How do you guys stay focused in Pickup games? Like I’m trying to get work done and improve my game but it’s hard to stay locked in when there’s such a skill gap from player to player so it throws my timing off.

Nope, I am a skater, usually playing D.

It's no fun for me or the opposition if I brick wall every play they attempt before they hit the red line because of the skill difference. If a weaker player is coming down the ice, i will let them skate into the zone while putting soft pressure on them to challenge them at their skill level. This is pickup, its for fun and a good workout. I want them to learn and make plays.

Alternatively, if a stronger skater is coming down, I'll go much harder, and when the really good skaters are on the ice, I'll try my best. I have mates on the ice who Ill play full contact with, becuase we love it, are both in, and the competition is fun. Going 100% is my favorite way to play, but it requires everyone on the ice to be at a certain level.

/r/hockeyplayers Thread Parent Link - youtu.be