Some Hockey East Action! (UVM vs. Maine)

[Hoptography]

I'm been going to UVM hockey games as long as I can remember. Watched Tim Thomas (Bruins), Eric Parin, and Martin St. Louis (Lightning) play before they made it big in the NHL.

Tonight was my first UVM game of the season, since I've been away at school. They faced off against Maine, and the game was awesome! I brought along my XTi and 70-200 f/4 L with me, and ended up snapping a few shots through the photo hole in the glass.

This is my first time ever shooting hockey, and I didn't have much time with the photo hole. Just added some levels and sharpening in post. Settings were f/4, ISO1600, SS around 1/200 mostly.

http://i249.photobucket.com/albums/gg204/erikhoppy/_MG_3103Crop.jpg

http://i249.photobucket.com/albums/gg204/erikhoppy/_MG_3137Crop.jpg

http://i249.photobucket.com/albums/gg204/erikhoppy/_MG_3142Crop.jpg

http://i249.photobucket.com/albums/gg204/erikhoppy/_MG_3166Crop.jpg

As you may have guessed, I could only shoot one period, so I didn't get many action shots of UVM players, mostly just the goalie. The action was at the other end of the ice, good for the team, but out of my reach!

Final score was 3-2, Catamounts! Please be brutal, I want to learn!

[Darsk47]

You fastest shutter speed is 1/250. That's far too slow for this level of hockey. You need to be at 1/500; You might get away with 1/400, but the NCAA is fast and that might be pushing it.

If you're going to cover this level of game regularly, you'll need faster glass. Your 50mm 1.8 is quick but not enough reach for hockey. A lot of hockey shooters like the 70-200 f2.8; some of the big dogs have the 300 2.8, but you're into some serious coin there.

[Hoptography]

Yup, I agree. The 70-200 2.8 would have doubled my shutter speed, but it's also double the price!

I don't plan on covering hockey regularly, as I go to a SUNY school in NY and we have no hockey team. This was just a fun time back home at UVM.

Thanks for your comments!