Can I start playing hockey at 40?
To start hockey at 40, you will need equipment, physical training, and a willingness to learn something new! Starting hockey at this age can be intimidating, but it can be done. There are plenty of tools to equip you to get on the ice and play recreational hockey.
Is 18 too late to play hockey? It's NEVER too late to play hockey! Obviously you probably aren't going to develop into an NHLer if you start at 18, but there are plenty of beginner leagues where you can learn and develop at your own speed. As you improve, you'll find better and better leagues in which to play.
The oldest player in NHL history is Gordie Howe (Canada, b. 31 March 1928), who played his final NHL game on 11 April 1980 aged 52 years 11 days.
It is never too late to start playing hockey. Players have joined hockey programs at 12-13 years old and still made varsity hockey teams. More importantly, the expansion of college intramural and adult teams have made hockey a lifetime sport.
The average age of active players across the NHL in 2022-23 is 27 years, with the league's oldest player, Craig Anderson of the Buffalo Sabres, still on the ice at the age of 41.
Wayne Gretzky, the greatest hockey player of all time, retired at age 38, right before the conclusion of the 1998-99 NHL season.
Oldest players in the 2022-23 NHL season
With Chara hanging up the skates, Craig Anderson takes the honor of oldest active player.
In hockey, ALL skaters play both offense and defense on every shift. The only position potentially more physically demanding than any other sport is that player on the ice that is only concerned about one thing: defense. That is the last line of defense, the goalie.
The NHL is becoming a young man's game, but that doesn't mean veterans don't still have a place. There are four players over the age of 40 playing in the NHL during the 2022 season. Despite the average retirement age being 28-30, there are countless NHL players still playing the game into their late 30's.
It typically takes a few weeks to learn the basics of ice hockey. But, if you're wanting to get good at the game, it will take years. The reality is, hockey is no different than any other discipline in terms of mastery. The rule of 10,000 applies just the same to hockey as any other sport or skill.
Is 30 too old to start playing hockey?
No Maximum Age Required
Many people pick up a new sport later in life to try something new, challenge themselves, try a new form of exercise or to simply have fun. I put on my pair of first hockey skates at the age of 23.
It's never too late to begin! Hockey is a late developing sport that you can begin at any age.
And while many kids start hockey at ages 5-9, older kids can and should join whenever they become interested. In fact, Minnesota Hockey recently launched its first ever Never Too Late Hockey Camp with the goal of introducing more kids ages 9-12 to the game and plans to host it again this coming summer.
Kids can start playing hockey at a little bit older age and still have a great experience. Some start later and catch up to other kids who've played longer, or some are slower to pick up on skating skills, which is okay, too. The ultimate goal of hockey or sports in general isn't necessarily to play at an elite level.