I started hockey three years ago to play in a kids versus parents game. At the time, I was 48 years old, and I had never skated in my life. The first time I went on the ice, it was a religious experience–similar to when I met my wife, saw a Macintosh for the first time, and became a Christian.Since then, I’ve been obsessed with becoming the best hockey player a fifty-something year old Hawaiian can be.I love hockey for four reasons: first, it is extremely cerebral: you have to keep track of four teammates, five opponents, two goalies, the puck, your stick, and the various lines plus the fact that the puck seldom goes out of bounds so there’s a lot of math/physics going on, too.

Second, the way we play in California anyway, it’s a lot less destructive to your body. I used to play basketball, and I was always getting a sore back, aching knees, gouged eyes, dislocated fingers, you name it. Hockey is a much safer sport.

Third, it’s great for parents. You don’t have to worry about the weather. Games start and end on time. At my rink, we can sit upstairs and drink beer and watch our kids play. And, because all the parents are behind the glass, they can’t scream at the players, coaches, and refs.

Fourth, here in Silicon Valley anyway, it’s very egalitarian. With a sport like golf, you’re hanging around with billionaires because it’s a ritzy country club. Where I play, people don’t know who I am, and they would care less if they did. I’m not playing with some famous venture capitalist-I’m playing with an electrician, dump truck operator, or college student. No one’s asking me for venture capital or to look at their deal.