Local Rec Leauges

[SeeGeeWhy]

Hey Everyone,

I never played organized hockey growing up, but had a bunch of friends that did, so I usually just played shinny with them all the time. So my skill level is basically middle of the road. Decent skater, decent stickhandling, decent speed, decent passing, decent shot, crappy balance infront of the net! haha... you know, not impact, but not totally terrible.

Basically I never played because my parents couldn't afford it and didn't like the politics involved.

Anyways, now that I'm working I went out and bought a set of equipment for myself and signed up for some lessons at the U of C, which went alright.

The only problem is now I am looking for a rec league to join next season (this year was a bust... I couldn't find ANYTHING decent at my level).

All my friends are way faster than me and just have two more gears than me when we get on the ice and it's just 5 on 5... its not like pick-up shinny at the local outdoor rink at all. I can't keep up yet!

Anyone know of any good rec leagues that aren't insane for ice times so I can learn how to play a little better and keep fit in the winter? Any advice would help!

[STeeLy]

I honestly can't tell you much... since I really don't know... But there is a ASHL... Alberta Summer Hockey League... which quite a bit of people know about.

[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.