OT...G/R,
I learned to skate at 3ish and skated organized for 18+ yrs back
in the Motor. Got my azz handed to me once a month at Riverside
Arena in Windsor, trying to skate against the down southeast
CDA guys, lol! I love hockey...I should say I loved hockey.

I still follow it, but I don't begrudge the more international rules
and the lack of goonery these days. I do agree that even good
backchecking and any kind of boarding is gone, but the speed
and elegance of that game is still present. It is, unfortunately,
a niche game here in most of the lower 48.

But, I hear ya'!
BR,mD