Very fair question.

The league I play in is a recreational, no-contact league. The average age is late 30's/ early 40's so a lot of us have been playing together for years; it's not an aggressive league. I have also modified my playing-style to be more conservative; with emphasis on protecting my head. I have actually never played in a checking league in my entire life.

Unfortunately, hockey is the only real cardiovascular exercise that I can mentally tolerate. I try going to the gym but it's difficult for me to mentally zone-out while exercising. Hockey offers a distraction while exercising.