[SumAznGuy]

So many questions, hope I didn't miss anything.

Skates, most people say roughly around 2 hours on ice and then it is time for a resharpen. Given that you played 3 drop-in and 3 stick N puck, I say get the skates resharped. Because you are still a noob, get the regular cut. Once your skating gets stronger, then try the different cuts and/or profile your blades.

As for you stick, just under the chin is what I would recommend for someone who is starting out. I play with a really short stick. While standing up, I can put both gloves on top of the butt and still be able to put my chin on top of the gloves. Start with the stick where it is and once you get better, then try other heights. Also, don't worry so much about the stick itself. I don't think you really need a stick with a lower lie. More than likely, you are wearing out the heal of your stick because a) your stick to too long for the way you play b) you need to adjust where your hands are on the stick c) your skating is weak and you use the stick to compensate. Never seen you play, but these are some of the common reasons.

I am pre-dominately right handed, but for hockey I shoot left. I golf as a lefty while people like Gretzkey shoot left but play golf as a righty. You can train yourself to go the other way, like Micky Mantle taught himself to bat as a switch hitter (able to hit the ball from both sides of the plate).

Not sure what you are try to ask about the shoulders and elbows AZNightmare. Can you be a little more specific.