Archive for July 2013

Lesson #6: Pass me the puck!

Lesson #6: Pass me the puck!
For our second-to-last class at Franklin Park Ice Arena, we worked on a mix of old and new drills. We did the usual “skate around the cones,” but with a twist — some of the time, we had to skate backward while handling the puck. I have trouble skating forward with the puck, so skating... Read more »
By Sal Barry,
July 31, 2013 at 1:29 am • 

Wear glasses? Then get a cheap pair for playing hockey.

Wear glasses? Then get a cheap pair for playing hockey.
My eye glasses did not survive my hockey helmet.  They were old and already cracked.  I had glued the frames in two places, twice.  The pressure of my helmet gripping the sides of my head snapped the compromised frames.  I looked down because the puck went between my skates and a lens dropped through my... Read more »
By Shellie Lewis,
July 26, 2013 at 12:06 am • 

Hockey Lessons at Johnny's Ice House, Class #1

Hockey Lessons at Johnny's Ice House, Class #1
Last week, I started hockey lessons at Johnny’s Ice House. They have a beginner class called Hockey 101, and a follow-up class aptly named Hockey 102. Johnny’s Ice House hosts a bunch of hockey leagues at varying skill levels, and is also the practice facility for the Chicago Blackhawks. How cool is it that I... Read more »
By Sal Barry,
July 23, 2013 at 5:43 pm • 
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Lesson #5: Landing on your head is no fun

Lesson #5: Landing on your head is no fun
My fifth class at Franklin Park Ice Arena was both good and bad. I did well in the drills and scrimmage, feeling like an ideal ice hockey student. At the same time, I fell down an awful lot. During warmups, we were instructed to skate half a lap backwards. What should have been a routine... Read more »
By Sal Barry,
July 20, 2013 at 8:38 pm • 

Lesson #4: Keep your head up!

Lesson #4: Keep your head up!
For my fourth lesson at Franklin Park Ice Arena, we got to use the full-sized rink instead of the half-sized Studio Ice — or “rinky dink,” as I like to call it. That was the good news. The bad news? Class started an hour earlier and I didn’t know. So, I only got 20 minutes... Read more »
By Sal Barry,
July 15, 2013 at 12:06 am • 

Eight Perils of Public Ice Skating

Eight Perils of Public Ice Skating
Public skate sessions at your local ice rink are a valuable way to stay in shape and practice skating skills necessary for playing hockey. Unfortunately, you have to be aware that there will be regular difficulties that thwart your skating.  Here are eight hazards and barriers to watch out for at public skating events: 1.... Read more »
By Shellie Lewis,
July 10, 2013 at 1:11 am • 
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Lesson #3: Advice on turns & shooting

Lesson #3: Advice on turns & shooting
During my third day of hockey class at Franklin Park Ice Arena, we worked on turning, skating backwards, dodging obstacles and shooting. We also scrimmaged for a bit. Last week, I realized that I was skating faster than I could control the puck. So this week, I decided to slow it down and focus on... Read more »
By Sal Barry,
July 9, 2013 at 10:34 am • 

Birdcage or fishbowl? Buying a helmet and face mask

Birdcage or fishbowl? Buying a helmet and face mask
Looking through my old hockey cards, it is hard to believe that there was a time that players did not wear helmets. Now, helmets are mandatory at every level of play. Next year, the NHL will even require their players to wear visors to protect their eyes and nose too. For adult amateurs, helmets are... Read more »
By Sal Barry,
July 3, 2013 at 11:26 am • 

Equipment deals for a new female hockey player

Equipment deals for a new female hockey player
Patience has paid off in buying hockey gear, but I have three things working strongly in my favor. I am still working on my skating skills and only wanted to gather up enough basic gear to manage “Stick and Puck” or “Stick and Helmet” practice times. I’m not playing on a team or taking a... Read more »
By Shellie Lewis,
July 2, 2013 at 12:09 am • 
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Seven steps for the beginning hockey player

Seven steps for the beginning hockey player
The Chicago Blackhawks won their second Stanley Cup Championship in four years. Many fans who have never played before are probably feeling a little inspired and thinking: hey, hockey looks like a lot of fun. I’d love to give it a shot! That’s great! Being a fan is fine and all, and taking the next... Read more »
By Sal Barry,
July 1, 2013 at 12:07 am •