Senior Hockey Players: The 6 Stages

Observations on senior hockey gamers from an growing older defenseman

By Invoice Wagner

Beforehand revealed. (This text initially seems on Beer League Inc. Take a look at their kick-ass podcast! They’re on iTunes, Google Play, and Spotify.)

Senior Hockey Gamers: The 6 Levels

Stage 1

Usually, a man contemporary out of juniors, school and even the minors. Nonetheless has that higher-level capability that every one groups search to win league championships. You’ll hear issues like “that man is sick”; “nice fingers”; “bullet shot”; or “younger legs.” Doesn’t have a pot to piss in so don’t anticipate any monetary contribution from this man. In actual fact, you’ll be fortunate to ever see him carry beer—or a towel to bathe with for that matter. Nobody cares, particularly the Stage 5 senior hockey gamers (see beneath).

Stage 2

That mid- to late-20s man. Been across the league for a number of years and is beginning to discover ways to play as a senior hockey participant (truly passing and never attempting to do it your self). Nonetheless has these “contemporary legs” and may very well have a job now, which is sweet. Hassle is brewing right here as a result of they both simply have or shall be eager about getting married (see Stage 3). Might not at all times need to, however has the flexibility to pay his league payment. Might be counted on to carry beer often as nicely. These are good occasions.

Shield your self with a Neck Safety jersey

Stage 3

Often in his early to mid-30s. Nonetheless has loads of capability however is cracking underneath the pressure of life. Children are younger and demanding, spouse is pissed that you’re gone an excessive amount of as it’s, and also you notice it’s a must to rise up for work within the morning. Going dwelling with a black eye or fats lip once more simply doesn’t go over nicely at that huge presentation you’ve got tomorrow. This man will decide to the staff, pay the payment, after which change into usually unreliable. Generally you’ll hear “who’s the brand new man?” when he walks into the locker room after a number of absences.

Stage 4

Uh oh, what occurred to my “silky mitts,” my “contemporary legs”? Why can I do know what to do however my physique can’t do it anymore? These are exhausting occasions for many senior hockey gamers. You’re in your late 30s or early 40s and the crushing affect of life and growing older have lastly taken its toll. You’re most likely closely concerned in teaching your youngsters so these 10pm or later sport occasions are killers. You are likely to do loads of apologizing—“Sorry about that purpose, guys; my fault”; “Sorry, that was my man within the slot”; “Sorry, I shouldn’t have pinched once more that late within the sport.” You already know all of the common beer league excuses.

Stage 5

That is the mid- to late-40s man. His skills are fading quick and he is aware of it. Has cash and should even sponsor the staff as a result of that’s actually the one means they nonetheless allow you to play. He’ll carry beer, meals; purchase jerseys—no matter it takes to hold on to that final fleeting second of glory enjoying with the higher guys. Was the go-to man for the facility play or the “final minute of the sport” man, however now volunteers to sit down so the Stage 1 and a couple of guys can get on the market and win it. Has change into a clutch-and-grab artist and a hack as a result of that’s the solely solution to cease these younger youngsters. This can be a significantly unhealthy stage if you’re a goaltender. The minute you stroll out of the locker room, the entire staff is scheming of the way to get a brand new, youthful man in internet.

Stage 6

An finish and a starting on the identical time. That is the purpose the place it’s lastly time to maneuver to the “previous man” division and say goodbye to the “open” division perpetually. Children are grown; the spouse now not cares if you’re dwelling or not. Most likely enjoying on 3 or 4 groups simply to get out of the home. Sits and drinks beer with the fellas telling previous tales till the wee hours of the morning, as a result of he both doesn’t care what his boss thinks or is the boss. These are good occasions and your new dwelling till you determine to hold them up fully.

Ultimate Ideas

Anybody who performs or has performed the sport can absolutely perceive and admire these levels. Regardless of how good you might be or the place you performed, “All roads result in senior hockey” and that’s OK. Hockey is an incredible sport and there’s a league and degree for everybody, no matter age or capability.

I hope you all benefit from the sport as a lot as I’ve as a result of it has introduced many moments of pleasure to my life. I can inform you that profitable that “35 and Over” championship feels simply pretty much as good as that huge match once you had been 9 or something in between. I salute all of my fellow senior hockey gamers on the market, younger and previous. Preserve enjoying for the love of the sport and the lifelong friendships you’ll construct alongside the way in which.

If you wish to take a stroll down reminiscence lane, do you keep in mind these?