[bigt2k4]

In the California area I would assume that as long as you have decent skating ability you would be able to play somewhat competitive hockey, only because of the lack of competition. I would also guess that roller hockey would be more competitive than ice hockey. Where I played when I was younger, there were a few players who could probably skate at a near average NHL level for their current age, but because they were so dumb and had no talent besides speed, could only play one step up from house league. I would say that learning how to skate isn't very difficult, try playing at a very low level for a year until you learn the basics of skating and some other basic skills and then try moving up in levels.


Once you get past the entry levels of ice hockey, you will realize that the difference skating between many players isn't very much, what makes up the difference is decision making and intelligence. I define intelligence and decision making as being able to make the right plays with the puck(skating to the right area to set up passes and making the right passes), as well as positioning and anticipation of both your teammates and the opposing players.
Through watching junior hockey, the AHL and the NHL the biggest differences I see are that from watching on tv( a bird's eye view, as well as in attendance sometimes being able to see the whole ice) I am usually always able to see what play should be made(as long as it is in view), and the players in the NHL are able to make this play over 90% of the time even when there back is turned to the play which absolutely astounds me. In the CHL I often see many plays which could have been made and which would have been made by better players, but they are just unable to make them, because they don't see the game as well. They still make the play a large majority of the time, but there are many giveaways, that you would never see in the NHL. I would say the AHL is half way in between the CHL and NHL as the players may even be slightly more physically talented than in the CHL, but the decision making is definitely a step below. No doubt players are more physically gifted in higher levels, but the decision making is what makes up the majority of the difference.

It is not hard to learn how to skate, you should be able to do it somewhat decently for a lower level player within a month and then be able to become much better at it slowly over the course of a year or two. Learning what to do with the puck, you will realize is much more difficult, and will take a much longer time to master.