I had heard my co-workers talking about playing hockey for about two years. When the new league started up, there was an opening, and I inquired about playing. They were willing to take on a newbie, so I joined up. Bought me some gear and started to figure out this skating around with a stick thing.
While playing my first game, I quickly found out that I was struck with "Falling Down Disease" anytime the puck came near me. Something about the brain and the skates not getting along well. Fortunately, wearing pads and a helmet helped!
I also found out why there are line changes every two minutes. It may not sound like very long, but you try sprinting at full speed on skates carrying a stick and protective gear while chasing a puck and slamming into the plexi and other players (teammates AND opponents!) for two minutes. It is absolutely exhausting. Two minutes is barely enough to catch your breath, and then you have to go out and do it again! The action is non-stop and very exciting.
By the third game, I only fell a couple of times and actually scored a goal! This is definitely the most fun I have had in a long time. Previously, I really didn't pay much attention to hockey. Now, the NHL channel is my most watched station (in HD!).
I have a handfull of links below, including a pointer to information about our league playing at The Castle Sports Club in Phoenix, AZ.
My Castle leagues: