and I'm 49 yrs old and now I've been on the ice 3 times and finally made a glove save my blocker and glove actually have puck marks on them. Thank you Wayne for your encouragement goal tending is exciting to me , as soon as I get out of my car at the rink I get the butterflies in my belly and can't wait to get out there it makes me feel alive to have pucks shot at me. I was so fortunate to meet Wayne and half of the Local high school hockey team on that day I got some really good practice in the guys were great to me and I thought Wayne was really cool to talk to thank you to all of of you I hope our paths cross again. It's true it's never to late to be a goalie I may have missed my chance at the NHL but I'm psyched to be a stick and puck goalie for now. Thanks again guys
Yesss! Mike, you are the man! So glad I got to be a part of the beginning of your journey! Keep at it man, clearly, everyone here thinks it's never too late to start!
Start collecting them, marks of experience and honor. Bought brand new gloves and stick when I started 4 months ago. Got a lot on blocker and stick, few on the trapper. Granted want to upgrade my r1.5 trapper. Buying the cheapest thing was a bad idea. Just plastic and no padding for palm/fingers 😒
*Wait.. his name is really Mike afterall? lol...*
@@KB9813 FactoryMad catcher is the only thing I will ever buy for my catching hand. I have the cheap Bauer s170 to compare, and it's like a JOKE. Feels like a straight up McDonald's toy compared to a real well made one from Factory Mad
@@magictooth2 I got a Dean McNabb Vaughn V Elite pro carbon with the pro Palm. I like it except for the fact it's stiff for me when it's not full of sweat.
Great story! I was mid 30's when I strapped the pads on for the first time and hadn't even been on ice skates before that. Don't regret it ever!!!
Thanks so much for your comment and sharing your story! You definitely show that it's never too late to start playing! Starting anything later in life can be challenging, but the beauty is that you're old enough to appreciate things more! Thanks for sharing!
I’m 57, just finishing my first Adult Learn To Play (on ice fewer than 20X) and signed up to play goalie in our league! I’m so excited I can hardly stand it! All my equipment should arrive by Wednesday!
I'm 41 and now just started playing goalie been playing hockey since i was 11 but played left wing but now I'm playing goalie...love it
Yes! Love hearing about converted skaters! Welcome to the club!
@@VOGoalie just picked up Warrior Ritual Pro goalie pads.... i love them!!!
Hi there! Just found your channel. This is the my second video in. Your content seems awesome, so I am sticking around.
On topic: I started playing goal during college. No, not a college team. That was just when I started. I was 19 years old. I honestly had not played or even watched much hockey, but I knew I loved the game. So I started with dek hockey first. Mostly as a forward at first to just get an idea of what I was jumping into. The rink I played at had a concrete surface. So, when I finally strapped on some (very cheap, street-style) pads, doing something like a butter fly slide was an impossibility.
I probably played at that concrete dek for the fall season. Sometime in the middle of that, I started to learn ice skating. Up to that point I skated on ice once or twice around 6 years back. Did plenty of public skates until I could at least glide decently.
Then mid-June 2012 I finally dropped the cash on actual goalie gear. The first time I stepped into the crease I still had not learned how to stop. I knew before the drop in was over.
I don't really remember my first ever game as it was a true beginner (E level!) adult league. I do, however, remember my second game. I had just came off the ice of my first game, and a desperate sans goalie captain approached me. My league manager was there too. I remember asking "what skill level is it?" The league manager giggled and replied, "You don't want to know." He was right. The team I was subbing for only had five or six skaters. By the end of the first period the opposing team had buried a dozen goals. No, I am not joking, they really put twelve goals past me. They kept exposing holes in my stance. Shots I didn't even know I should be expecting went by me. At this point the captains and the ref all wanted to stop the embarrassment some. They ended the game officially, then other goalie and myself switched teams. Over the next two periods I let in another dozen goals. Somehow, by the end of it all, I still wanted to come back for the next game.
(PS I later found out that I was subbing at the rink's A-minor skill level...)
Ha, great story! Thanks for sharing and for watching my videos!
Thanks for sharing!
This is so similar to my experience. Started playing hockey in college (a few years ago), I wanted to be apart of it so bad but it's extremely intimidating sense most people in the sport in their mid / late twenties have a lot of years experience under their belts by that point and as a new goalie it was inevitable I was going to get lit up my first few months (which I absolutely did). The mental side was a little tougher than I anticipated, like basically being the reason teams lose, even if it is just pickup, but most people are super nice and just stoked that I'm in net and super understanding of the inexperience. This game is awesome and I'm so glad I took the plunge. I'm still trying to get a better handle on some foundational mechanics but I feel a night and day difference in skill level and I attribute that to just sticking with it and having fun.
first of all, love your channel, your awesome!!I started playing goalie last year, ( im 56 ) played defense for most of my life, team needed a goalie and here I am. Love the challenge and most of the time players are great....lesson, try new things and enjoy the process..you will have a great time . Its only a game so have fun and don't forgot to be awesome!!Best feeling is at the end of the game, everyone will tell you , good game goalie :) have fun!!
Awesome, thanks for sharing your story! I love hearing about converted players starting to play goal! Welcome to the club! Once a goalie, always a goalie!
I’m 23, Never played hockey and only been on skates a handful of times, seeing this encouragement makes me really want to start playing goalie. My only apprehension is that I’m a smaller guy at 5’7 and 170lb should I be concerned about this?
am new to your channel... and I may say.... THANK YOU!
its been 18years since I put on a goalie gear...Now i wanna get one again
With the recent turn out of events that the Philippines is now part of IIHF and bagging Silver 3 years ago in the South East Asia Games and Bronze just last year...
These kids needs to know the history of Hockey in Manila which I am part of :)
Started playing hockey as a goalie in a beerleauge-team here in Sweden in November 2016. In March 2018 i played with Peter Forsberg , Markus Naslund and Niklas Sundstrom in a charity-game infront of 40,000 people.
Wow, sounds awesome! (I'm lucky if I play in front of 4 people!) Great story, thanks for sharing!
I'm gonna be like Mike. Also named Mike, am 47yo, been playing for a few years and getting a severe itch to play goalie. Just doing research, watching vids and gotta get the OK from my doctors before I dive in.
Inspirational vid brotha! I'm 36 and have only just learning how to do the goalie thing on skates. My pushes are getting better on that little pad I made in my driveway though! Having the net frozen in is really nice to push against. I've still never played a game of hockey on ice though. I really like how practical you are in your information. You're better than most of the other goalie videos I've watched. And as a mid-30's newbie, I've watched a few!
Hey, thanks so much for your comment and welcome to the club! Great to hear that you're working on your game and I bet in no time you'll be in a rink! A great place to start out is a stick and puck/ stick practice at your local rink! Lot's of rinks have ice time during the day that people go to to shoot around and often times goalies are free! In my area, not a lot of goalies make it to these daytime skates, so if one shows up, regardless of their skill level, most skaters are super appreciative! Best of luck going forward!
@@VOGoalie Man, I looked into the stick & puck, not one in Thunder Bay! Can you believe that?! Unless I wasn't looking right, but I tried! Good news is they're flooding the outdoor rink right by my house finally, so pretty soon I'll have all the Westfort danglers shootin at me! I honestly can't wait! But it's still not the same as being on a team. I may have to look into that some point soon......
Played goal for about 25 years ..stopped playing about 16 years ago out of necessity ( life/ money issues ) not because I wanted to....I always said I wanted to get back into playing because I missed it so much but I got to the point where I thought I was too old to play......this year my wife convinced me to get back to playing at age 56 .........struggling somewhat with the bulk of the new chest protectors and the newer style pads ( not a butterfly style goalie ) ..not to mention not as agile as I once was lol..........any tips for old timers returning to a newer style of play or should I stick with what worked for me?
I played offense solely untill my early 20s, then gradually switched to goalie in leagues and now solely play goalie.
I was playing pick up regularly for 5 years averaging 2 to 3 times a week 2003 to 2008... i still have all my stuff and occasionally go to play but so out of shape now with extra weight and a bum left knee that was injured while playing a couple years ago...
plus all my gear is ancient and i'm stuck in this kind of hybrid stand up and crappy butterfly style. I've been thinking about bringing my stuff to the rink and just leaving it there.
Sorry to hear! Actually, goalie gear has come a long way from 2008! If you ever get the urge again, consider picking up some used modern gear. Used gear prices are far more reasonable then they every were before! Plus, a whole new set probably weighs half as much as your current "old school gear"! I suspect even upgrading to a older Vaughn V3-V5 would suit your hybrid style but sill feel familiar.
I've contemplated "retirement" on a few occasions, but have found a change in hockey scenery (whether that be a new team, new rink or new level of play) helps reset and allows me to continue enjoying the game!
VOGoalie thanks VOGoalie... pick up is to still readily available at one of the rinks here... my plan was to go the other night.. but I didn't get my fat butt in the truck.
I will try again. I'm a subscriber ... I like your videos! the pad selling ads video was funny.. I always hated the feet pics too lol ... Nick
Sweet! Let me know how it goes! My mantra for every skate is 1. don't get hurt and 2. have fun. If I can do both of those two things, regardless of how many goals I let up, it was a good skate!
Goalie Gare Bear here. Just wanted to say even though I've been playing inline and ice hockey since 1996, I just decided to become a goalie in 2017, at age 63. It's a whole other hockey world. I'm enjoying myself and improving every week. Medicare here I come. Parting comment: I've found it's not the hockey that's as important as the people I've met playing hockey.
Awesome! Welcome to the club! Great point, the locker room relationships on a hockey sqaud are second to none. And part of a goalie's success is being a good teammate! Glad to hear you found a new (awesome) way to enjoy the game!
@@VOGoalie i wanna play hockey but corona stopping me and we dont have ice anywhere. PLEASE HELP I BEG I LOVE THE SPORT AND WANNA PLAY
I started playing goalie about 6 weeks ago. At age 50! I began playing hockey at age 44. So I'm a later-in-life hockey player. I love it. I'm 6'3 220lbs so I take up a lot of the net, but learning how to move around on my pads is challenging to say the least. But as with any skill practice is the only way to improve.
It's also great motivation to keep myself in shape in order to reduce the risk of injury. Part of my morning workout routine focuses on core, hips, and groin strength.
Love your channel!
What timing, the day this was uploaded, i had my first skate at a stick and puck, I'm 13 but wanted to play goal since i was much younger. I'm really glad everything is working out! I can't believe your sub count isn't in 10,000's keep grinding and one day it will be
Congrats on getting on the ice! Sometimes I feel that if you get a little bit of a later start, you appreciate it more and it helps with your work ethic! Thanks for sharing your story and your kind words and encouragement!
I played goal for a couple of years in high school, and now I'm 41. 25 years later, and 60 lbs heavier, I'm about to get back in net and recapture my glory days. I am soooo stoked about it and can't wait to get on the ice again. I know goaltending has changed a lot since the 90s, and certainly the gear has, I am looking forward to learning the position all over again. Loved this video and loving the channel. Thanks for the encouragement.
That's awesome! I love hearing stories like this and I think you'll find a large portion of this channel's community was in the same boat as you. Definitely try to make my Daily Livestreams as you'll be able to connect in the chat with lots of others who have made this same translon or are in the midst of it!
I love ice hockey but have never played with a club. This year I've decided I'm doing it and playing as a goalie. Slowly getting all my gear . I'm so excited
I’m 13 and started playing goalie not even last year after playing defense for nine years and I made a tier one team my fist time trying out as a goalie
Hearing this is awesome. I started playing as a defenseman when I was 19. 12 years later I got bored with it and tried out goalie last week. It was probably the most fun I’d ever had on the ice. Knowing edge work and how to skate in general helped tons. I’m glad to hear somebody 18 years older than me is doing the same and sounds like he’s having just as much fun as I did.
this vid just solidified it for me... buying a full set. always wanted to play goal. im only 34 but im 6'4" with pretty quick reflexes . cant wait to start.
Awesome! Congrats and have fun!
Same here...but 11 yrs older and much shorter.
This is actually my favorite of your videos. I went to a pickup for the first time in a long time last night. This particular pickup there are three goalies. The other two last night were both really new but it was great watching them playing and making saves. I was hoping to get video of all three of us playing but my GoPro mount wouldn’t stick to the glass (grr). It was also great that the players, a mix of mid to upper mid range players playing at a level that allowed them to make saves and be part of the play and everyone was super up beat and supportive. Totally made my day.
I’ve said before that goaltending isn’t a position, it’s a calling. You either have to play goal or you end up playing somewhere else. There really isn’t anything in the middle.
Cheers,
I started goal when I was 14 and previously I’d been a winger but I’d wanted to do goalie since I started hockey (I’ve been playing since I was 6). I absolutely love my position and I wouldn’t go back to winger no matter what.
Can you do a video for new goalies on how to properly gear up? I've searched all over and there are some helpful videos, but a top to bottom guide on how to do everything from toe ties, to leg pads, to socks vs no socks, to tying your chesty to your pants/ or not, etc.
Thanks so much for your comment! While I didn't have this planned in my production schedule, let me see what I can do. The biggest thing is that everyone has their own individual preferences that it's hard to cover it all! But it would make for an interesting conversation as what everyone's preferences are. Thanks for the suggestion!
I live in Minnesota so I am lucky. Learning how to play goalie 🥅🏒at 30 years old. Just retired from regular job life.
Its never too late to start. Especially when you have a program near you like I do. At my local rink there is the "Never Ever League" where adults can take the 11 week course to learn to play hockey and at the end you play in your first game (complete with the anthem and team announcements). My goal right now is to get the gear I need and join the NEL to learn to play goalie (although I have to buy really cheap used gear bc money is super tight)
I just turned 16 and I’ve never played a organized sport before and hockey goalie looks really fun I’ve been going to free skates at my local ice rink and I’m having fun it seems fun to play on a team but I’m now at the age where in my school I’m too old to go on jv so I have to go on the varsity team and I’ve never played before so there’s probably not a chance I’ll make it matter a fact I don’t even have any equipment does anyone have any tips on how I should start out and like what to buy and where can I find leagues around me
Not my wife just a husband who loves playing Goal. I'm learning to butterfly slide from a former NHL goalie. I can finally do it. I have had a few obstacles in the process though. I'm 71. Survived leukemia, and have had both my hips replaced. I know it seems impossible but the amount of off ice work, skating, professional instruction and desire Are the keys. So if your young or old you can do it. I even got to play in a game against the USA woman's hockey team last January at their practice facility in Wesley chappel FL. What an exciting day. I even have pictures lol
Wow, what an awesome story! Thanks so much for sharing! Definitely inspiring! Way to preserve and enjoy the game! When I made this video, I wasn't sure how it would be received, but hearing everyone's personal journeys as been awesome! Thanks again for sharing and congrats on being the most senior (I think) member of the VOGSquad!
Thank you so much for this video!! My son is 10 and he’s behind the curve because he just started playing hockey. Most kids here in ND have been skating since they could walk. And he wants to try playing goalie! I played goalie when I played hockey so naturally I was stoked! So thank you! Gives me some hope for my son!
My name is Steve, and I'm returning to the crease after being away for about 15 years. I played goalie in an inline league in Colorado and Arizona, and was looking to get in an inline league where I live, but the only league in the area just folded last month. So, I've decided to try playing on ice. I've skated a couple of times now to get a feel for ice, and I'm looking forward to playing again. My driving motivator right now is to meet new people and have FUN! I know I'll never be a Patrick Roy or Martin Brodeur, but who cares? It's all about doing something that I enjoy...
Hey VOGoalie! Came across you channel and decided to give the TENDY thing a try at 48 years old!
I have played hockey for the past 12 years or so as a player (D and F positions) but NEVER Goalie.
Inspired by your Vids, I collected some old gear and showed up at our Old Guy Hockey to give it a Chance.
I also decided to Record the MAYHEM for kicks and hope to continue to play once or twice a week.
Hoping to improve and enjoyed the first skate. Thanks again for all the Vids and I've gotta say that:
"YOU ARE TOTALLY AWESOME BRO!" (My video is called "The Goalie Experiment" Tips Welcome ;)
Hey.... I'm a 59 years old guy who has Parkinson's... I've only played hockey as an adult, therefore I've always been a few strides behind the others who've played since being kids.... This year I tried to play goalie and I love it regardless of my lack of skills... I've got limited funds so it's been difficult finding newer equipment at fair prices... So I've gone out a few times and the 55+ crowd I play shinny with are very patient and mostly encouraging.... I'm having so much difficulty sliding and I don't get a chance to practice... You step on the ice and shinny starts.... No time to try sliding.... So, for now I just try to get though the 90 minutes ice time without embarrassing myself too much ... I wish I had attempted this many years ago....
Hey, I'm 3 years late on the comments, but like starting to play, it's never too late! A hip injury in a charity game that got outta hand left me unable to stride (I played D all my life). I had goal gear I had picked up for playing road hockey and decided to give the ice a try. I LOVED it! Joined a team at my work's league (40 team league). 2 years later we won the season championship. We were in a division of similar calibre players - the A guys would light me up! But I was able to compete on my level. Best part was: better goalies were supportive and offered advice. Better players didn't always try to make me feel stupid. As I progressed, they would up their attack they'd keep me saving about 30-40% (could've been 5% if they wanted). It is so much fun! I started at age 45. I'm 50 now, and it's one of the best things for keeping me mobile and from feeling like I'm 70 when I get out of bed! Everyone, get out and play!!
Decided to start at 15, while also in the south.. I'll update every so often, hockey is such an amazing sport and I just wish I started sooner. (And that it wasnt so expensive!)
I played street and roller from age 10 till about 20. Always wanted to get on the ice, but didn't have the chance. Now at the ripe old age of 45 I just did a 6 week session for adult ice hockey beginners. I played as a forward just to get my skating skills up. Not like I had never ice skated before, just hadn't played ice hockey. It was a blast and I'm definitely a much better skater because of it. We did a lot of good drills, it wasn't just playing around with no structure. I'm currently in the process of getting goalie gear together so I can get back in the crease where I belong. It's never too late. 🤘
I'm 33 from ontario Canada and just started in net this year for shinny and for my work league team for practices. Tomorrow will be my first actual game for another team in our league. Should be interesting
Love it. I played goal through college and stopped due to hip issues. I am now 41. My doctor said my hip is in fine shape now, and I am clear to strap on the pads again. I was at Play It Again Sports the next day buying pads and contacted three leagues to register as a sub. My area is starving for goalies, so they were stoked I reached out, as they normally have to recruit defensemen to sub. It's never too late to start (or restart in my case). Most of the players on the ice will just be happy to have more than an open net to shoot at and will take it easy on you as you work your way in.
Hei. Im writing from Europe from small country Estonia. Found your channel as I bought custom "38+1,5" RG4 pro combo and before doing it was just searching from the YTube about them. So...my story is: Im 46 now and I have doing all kind of sports in my life so my hart belongs to sport. In one point I didnt want to run and jump anymore so I quit basketball and volleyball and did no sport a few years. But I followed all offcource from TV from sofa 😁Then suddenly I saw from one of our magazine a story of amateur hockey in Estonia getting more and more popular in our country . I even didnt know that it exist here. So I did some search and found one club in 2015 who said you are welcome to try and there it started. As Im 6'4" then I started as defender but then 2016 I needed to go change my left hip as I felt a lot of pain. After the surgery I trained my leg to good condition and after 3 months I was back on Ice. Then in 2017 I changed the other hip to make better balance 😁. Again after 3 month of hard training in gym I was able to return to ice. When you play as a player then you offcourse get some hits sometimes even you are 6'4" and 254lb and then you fell to the hip offcource. So one day we had short of one goalie and I made a try and that was it. Sold. Fantastic. Totally differend view to the game😀 And from 2018 nov. I play as a nr 2 Goalie in our amateur team and Im so happy. I also figured out that it much more secure for me than play as a player. Here I go to the ice if I want and when I want but as a defender somebody usually force you go down 😁. As here is no such tall goalies as Iam so I got a nickname as a "GODZILLA" goalie. So never too late I can tell that too and so happy that I got chance to play hockey in our incredible team with those great new buddys and that I made desission to be a goalie. No better feeling to make some nice saves 👍. Thanks for your channel and rewiews. Y are great. Your fan from other side of the world🤘
I'm 30. Have always wanted to play goal, but I lack the money and hip flexibility to do it. But, screw it. Next time I have two grand lying around I'm buying some leg pads! Now to backwards skate!
Hey Wayne and Mike, I have told my story before but seems appropriate to retell my tale here:
I started playing hockey at 4 years old in a Northern, Ontario community with a population of 500. My idol as a kid was Ken Dryden of the Montreal Canadien and he still is although I have others. I wanted to be just like him when I grew up. As a player back then I switched back and forth from defence to goal. We moved to Manitoba when I was 9 and I played in league there with aspirations of making the NHL one day. I played defence mainly there but I got to play goal one night when my teams goalie didn't show and nobody else want to put on the pads. I got a shutout against my cousin's team which was top in the league. We moved again when I was 12 and my parents no longer supported my desire to play because "I might get hurt" and "the equipment is too expensive". So I lay dormant for 2 decades. I became a Police Officer in 1995 and here in Canada if you are a cop you had best have at least an interest in hockey if you do not already play. Well a few years in, after being injured on duty (broke both bones in my left arm during a foot pursuit... we caught the suspect though) I went out and bought myself used equipment (ancient brown leather Cooper pads, blocker and catcher) mostly and asked the league organizers to be able to play. As Wayne says, "Goalies are always needed". I was now 32 and my first outings were not the best to be honest but I was happy to be out there again. Eventually, I joined a Goalie School to regain and improve my skills so I could feel better about myself when I played. I also started playing almost 5 days a week with various shinny and pick-up groups and I was getting good. I left the Police Service in 2004 and in 2012 I was forced to leave the game due to undiagnosed pain in my legs that was making me inflexible. Finally after a half-dozen doctors I finally got a definitive answer last year, Severe Osteo Arthritis, which would require full hip replacement for both hips. I have had the replacement surgery on the left and I will be getting the right done later this year. I AM going to return to playing my favourite game and my favourite position and I am already online looking up pricing for new equipment. No matter what any player says about how you play and no matter whether you play well or not so well, if you are NOT playing in the NHL, the only thing that matters is that you HAVE FUN! If you get any flack from a player that you "sucked" just remind them that instead of having a real, live person in goal they could be playing against a jersey hung over the crossbar or just an empty net, which do you think they prefer. I am glad to know that I am not the only old-timer who wants to pick up the game in between the pipes again. Good on you Mike. I am 53 now and I will likely be 54 or 55 before I can play goal again due to time to fully recover from my hip replacements but I WILL play again and maybe we will be at opposite ends some day, I would love to meet both of you.
I started goalie when I was 14 and before that I was a winger. For backstory, when I started hockey I wanted to become a goalie but my parents discouraged it (thanks mom and dad 🙄) and so I became a winger. I became a goalie because one year my team didn’t have a goalie and no one wanted to do it so I went, “how hard could it be?” (HA I THOUGHT IT WOULD BE EASY!!)And I volunteered. It was very strange for me to change from a position I had been playing for almost 10 years to something totally new. I couldn’t really transfer many skills I had as a winger over to goalie so it was like learning hockey all over again from a different perspective. I also had to catch up to the kids who had been playing the position for many years. It was very difficult at first (still is!) but I enjoyed every step of the way. The moment I think I fell in love with the position and knew that I wanted to continue the rest of my hockey career as a goalie was my first game in net. Long story short we won 3-2 and I realized that I’d had more fun in that game than I ever had as a winger. This season will be my third season as a goalie. There are still a lot of things that I have to learn like getting more comfortable on my non dominant leg, my glove saves, my power pushes, etc. But I really love what I do and I wouldn’t trade it for anything else. I started rather young compared some of the people commenting on this video, but I’d say whether you’re an experienced hockey player, new to the sport, and no matter your age, try goalie, you might find that you really enjoy it!
I played goal playing street hockey from when I was 11-12 to when I was maybe 18-19, around 15 my mom asked if I wanted to play seriously. I shied away, as I was very unsure of my skating ability, and fear of being complete trash, and well, in that, never ended up doing it.
But I'm only 26 now, and really consider getting an old set and trying it out. It's funny, because when you find enjoyment in goaltending of any kind, it seems to extend. I'm a part time keeper in soccer, and have found a strange amount of fun in keeping any sort of object out of a goal.
Just started playing hockey myself and started as a player but ive always wanted to play goal. Genuinely debating on the switch and this helped my decision a lot
I think a LOT has to do with athletic ability. I didn't start playing till I was 27, and goal when I was 30. I went on to win 7-8 beer league championships and played in the A and B league after starting in the adult learn to play hockey division. You get out what you put in to it as well.
I never was able to play hockey growing up, and when I turned 30 I decided to buy some gear and try my hand at playing. I showed up at a shinny afternoon skate at the local arena and my first shot I took was from a 6 or 7 year old who burned me top cheddar. That winter I went each week accumulating some rubber marks on my pads but I kinda knew if I wanted to actually get to beer league level I needed some help. I found a goalie camp the next summer, and signed up. It was awesome but a little humbling when I was placed in a class with young kids, and they basically ended up teaching me how to skate and how to drop into butterfly. I ended up attending 2 more camps the following years progressing to being with an intermediate class. I began amazing myself with how well my butterfly slides and recoveries had progressed, and suddenly I had teams calling. I’m 36 now, and frankly I’m a goalie now as opposed to an enthusiastic amateur, but believe with guidance, anyone can play the position.
My wife and I have recently made a choice to make a life change and move to NWT. I gave up my 15 year position and in the waiting months thought I would buy some 2nd hand gear to start this new life right. After being so excited and trying on everything the day was coming to go play some shinny. Alas, another lock down. I still have months to go until the move but I am so amped for next Thursday!! I will be that dude so excited to finally play and I hope everyone on the ice has the same good vibes. Thanks for the tale!
Im probably gonna start hockey after quarantine. I’m only 13. If you guys have any tips to start can you let me know.
I’m a 36 year old woman and I can’t wait to play my first game or even just get to practice. I have loved this sport since I was kid. I still have my old Coyotes jersey from the first game my grandfather took me too.
It's never too late. I started at 35. It took about 5 years to be able to properly execute the butterfly. Now 20 years later at 55 I'm playing mostly stand-up and enjoying the game as much as ever.
34 y/o airborne infantry army veteran, broke my back in the past and just had a c spine surgery before Christmas and am wanting to learn to play goalie. Wasnt sure if that would be doable for me or not.
When they say it’s never to late to start playing goalie I can attest to it. I’m 64 and I started playing goalie last year. I started skating when I was a teen and skated till my early 20s then I stopped. During a century bike ride I was talking with a fellow biker who said she played hockey and I should get back into it. That was all I needed so I went to a second hand sports store and bought my hockey gear. I joined a local hockey club and started playing again. They always had a problem getting goalies and one of the guys suggested I should try it. So I went back to the sports store and got a used set of pads.
Awesome! Welcome to the Club! Always great to hear stories like yours! Thanks for sharing and here's to lots of years between the pipes!
Started at 53 with stick and puck got asked to spare from there. By the next year I was playing fulltime for a league team. At 58 now I play 2 to 3 times a week and officiate another 2 to 4 times a week. I am having a blast and so glad I took the chance to give it a try.
I haven't played net since I was 9 and now I'm 15 and my school team needs a goalie so I volunteered and now I'm scared for my life 😂
I doubt you’ll see this but I’ve always been around hockey my whole life. My brother played and I grew up with it. I started actually playing myself a year ago and I’m 19 now. I finally got full skater gear but always wanted to play goalie too. I play for a floor hockey pick up team and do well there but always wanted to try goalie seriously. I’m not sure what kind of gear to get and how to get started
I’m 24 year old hockey fan who never played in any league but I’ve played a lot when I was a kid and teenager playing outside only, I feel like I would really go back playing in maybe a garage league (I’m a goalie), this video is getting me really hype about the idea 💡!
I really won't to start hockey being goalie. I've played 1 time and I've loved it but I'm 15 and poeple say that it is maybe too late. I'm still gonna try to find a team or a camp to begin because I just love hockey hoping I'm not so bad and go farther.
Wayne;
Love your videos. I am in my 3rd year back playing after a 34 year hiatus. Style is completely different from when I stopped playing, but my butterfly slides are finally getting better (thanks to your video on how to do them).
Again, THANKS!!
I started playing goal when I was 40, after having only played forward up until then. I'm now 48 and have never looked back! One concussion, one broken index finger and two meniscus tears certainly means it has taken its toll, lol, but I still love to play! The first games and season were a bit terrifying and a steep learning curve, but I hope that I continue to make small improvements with each year. Maybe I'll never be a spectacular goalie, but the switch came at a time when I was just ready to give up playing, so it reinvigorated my love for the game. Thanks for posting these awesome, and honest, videos!
Thanks so much for sharing your story! It's great to hear how the game can evolve over the course of one's playing "career"! Once you come over to the Dark Side, there's no going back! Thanks for your comment!
Haha my name is Mike I am 49 and I just started to goal tend lol it’s like you were telling my story
I'm 50 and have not played net for over 30 years ..... well here I am back in net 4 games in and loving it
hi Vo Wayne thanks for all the awesome vids im 30 and just stared inline goalie and ice for a social league and I love it but I'm not the best skater and have been told I shouldn't be a goalie beause im not a good skater and im to old what are your thoughts thanks for the reply and any advice on doing up pads
I did, and wow, what a difference! The guy who did my profile said that they were around a 28 ft radius. While I was getting them done I wound up finding a great deal on a new pair that felt super comfortable! So, now my used skates can be my backups! Thanks for the advice again, Wayne! - Mike
BTW VOGoaile, I love your channel and respect your opinion/advice! Thank you for sharing your knowledge base! Cheers
Thanks...I had almost talked my self out starting back after 17 years lol.
I really wanna start playing goal buut... i dont really have the money for it its really expensive
Cujo started playing goal at age 10! Which proves it's never too late to start!
I’m 30 and I’m going to start now, I’ve played out for about a decade
I’m 12 and I’m wondering if it’s too late to start, while mikes here 49
I want to play goalie so bad but it’s expensive and I don’t know how to tell my dad I want to play
Iam 15 and i want to start but my parents don’t allow me to cause they think it is a phase and it is too late
Hey Wayne, are you based in Boston? I’ve watch a ton of your videos and this is the first Boston reference I’ve herd. I just started playing goalie for the first time in 19 years, love your videos, and I’m located in the Boston area. I also do film work, and yes, we hire VO talent for some videos
Ha, awesome! Welcome back to the game! As a voice actor, that's the highest compliment if you didn't realize I'm in the Boston Area! I guess I could have said "buttah-fly" lol! Feel free to contact me anytime for vo or if you just want to talk goalie!
the goalie in the video has only played twice in his life?
At 62 I still love playing net when it comes playing
Your channel is great! I never got to play ice hockey as a kid, and I'm Canadian...ya I know lol. In 2002 at 25 I decided I wanted to play goalie, had some custom equipment made to fit me. 2011 Sold it thinking I was done. Regretted it. Recently thought I wanted to get back in net, so I searched online for some used equipment.
"Hey this guy is selling Louisville pads and right hand trapper just like my old equipment. Ok...Vic blocker left hand just like my old...oh and the bag is familiar...THAT'S MY old equipment!"
Even the jersey, THE JERSEY is mine, I cut the right sleeve short because it interfered with the trapper.
I don't know how many times it changed hands and the guy selling couldn't believe it, I got my equipment back!
Now at 42 I went out and played pickup, with upgraded pads and I was hurting using muscles that hadn't been used in a decade. I thought maybe I shouldn't Be playing then watched this video.
Another thing, I was walking though the rink and there was a game on, my friend pointed to one of the goalies and said "I know that guy, played with him before, he's 80!"
Thanks so much for sharing your story! Hilarious about your true loves finding their way back to you lol! Glad to hear you've gotten back out there!
Hey Wayne, I went to my first sticks and pucks last night. It was my first time skating in full pads since I was 12 (I'm 38 now), and third time on goalie skates. I felt very limited in my mobility. Can you think of any resources for getting more comfortable with goalie skates? I'm a good skater in player skates, so it was extremely frustrating feeling unsure of how to do what my mind knew it needed to do. My fitness level needs work too, but that's just work I need to do! lol Thanks in advance. - Mike
Hey Mike! Thanks for your comment! Did you get your goalie skates profiled? Coming from player skates, the longer goalie blades can feel awkward with the factory radius. It might help to get a custom radius on your goalie skates to help make that transition. Hope this helps!
Checking in: 43 and a beginner for the 2nd time. It’s an inspiring and humbling endeavor. The acceptance and encouragement I receive on the ice and in the locker room is remarkable. Yet another beautiful aspect of the game.
I love the feeling of shutting down anyone anytime, goalie is awesome! Stack those pads mate
Hey! Great Video I myself also just starting to play goalie in my university/hobby team in germany. I just skated hobby-wise but never played ice hockey or did goalie in my life ^^. This Sunday is the first time and watching your video pretty much relaxed me much more and I am looking forward to stand in the net :D
P.S Looking forward to your new videos :D
Awesome! Welcome to the club and enjoy every minute of playing goal! Thanks so much for your comment! #VOGSquad
Allright yesterday was a lot of fun I was thrown into the cold water by the other main goalie and did some saves already every minute was amazing and I wish I could stayed longer gonna keep ya all updated! :D Thanks for making those videos they are motivating me to keep moving forward! @@VOGoalie
Just put on goalie gear for the first time 2 days ago at age 54, accomplished hockey player but always wanted to try goalie. Wow new found respect, this won't be easy but I am already trying to learn the finer points and can't wait to get out for my second session. Thanks for sharing the tutorials. Boom
Awesome! Welcome to the Dark Side! Nice to hear from (former) skaters and their perspectives! Glad you found my channel and enjoy a new way to play the game you love!
I started playing ice and roller hockey, at the same time, about 7 years ago. I always loved hockey, but now I can't get enough of it. I just started a RUclips channel, (Goalie Mania) a little while ago. I was wondering if you would like to do a collaboration sometime?
Thanks for sharing! Once you get hooked, there's no going back! Def down when the collaborating! Shoot me an email with any ideas you might have!
Sweet video I’m 31 played hockey my whole life but never tried goal . I picked up some used goal equipment this year went to a drop in same as “mike” put the pads on went out and let in 30 of 50 shots haha . All that being said i loved your comment about forgetting to have fun ... I’ve played out so long I almost felt like it was a job at times . Since then I’ve slowly upgraded my goal gear and keep going to the drop ins now letting in 12 of 50 shots having so much fun . Couldn’t believe the fun I had letting in 30 goals first time I played 😀
Awesome! Thanks for sharing your story and welcome to the Club! It's always great to hear of skaters who switch over! Glad to hear you're enjoying your new found passion!
I am about to turn 42, and I have never even ice skated before. I really want to play hockey, and goalie in particular, but I am super nervous about it. I am not in the best physical shape (280lbs). But this video has really made me want to get out there and try. There is a beginner learn to play league in my city and I might look into their winter session.
Go for it. I'm 23 in the same situation, but I've been going to the local skate rink to practice skating and I'm going to be signing up for a beginner league pretty soon. Best of luck!
NOPE! I played roller hockey for years but when I moved to Maryland it wasnt as popular where I was. My choices were to either not play anymore or try ice hockey. Needless to say, a team needed a goalie and the season started two weeks later. Ive done well and made really great improvements in the three seasons i've played for them considering I've never received any formal coaching. I started playing goalie for ice hockey at 34.
Awesome! Thanks for sharing your story! Great job making that transition! I bet sliding on ice took some adjusting! Thanks for your comment! You rock!
Awsome, my 5 year old decided he wants to be a full time goalie and hes pretty good as he often gets asked to play up in his 8year old brothers league, as we have a rink at home I figured I'd get a set of gear and help him and learn along with him, I'm 39 and beside a few games in pewee hockey never played goalie but never too late, I got an older set of nike/bauer vapour xxxpro pads and gloves with mixed chesty, pants and mask, was on the ice today for 1st time it was a blast
Awesome! Love hearing family stories like this (and a little jealous if your home rink!). Thanks for sharing and have fun this winter!
Im 9 and i won my first game after i wached this
That is so cool that you can start playing at a old age
Hey I'm in the buffalo area and strapped on the pads for the first time in a league. I play roller now but I'm learning how to skate and once I do I'm going right to ice. If you get a chance check out the video on my channel called two pad stack. It might make you laugh.
Awesome! If you love roller, you'll love ice too! Let me know how the transition is! Great Pad Stack btw! And I'm sorry for the Sabres... J/K!
Started playing last year at age 45, 46 and in season 2 and loving it! Admittedly the first few games were tough and questionable, as time went on I started getting a bit more comfortable. I actually played out last night and was wishing I was protecting the house. But now I really watch the goalies and how they move to learn techniques and such. But I have been missing out, it's such a rush!!!!
Awesome! Thanks for your comments and sharing your story!
Just started playing goal I am 73,have played hockey without a gap since 8 years old.
Wow, that's amazing! Welcome (finally) to the club!
I’m trying out goalie in a couple days for the first time and I just started playing hockey 3 years ago it’s gonna be a trip
I haven't played since I was 9 im 15 now and my school team doesn't have a goalie so I volunteered and now I'm scared
I feel to young to be watching this video every one is like above 20 and iam 11
Thanks for your Comment! Sounds like a great age to start playing goal!
Just like my story: but 57!
Thanks for this video. I played as a teenager and just because of life and stuff like college (no money to replace necessary gear or team at my college). Flash forward here I am in my late 30s with my son picking up the game so I decided to stop talking about how much I miss playing and do something about it. It’s the end of the season and as you’ve said in another video you know what that means... clearance! Couple that with a discount my local shop gave for purchasing a full setup and I finally jumped on. So I’ve been looking at my equipment while hitting some public skates to break in my new skates and thinking to myself “Can I really do this? I used to be decent but I’m gonna look like a noob now...” Thanks because this video was the last push I needed to hit a pickup game next week and just get out there and do it!
Where do you skate in the north east?
I started playing last year, I'm 47 now and I'm loving finally getting to play.
Awesome!
That’s awesome man! 👏🏻
Man this is so encouraging. I am 29, played for a year for a really bad beer league team where 90% of the players had never played before held up by a few really good veterans. I ended up starting keeper with no experience before I joined. Played a year, moved away. Now tonight for the first time in two years I'm padding up again to train with a new more established team. I've been nervous af, I've not skated for two years. But this story reminded me how much fun it is and settled a lot of my nerves. Cheers dude.
49 years old here and have not played in 9 years and getting ready to play in net for a Tourney next weekend. Talk about NERVOUS!
I played beer league hockey for about 15 years and it wasn't until near the end of those I decided I wanted to try getting in net. Being good friends with a goalie, he said "Awesome, here's my gear, get in net". I did and had so much fun. Played in net for about 10 games before life change sent me off to the desert back in 2010 and really had not had the opportunity to get back on the ice since.
When I got back in 2013, I saw my friend was selling some of his equipment, so I got with him and pretty much got and entire set for $500. He just kept giving me more and more stuff, even a new glove, blocker and helmet he bought and didn't like (Except Pants and Sticks...skates were added in). I spent that and never even got on the ice after that purchase......
Fast forward to July 2019 (Germany), the wife and I were at a military "Mall" and there was a group at a table wearing hockey jerseys and were looking for people to sign up. Walked past them going in thinking they were looking for teens, but on the way out we re-read the sign and it said from 16 years on up, with any play or no experience. After talking with the guys I signed up, let them know I had not put skates on in 9 years, next thing I know they are asking if I can play goalie in an upcoming tourney. So excited but yet so nervous. I am out of hockey shape, never even wore the gear I am about to play in, and am out of hockey shape (and I need to figure out how to put it all on again! lol)
Awesome story! Thanks for sharing! I sometimes think of goaltending like riding a bike.. you still know how to ride regardless of the specific bike and then after a little while, you just remember! Good luck, sounds like it will be a blast!
Have fun bud.. I'm 41, hadn't played in over 15 years due to concussions... I recently moved to Finland from Canada and I just got back on the ice recently.. It was awesome! Even managed a kinda "scorpion save" with my back turned to the shooter first time out 😅 Robbery feels so good 😁😅 Have fun, there really is no better game 😁
Wayne, love your videos! All I've ever played is goalie... Born in Buffalo, NY big idol Roger Crozier! I last played hockey in my mid to late 20's... I just turned 62 and now live in Rochester, NY and have just started playing again! I love it! Toughest thing I am learning is acclimating to newer equipment and playing so much of the game in your knees... My muscle memory is still to stand up as much as I can instead of on my knees and sliding back and forth... But I am learning, kind of like a hybrid style! Anyway, thanks for the great information and the comments by other goalies!
I stoped playing in my 20s. Just picked up playing 5 years ago. I’m 45 and it’s never to late. Although definitely could use a goalie coach to fix some stuff.
Hello any tips to help me stay square to the puck? I'm struggling with this. Thank you
For me, if I'm fighting the puck, I like to bring it back to basics, like maintaining visual attachment to really help me focus on the puck. Sometimes we worry about passes or zone coverage or even the puck carrier's handedness, but if we can maintain laser focus on the puck, that generally helps keep you in position. Also following the shot right into your body (maintaining visual attachment) helps control rebounds and second chances.
Side note, this is one of the reasons I don't like taking too many warm up shots. I personally have a bad habit of not following the puck through to my body (mostly because on more than one occasion, players are shooting multiple pucks at me...) Hope some of this helps!
@@VOGoalie thank you!