Beers, Blogs, Rats and Heart Breaks by Brandon Nichols

How Do I learn Hockey?

Being an enthusiast and advocate of a sport for most of my life that is not a common sport to learn while growing up here in the bay area, I have often been asked one question from people who aren’t familiar but are genuinely interested in hockey and that is “how do I learn about hockey?” This is actually a very vague question.  So I will provide an even more vague answer.

Immersion; plain and simple.  My opinion is that is the only way you can learn the ins and outs of ice hockey.  The more you watch it, play it, live it and breath it, the more the game will slow down for you and you will begin to pick up the intricacies of how it is played and what goes into getting the puck from point A to point B for each team.

If you want to learn to actually play yourself, I would suggest calling anyone of the numerous helpful folks at one of the local rinks and they will gladly get you going.   Teaching you to skate, shoot, and score.  If you’re not sure of the nearest local rink in your area contact me brandonn@sfbulls.com and I’ll put you in touch with the facility closest to you and their hockey program director.  I also highly recommend checking out the dry ice facility in Oakland connected to Hockey X-Sport (http://www.dryicehockey.com) they have a free learn to play program.

Not ready to strap on the gear just yet? Then watch every single NHL game and highlight you can possibly see.  I like just putting on the NHL network in the background while I work on my computer most nights.  You’ll learn the players, teams, standings, rivalries, coaches, etc. so quick this way without even knowing it.

We’ve got a handful of new folks starting here at Bulls HQ (all of whom are very awesome individuals) and two of them were talking about how they are going to have to learn the game in greater detail now that they are a part of the front office.  One of the new members made a great suggestion that goes along with idea of how to learn the game in greater detail.  This combines two of my great loves; video games and hockey.  Go buy or rent the most current EA NHL title and play a ton of games.  You’ll learn the rules and strategies all from the comfort of your couch without losing any teeth or getting any bruises.

If you’re a fan of the sport but unfamiliar with our league, I’d recommend doing more research.  Look up the ECHL on Wikipedia and go from there.  Tons of elite NHL stars made their start here and many more will pass through the halls of the Cow Palace before they get their names inscribed on Lord Stanley’s Cup! Also, feel free to ask any questions you can think of to us on our Facebook page, sometimes Coach Curcio will respond to you himself.

Hope this helps.

P.S. You can always ask our CEO Joe Wagoner if you can borrow his “Hockey for Dummies” book if you need help too!

Stay tuned for my next blog when I review one of my new favorite movies “Goon.”

Stay Classy San Francisco!