This post did provide a framework for a beginner to follow. Once I entered an ex league, some of the guys there also offered advice, which I eagerly accepted. I played 5 ex leagues before I entered a team in an OL, and it is doing quite well. I also got into a progressive league, and that is the way to go, at least IMO. NCmusician followed up several times after I posted here, and he was a great help. Hockey guys generally have been very forthcoming. I have enjoyed it immensely.