Goalie wanna-be!

VanNuxter · Squirt Joined: 27 Jul 2010 Posts: 1 Location: Vancouver

Hey,

I've never played hockey in my life before but want to start. I'm 25. I'm pulled towards playing goalie, I love the position, can't keep my eyes off the crease when watching games, but have a few questions... Would it be best to start as a player and then switch to goalie once I've gotten a hang of the game, or would it be best to start off in goal right away? If best to start as a player, what would help me more, forward or D?

Also, anyone know where I could find adult goalie training for beginners in Vancouver? Either during hockey season or in the off-season would work. And should I get proper training first, or try to figure some things out on my own first?

Thanks

PensHockeyFan · Posted: Thu Aug 12, 2010 9:42 pm Post subject:

Since being a goalie is expensive, I would start by purchasing some equipment. If you want to spend the money for both player stuff and goalie stuff, that can really start to eat at your wallet! Being in Vancouver, you might have really good luck finding some great used stuff to get started with. If you frequent the local rinks or know some of the guys who regularly play, you might be able to try some different equipment on that has been broken in a bit to get a good fit. Pad size is important. There are a lot of different ideas about what the right pad height should be, but check the LHS in the area and try on as much stuff as you can. As for the training, I've never had "proper" training, just reading a lot on this and other forums, and playing as much as I can. If you learn to square up to the puck and not the player, you can stop 90% of your shots right there. Read everything, play A LOT and figure out what techniques work for you! And most of all HAVE FUN!!
_________________
Pens Win in 2009! Stanley Cup!