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In terms of gear:
As a beginner, you do not need to spend a lot of money in this dept. You can buy all the low end equipment since considering you're skill level, you won't have the skills to even appreciate what makes high end equipment, high end.
It's better to upgrade over time. As time goes and you grow further into the sport, you'll be in a better position to understand what you individually need and which higher-end equipment that satisfies that.
(this should also somewhat soften the shock factor, regarding the start-up costs of the sport)
As for opportunities to play:
Other than your typical stick and puck, the best avenues to start having your game experience is through pick-up games. The hard part is finding a group that's relatively chill and beginner friendly (as some groups can be quite intermediate - advanced). The only one I'm aware of that is best welcoming to beginners is Keroleen's pick up from Revscene. Just PM Keroleen (at least that's what I think her screen name is).
From pick-up groups, is also one of the best avenues to play organized league games for the following reasons:
1. You're getting invited to a team where you may already know a few players rather than starting in a locker room where you feel like a stranger (may be quite intimidating for people who are of low skill level). Basically, getting comfortable with your team is quicker this route.
2. If you are able to joing a league team via pick-up-game connections/friends, it's also less pressure on you since they are already familiar your skill level. Vice-versa, they will also know how to play with you.
3. In every league I've played at, no team ever keeps their roster 100% season after season. There's always spots opening up when some people leave so there are always teams that are looking to fill roster just so they can meet league fee requirements. The more people you know, the more of these avenues/opportunities you open up for you.
If not, and the above is not happening for you, the best beginner friendly league I can suggest is VACHL; so beginner friendly, slapshots are illegal. The drawbacks are:
1. Since it's the only local league that is actually TARGETED towards the "beginner" niche, it usually fills up fast. That means you gotta sign up @ the beginning of summer or else, you're out of luck and you'll have to wait 1 full season for a shot inside the league.
2. It only runs on winter, whereas other leagues are year round.
But seriously, it's just a networking thing. From pickup groups, you'll meet people in other pickup groups and you'll have more pick-up game opportunities, and from there also league team opportunities from many differing leagues. You just need to start and get your feet wet and you'll be surprised how much it grows from there.
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