dan, I’m sure there are plenty more rinks near you than there are by me, so I’m sure you’ll have no trouble finding adult instructional leagues as well as learn-to-skate programs. These and most house leagues are all non-check, though some of the Elite men’s leagues might allow checking. There are also 30+ leagues, so you don’t have to deal with the hotshot youngsters, though all leagues have hotshots, particularly men. Hmm…I wonder why?

If you want to try it out, I’d get used equipment first, though skater gear is a zillion times cheaper than goalie gear! The only thing I’d suggest, even if you end up not playing hockey, you’ll still enjoy skating (though I’m sure you’ll fall in love with the game,) trust me, is to get the best pair of skates you can afford. Skates are the most important part of skating in general, and you need good ankle support. Oh, and you probably wouldn’t want a used helmet.

If you end up joining a novice league, then I’d start buying new gear piecemeal — and don’t compromise safety for price. Oooo! I hope you do this!!!!!

Depression is what got me started learning the game in ’95; depression is what made me give it up in ’01 (though I hadn’t played continuously since ’95 because of school); and the ECT treatments are what brought me back to the game, and it does improve my depression, even if we lose, as long as I know I tried my best.

Good luck!

I should learn to skate.