So for context, I’m not new to the game of hockey. I learned to skate when I was 2 and played from high school/travel hockey as a goalie as a kid and then tapered off of organized hockey after freshman year of college. From then on I switched to “out” and originally played pickup roller games/pond hockey for a few years.
I’m now 30 years old. I was in an accident a few months ago and really let myself get out of shape. I was never in the best shape but I was always athletic and could keep up with everyone once I put skates on. I recently decided that the best way for me to get back in shape would be to go back to the game that I’ve always loved as a way to force myself to dedicate time to exercise and get back at least to where I was before the accident.
When I reached out to the people running my league and asked what division I should join they asked me my experience with hockey and I told them the truth. They told me to that low-c should be where I join. I read their “guidelines” for grades and the high/low C best describes where I’m at.
I just can’t shake this feeling that I’m going to be awful and I’m not sure why. I’ve been to a few stick and pucks the last few weeks and everyone I’ve met there have been very complimentary of my skills and it’s felt awesome being back(although very tiring). I guess I’m just looking for some advice on how to approach playing with a group I’ve never met before at this level. I’m in Colorado if that matters since I know levels are different everywhere.
Any advice would be greatly appreciated