Category Archives: Hockey

Adult Learn-to-Play Hockey: A Beginner’s Perpective

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Reading my interviews with longtime teammates, Ceci & Rick, you could get the (false) impression that the Campion Learn-to-Play Hockey program is packed with folks who’ve been skating already for years.

So, for a beginner’s perspective, meet one of our newest players, John Storck. A naturally athletic guy, John has coached sailing at Dartmouth since 2005, but only started playing ice hockey last winter:

Coach Dodds explains a drill to Learn-to-Play adults at Campion Rink, Lebanon, New Hampshire.

Coach Dodds explains a drill to Learn-to-Play adults at Campion Rink.

CCM: What do you love about playing hockey?

John: “Hockey combines so many aspects of other sports. It has fluidity in teamwork like soccer, lacrosse and basketball. It has physical play like football and rugby. And it provides the weightless gliding sensation found in sports like skiing and surfing. I guess I love everything about playing hockey….even back-checking!”

CCM: What do you love about the Campion Learn-to-Play program with Coach Dodds?

John: “The atmosphere. At any given session, there is a range in age of over twenty years. However, everyone is playing the game with the same attitude of a ten year old. Coach Dodds really nurtures that atmosphere well with his enthusiasm. It’s an amazing thing to be a part of.”

CCM: What would you say to someone considering starting hockey later in life?

John: “DO IT! Even if you don’t end up falling in love with the sport, there is even less of a chance that you’ll have a bad time.”

Playing hockey in my favorite red jersey from the Dick Dodds Hockey Academy for Adults at Campion Rink , near Hanover, New Hampshire.

***The next Learn-to-Skate, Learn-to-Play and Intermediate Hockey sessions at Campion Rink run from January 3 to March 28, 2013. Find out more and sign up online!

What’s So Great About Campion’s Learn-to-Play Hockey Program?

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Tonight, I feel like a kid on Christmas Eve… Tomorrow morning, I start my 6th season at the Dick Dodds Hockey Academy. I can hardly wait!

What’s so great about the adult Learn-to-Play Hockey program at Campion Rink, anyway? Just ask Rick Sayles, one of our group’s earliest skaters:

The Campion Rink Learn-To-Play group finishes the year with a 7 game series in April.

Campion’s 2012 Learn-To-Play Group (that’s Rick on my right, in the white DDHA jersey).

CCM: How long have you been with the Learn-to-Play program at Campion Rink?

Rick: “I hadn’t skated before the DDHA which I started when we moved to Hanover about 7 years ago (gosh how time flies)!”

CCM: What do you love about the Campion Learn-to-Play program with Coach Dodds?

Rick: “Coach Dodds brings his passion for the game of hockey and his enthusiasm for coaching to each and every class. When you mix that with the great game of hockey, you have a winning combo – great fun and a great workout!”

CCM: What would you say to someone considering starting hockey later in life?

Rick: “As Dick has said – just do it! The learning curve is steep which is wonderful. This means you get much better very quickly. How many other things can you get better at later in life that are this much fun?”

The Campion Rink Learn-To-Play group finishes the year with a 7 game series in April.

You don’t have to be crazy to play hockey (but it helps!)…

***The next Learn-to-Skate, Learn-to-Play and Intermediate Hockey sessions at Campion Rink run from January 3 to March 28, 2013. Find out more and sign up online!

Rock Your New Year at the Dick Dodds Hockey Academy for Adults

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I love hockey. I wish everyone had some activity they enjoyed even a fraction as much. In fact, I’ve just finished my 5th year of adult hockey classes at Campion Rink.

Commemorative Dick Dodds Hockey Academy apple pie.

Apple pie celebrating my completion of 5 years at the Dick Dodds Hockey Academy.

But it’s not just me. Lots of adults have learned to play.

Take, for instance, Ceci, a retired kindergarten teacher who began skating with the Dick Dodds Hockey Academy 6 1/2 years ago and who graciously agreed to the following interview:

CCM: How long have you been with the Learn-to-Play program at Campion Rink?

Ceci: “I retired from teaching after the 05-06 academic year so I must have started hockey the fall of ’06. I think Rick Sayles was already there…”

CCM: What do you love about playing hockey?

Ceci: “The fun. The interesting mix of players. Being wowed by Dick’s and Chris’ skills. The intense workout followed by chocolate soymilk, stretches and locker room conversations!”

CCM: What do you love about the Campion Learn-to-Play program with Coach Dodds?

Ceci: “Dick is so mild mannered with us learn-to-play adults that to me he’s pretty much the antithesis of one’s general idea of “Hockey.” His ability to convey his love of the game and his patience as a coach/teacher make learning from him totally fun.

My favorite thing about Dick is that regardless of your ability, level of skill/fitness or age he makes you feel like you can be successful on the ice. All you need is the desire to keep at it, find the open ice and be ready for that puck!”

CCM: What would you say to someone considering starting hockey later in life?

Ceci: “Unfortunately we have a finite number of years during which to be wildly active so I think it’s important to make it last.

While starting hockey at age 5, 20 or even 40 would be better, later works too. If you love to skate and love the game of hockey, surely nothing would be finer than learning how to play.

We all know that keeping in shape is a good way to prolong personal agility/strength/cardio fitness and for me hockey is the only thing I do with such joyful, active intensity. So, Yes, go for it while everything (mostly) still works!”

Retired kindergarten teacher, Ceci takes onretired fireman, Dave for the puck at Learn-to-Play Hockey at Campion Rink.

Ceci takes on Dave for the puck at Learn-to-Play Hockey at Campion Rink.

***The next Learn-to-Skate, Learn-to-Play and Intermediate Hockey sessions at Campion Rink run from January 3 to March 28, 2013. Find out more and sign up online!