My son is 6 - he was watching a hockey game the other day and MY GOODNESS he thought it was the best thing in the world. In fact instead of a video game for his birthday he wanted skates and a hockey set instead. So I bought him a street hockey set and some roller blades (eventually we'll work up to ice - he wants to be on ice - but right now, we'll work on the blades - I'm in FL - not sure where there IS ice around here LOL)

But I know NOTHING about Hockey - yes I have watched bits and pieces of games since he has started getting into the sport - but i know nothing - can he get into any street or ice team at age 6? can he do anything yet?

any help would be appreciated - esp if he does decide to have this as a sport he wants to continue to play

If anyone can help me - direct me anywhere - to any message boards, websites, or anything let me know (or let me know if I can stay around here too!)

Thanks much!

Liz
Mom to James

http://www.arenamaps.com/

put in Florida...there is plenty of ice down there. Yes there is stuff for him...first he needs to learn how to skate (see rinks for programs) talk to them...but there are several 6 year olds playing this great game.

FYI this will be the most expensive and time consuming sport that your son can possibly play. But I recommend signing up for learn to skate or tot hockey because the longer u wait the harder it is to learn and the more expensive it will get.

Age six is the perfect age to get them on the ice. Let him learn how to skate and learn at the right pace. And good for you for passing on the video game and buying the hockey stuff instead.

Great age to get started, mine got going at the age of five, the cost at this point would have paid for college, but the experiences learned along the way, PRICELESS.............

He is definitely old enough to start - there are plenty of rinks in FL - the other people have given you some good advice - I agree with all they have said - - one thing I would add is that inline (roller) hockey is a great way to develop hockey skills like puck handling, passing, shooting, etc. - it is also less expensive - so you might get him started in a good inline program and he can transition to ice when necessary - many of the great hockey players in CA started in roller or use it to supplement their training since rinks are as readily available in CA and FL like the are in Michigan, etc. Good luck - enjoy the journey - don't get caught up in the politics of youth hockey - stay as far away as possible from the politics - it can take the fun out of it.

be careful of burnout

... And also watch the sex and cocaine

What part of Fla do you live in?

Stalker!!!!

Ft. Lauderdale

why?

Try Glacier Ice and Snow Arena, 4601 N. Federal Hwy, Lighthouse Point, Fl. It is a little north of Sample Rd, but a bit south of Sawgrass, on Federal Hwy. Our son plays up here in Chicago, but skates there while we are in Florida for the summer. It takes us about 15 minutes from Boca Raton.