Bridgewater Sports Arena and Rock Ice Center both have hockey clinics, but I need to learn to skate a lot better before I attempt that (and at that point I'll need to buy all of the pads, so far I just have skates and a helmet).
Definitely work on your endurance if nothing else. I took a clinic way too early, and learned a couple of lessons to get the most out of it:
- Show up in good cardiovascular shape. Nothing is as tiring as hockey skating.
- Stopping is your most important skill to have before showing up. Sounds ridiculous, but during drills, there are a lot of guys in a little space. Be able to do a snowplow and hockey stop.
Beyond that, just have a good sense of humor and don't overthink your own ability. You're all there to learn. Even if the place is like mine, where the clinic is open to all skill levels, the veterans have a lot of patience with the beginners. When I was in the locker room dressing for my first session, I was just making small talk and and asking about how good everyone is. The guy looks at me, goes, "As long as you're not putting the right shin pad on the left leg, you're set." Have a sense of humor. Also, don't be afraid to push yourself a little. At beginner speeds, nothing really hurts much - boards, falling, etc. Even backwards, your pants, helmet, and elbow pads stop everything.
If the rink has stick and shoot, where you just show up in anything from helmet, gloves, and stick to full gear, that's a good way to get acquainted. I went to those as much as I could first.
Also, for pads, check out hockeygiant.com. You don't need great gear to get started. You can cut corners on the shoulder pads, especially.
