17 yr old beginner/Where to play??

Question
QUESTION: Hi, I'm a 17 yr old girl and I have been playing hockey for only 7 months or so.  I learned to play while on an exchange program in Germany.  I'm improving every day but I'm still not anywhere close to good enough to try out for a travel team here in the USA now that I've come home.  Where can I play? What are the different levels of girl's hockey? What division should I be looking at for a team, and is there any chance for me to get on a competitive team even though I haven't been playing all my life? This is worrying me a lot because I love the game and really enjoy playing on a team, but I don't know if I'll be able to find one where I would fit in.

ANSWER: Hi Mallory...

Wow - it's great that you were able to fall in love with hockey while in Germany!!  That's pretty cool!

Unfortunately my experience with women's hockey is pretty limited.   I have coached girls up to 13 years old who were able to play on boys teams.   But at 17 - it will probably be hard to find a team of boys you can play on or with!  

You may want to check with USA hockey (http://www.usahockey.com//Template_Usahockey.aspx?NAV=PL_07%26ID=176314) to see if there are any women's leagues in your area.  Depending where you live - there could be enough interest.  I know there are plenty of teams up in Minnesota and Wisconsin...  And probably so in NY, Mass and other more northern states with a big hockey interest.

Hope this helps!

Good luck with the puck!

Martial



---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Thanks for the reply :) I'm looking around for teams now; I figure I'll be able to find some other girl who is a late beginner, at least.  One more question: do you know the level of play usually expected of college hockey players? I'm fairly sure I'm not playing at that caliber yet, but in four years who knows...

Answer
Hi again Mallory!

Keep asking - if you want it - you will find someone!!

Depending on where you are - Women College player's skills can still vary quite alot.   You may go to a small school and become the leader, captain and top player.   Go to a bigger school and you may not even make the team!   If you really want to play in College - you may want to go watch a game from each of the Colleges you are interested in - and the caliber of the team and players may influence your eventual choice!   

If you are passionate and work hard at practice, fitness, discipline, diet - there truly is no limit to what you can do!

Have fun in the process and you'll be a WINNER no matter what!

Be well!

Martial