ncaa play

**Raptor** · 02-26-2003, 07:51 PM

I've been playing street hockey for the past 12 years, but I've never had the chance to play on a team. Now that I'm a sophomore at Michigan, I'm considering trying out for the team next year. I have two questions though.

I know there's no checking in roller hockey, however it's still hockey, so there's obviously a physical component involved. Being that I'm about 5'8" and 130lbs, would this be a serious factor? I'm fast and I've got good hands (shot could use some work [img]/wtimages/icons/wink.gif[/img]), but the size thing has me concerned.

My second question is one of pads. Most are optional but what is suggested? I've already got shin and shoulder pads, but should I consider a girdle and elbow pads as well?

Thanks for any and all help. It's much appreciated!

**DannyG** · 02-26-2003, 08:17 PM

Dude...go for any opportunity you can...

Gotta tell ya, however, nobody in this discussion group has a clue as to your ability, based on what you have told us...

my guess, and that's all it is, is that you would benefit from playing in a novice/intermediate rec league prior to your attempting to play in a competitive collegiate intra- or inter-mural environment...

Frankly, if you are not yet familiar with the equipment, when and where it is required, and what the optional considerations might be for the level of play you are hoping toward, then you are not ready to play in a competitive situation...

not trying to make you feel bad here, but based on how you have (and I applaude your forthrightness and honesty) described your situation, you need to get into rec hockey first...immerse yourself and ask these same questions of the more experienced players you meet...do one heckuva lot of work, and you'll be ready in "a while.."

good luck! and, if you are willing to do the work, you will achieve your goals...

**noledefenseman** · 02-26-2003, 10:09 PM

i would def get a girdle w/ built in cup, ccm makes a nice one,and id wear elbow pads but i dont wear shoulder pads ive played 3 years FISHL (Florida Inline Scholastic Hockey League...South Florida's H.S league) and ive been okay without the shoulder pads...size shouldnt be too big a deal if u got some finesse...im only 5'7 but i weigh 160#..however i used to be only like 5'5 1/2 and 140 when i started and i took some hits n i dished ALOT out and i havent broken anything yet but if u arent used to high competition play in a competitive yet not too hardcore 18+ league maybe or play pickup with some of the michigan players sometime

**fryer98** · 02-27-2003, 08:19 AM

also, roller hockey has NOTHING to do with ncaa.

**Raptor** · 02-27-2003, 01:56 PM

DannyG: No, you're right. I'm going to join a summer league here in Ann Arbor so I can get familiar with everything - I've been an outdoor street & ball guy all my life, so I've got to get used to the surface, the puck, etc. I picked up a puck last week, and I've been stickhandling in the hall with it (much to my RA's displeasure), so the puck shouldn't be an issue. The biggest difference has been the weight.

As for the equipment, I have an idea of what I'm going to use. I nearly destroyed my elbow a few weeks ago when I fell ice skating, so I think I'll be taking up the elbow pads. I think I'm going to go with the girdle as well (mostly for tailbone and hip support, I've had a few nasty falls in the street on those :P). However, I'm going to play a few pickup games at arenas around here before I make a final decision on either.

noledefenseman: I never thought of that. I'll get in touch with a few of them. Thanks

fryer98: Errr.. *ahem* I knew that. I swear. *shifty eyes* It's the CRHA. I've got that clear now :P

And so the training continues...

**DannyG** · 02-27-2003, 02:42 PM

it sounds like you're going to get where you want to eventually, and maybe sooner than later...

I have a feeling that when you get into your first competitive situation, your first reaction is going to be "holy enchiladas, what am I doing here..." Please take that as a compliment, only the truly aware individuals even see what the level of play is around them, let alone place themselves correctly in it...You sound like a very aware indivudal, so keep on keepin' your eyes open, and plan on your road to being a high level player being a lot of hard work (hallways included).

And I must tell you that you in turn, have inspired me as well (sometimes the hockey gods make these things happen)...after three seasons in a row of being just barely good enough to be drafted into our local elite league here, the DannyG fan club received devastating news on Tuesday night: DannyG was not drafted onto any of the teams for the Spring season...all DannyG fans around the world are supremely bummed...

When the emotions calmed down, and DannyG faced the press, he reasoned thus: "As I have supposed out loud before this, we have had several young, skilled players come into the adult division. The four captains each went with a minimal roster this time, which takes four more slots out of the running. Next season (the summer), when we move to the new rink, the roster slots will increase by two on each team. If I work real hard, especially on my skating yet even more, then I hope to have a chance to get back on a team."

So, Raptor, I'll be out there on the blue floor, chuggin' right along with you, working my butt off, trying to get back up to the show (at least the show, as far as our local scene). I'll also be skating in both our Rec and Novice leagues, to get myself "re-evaluated" for possible inclusion in the elite draft in May.

Keep in touch, let us know how you are progressing. Don't let any setback daunt you. Stay stalwart in your path, and persevere...

Frankly, you undertaking your task has given me inspiration for me to take up this new one for myself. It would have been easy for me to give in to my age, and use it as an excuse to not work hard, so let's go get this together...

-Dan

**missionhockey21** · 02-27-2003, 03:24 PM

Yeah good luck man, you'll be suprised at the results you'll see after a few intense weeks of training.

**paddymac** · 03-03-2003, 03:17 PM

Raptor

Shoot me an email at [email protected] and I can help you out with some of these things and tell you more about Michigan's team.

Pat McCullough
Chief Operating Officer
University of Michigan Roller Hockey Club

**Raptor** · 03-04-2003, 04:01 AM

Sounds good. I'll find time tomorrow to take care of it. As of right now though, the only thing on my mind is sleep. Homework had its way with me today.

**bonesy21** · 03-04-2003, 04:07 AM

hey paul bunyan

dont you have to go knit a flannel, or chop down a treap, ohh and maybe trim that beard of yours? cuz your dumb, and lord knows, everyone knows that you love to take baths with your rubber ducky and your "ironhead, whats with this thingy" fuffy-lookin bath sponge? so i dunno if i would take advice from this man named fryer, cuz hes a rough and tumble kinda guy, and he loves to check people and have fist-i-cuffs with dante...lol, those were some good ones...but who knows...raptor, you can wear a girdle if it gets rough out there, but no you dont ever have to wear a girdle if you dont want to, and i think youd get shot if you wore shoulder pads...but elbows are a definite, and so are shin-gaurds...good luck to you homes, and i will see you next year.

bonesy
Michigan state roller hockey

**Raptor** · 03-04-2003, 04:08 AM

Yeah for inspiration! Best of luck in your endeavors, DannyG

With the right amount of work, you can pull off anything.

I'm heading up to a rink this Friday to get a feel for the floor - hopefully with just my wheels and not not say, my tailbone

**Raptor** · 03-04-2003, 04:22 AM

"... i think youd get shot if you wore shoulder pads ..."

Haha, I'll keep that in mind. I kind of like my body the way it is - without a bullet in it. And next year? Definitely looking forward to it.

**Colby39** · 03-10-2003, 12:02 AM

Dude, definitely get elbow pads, w/ bicep protection if you can find some that don't restrict mobility, and, as a defensiveman, I LOVE having a girdle. I got one of the cheap Mission ones, and it works like a charm. I'm 5'9" 165lbs. and play WCRHL for UCSB. And, above all else, work on skating faster and w/ more agility, cuz a defender can neither check you nor strip you if he's starin at your ass smokin by him...

Lemieux fan 4 life