Has anyone taken any of the adult hockey classes at sharks ice in SJ? I'm totally new to playing ice hockey but have been taking some skating classes and have gotten a bunch better (can do both forward and backward crossovers, front to backs etc..) but want to sign up for the upcoming hockey class. Is there a huge difference between the beginner and intermediate classes? If so what are the differences?
I've taken them all. I'm a product of the Sharks Ice hockey classes (playing now for 6 years!).
My friends took the classes a year ago as well, and I doubt they've changed much since then.
Beginner classes really put emphasis on learning to skate "properly". Now, don't think you're going to get individual attention or anything (you may), but they try to show you via drills n such how to do them right. I dont think you'll touch a puck until mid way through. Intermediate picks up where the beg class leaves off.
Although you say you can do the cross overs and transitions n such, I recommend you take the beginner class anyway. Its just more practice on some of the things you already know, plus you're going to get some good lessons on puck and stick handling mid way through.
The advanced class (at least as of a year ago) is pure crap. It (was) filled with old men and cocky russians who love taking shots during the drill briefings (they have no respect for the coach). The old men always vote to not scrimmage and would rather do drills they can barely do, which ruins your experience because most of them are passing/puck moving drills. Those are tough to do when you get a pass to to where you were 3 seconds ago or if you're lucky, to your feet (they rarely will lead you). I hope its changed, but I'm too afraid to find out.
