For those of you who have never done so, USA Hockey is a governing body for all ice hockey activities in the United States. It was founded in 1916 and is one of the 4 major national sports governing bodies in the country. The others are the National Football League, the National Basketball Association, and the National Hockey League.
Although the organization was originally started for American players only, it has since become an international sport with more than 200,000 active participants in the United States alone. If you are interested in playing ice hockey or just want to know more about the sport, then this article is for you.
Table of Contents
USA Hockey Magazine Subscription
One of the fun things about being a USA Hockey member is receiving the magazine. Not only does it contain useful information about the latest rules and regulations, but it is also a great way to keep up with the latest news and events concerning the organization and its member clubs. In the magazine, you will learn about the many different tournaments and championships that take place in the country every year. You can also follow the careers of current and former players as they move around the world and play for different nationalities.
You receive the magazine as part of your membership, and it is available at all major book stores and online merchants that sell magazines. With the current rate of exchange and shipping fees, you may want to consider getting a subscription.
USA Hockey Membership
An important part of being a USA Hockey member is participating in the organization’s membership program. This program provides you with a number of great benefits, the most prominent of which is the ability to participate in online forums and groups set up specifically for members only. These forums are a great way to connect with other members and talk about the sport.
You can become a member of USA Hockey by paying a one-time membership fee of $25. This fee covers you for the entire year and provides you with all of the benefits outlined above. If you are interested, then visit the site below to learn more or to make a secure payment via PayPal.
https://membership.usahockey.com/
Usa Hockey Number
Now that you are a member of USA Hockey, you might want to consider getting a usa hockey number. This number will allow you to participate in all official tournaments and activities sponsored by the organization, as well as events that are open to the public. In addition, it will also serve as your personal identifier on the ice. You will not need to be identified by your last name or nickname when you are on the ice because everyone will know who you are. You will simply need to hold up your usa hockey number before the start of the game to acknowledge you are a member of USA Hockey.
In order to purchase your usa hockey number, you will need to go through a formal application process. When applying for a number, you will need to provide your full name, address, date of birth, and USA Hockey membership number. Once all of this information has been verified, you will be notified by mail whether or not you have been successful in receiving a number. If you have been verified, then you can pick up your number at the USA Hockey headquarters in Colorado Springs, CO, or at the Member Services desk at a game or event.
The cost for a usa hockey number is $25 for the first year and $10 for subsequent years. This cost covers the price of the card itself as well as shipping and handling fees. If you are interested in getting a number, then visit the link below to begin the application process. Once you have begun the process, expect to receive a verification email shortly thereafter.
https://membership.usahockey.com/usana-hockey-number-application/
Get Skates
One of the most essential pieces of equipment for any ice hockey player is the pair of skates. The good thing is you can find a wide range of sizes at most sporting goods stores. To make it easier for you to figure out which pair of skates are right for you, here are a few tips on how to choose.
First, look at the width of the blade. The wider the better as far as width is concerned because it provides you with more stability while turning and skating forwards. A narrower blade will give you better maneuverability as you turn and move backwards. However, the narrower the blade, the more pressure it will put on your knees as you push off on the ice. The best width for a pair of skates is around 11.5-12.5 inches.
The next thing to check for is the height of the blade. The higher the better because it will give you better control over the puck. It will also allow you to jump over or go around opponents more easily. When looking for height, also make sure that the toe piece of the skate is at the correct angle with respect to the rest of the boot. You can have the toe piece pointed inwards or outwards, it’s all about personal preference.
A lot of people prefer having their toe piece pointed outward to give them better maneuverability and control while skating. Others like having the front part of the boot pointed towards the back because it makes the overall height of the device look lower, which in turn provides them with better balance while standing or walking. It is essential that you find the right fit for you and your personal preferences regarding how you want to handle the puck.
Now that you have your skates, you should consider getting a pair of protective gear as well. This gear helps to prevent injuries to your ears, neck, and back from taking place while playing. You can find a comfortable pair of headphones that fit snugly over your ears and prevent them from getting hurt during gameplay. You may also want to consider getting a neck guard, which helps protect your spinal cord from getting injured in case you fall backward or stumble onto the ice. Finally, you should get a pair of protective gloves that fit tightly over your hands to prevent injuries from taking place while you are blocking or holding on to the puck. If you play in a league or organization that requires you to wear protective gear, then it’s essential that you invest in some good quality protection.
https://www.gearjunkie.com/ice-hockey-gear-guide/
Where Can I Play Hockey?
It is important to determine where you can play ice hockey. Most major cities and towns have a number of rinks that are open to the public, as well as a number of organizations that you can join. The key is to find a place that feels right to you, and that offers the right training and competition environment. The great thing about hockey is there are endless numbers of places that you can play the game.
Ice Rinks Are Everywhere
In many major cities and towns, you will find public ice rinks that you can use for free. You will also find a number of private rinks that are open to the public as well, but they require you to pay a membership fee in order to use them. The key is to find an ice rink that is close to home so that you can practice after work hours whenever you want and so that you can get a feel for the game without having to travel too far from your neighborhood. This way, you can improve your game and get a sense of the speed and handling of the puck before heading off to a professional arena to play in an actual game. Many pro sports teams also have a farm team that they use to develop players who are either ready for the NHL or look promising enough to make the transition quickly. These teams usually play at smaller arenas within the vicinity of the city, so check the websites of these teams if you are interested in playing for one.
Learn The Basics
The first thing you need to learn as a beginner is how to skate. Fortunately, this is an easy task and it won’t take you long to figure it out. When learning how to skate, start out on a smooth, level surface. This will ensure that you don’t hurt yourself when you start off by simply pushing off with your feet. Once you can do this effortlessly, then you can move on to more advanced movements such as curving and turning. When learning these basic skills, it is important to focus on maintaining a straight position while moving and not to bend your knees too much, especially when turning.