[StoneCole]

ASHL is a fine league, although even the lowest division is a decent level of hockey. I believe they have an individuals team that you may be able to play for. Contact the league for more info.

Another league is the WRAHL, it is very similar to ASHL. Look it up on the web.

U of C runs intramural leagues with individual teams as well. You don't have to be a student, although students are allowed to register one day before the general public. There are A, B, C divisions (C division is pretty low level hockey, but B is farily decent). They also have a contact division. Check out the U of C intramurals page for more details.

U of C also runs a summer league which I am not overly familiar with, but that I may join this year.

You say you're buddies are way faster. Playing on a team with them is actually not a bad idea, as I have seen many people start out playing at a level above them. I think they will all tell you it helped improve their game much quicker than would have the options you are looking at.