Tales from the beer league part 2

[beedee]

Wow look at you checking out that chicks ass

You can say that again....

[jammer06]

Wow look at you checking out that chicks ass....again!

[Peggy_GKG]

I'm not sure what's more impressive, BD's dedication to staring at her ass, or her dedication to completely screening BD...

[beedee]

she did screen me on the 3rd goal of that game, i couldn't see it until it hit the upper half of my stick and went in...a wrister i should have easily had from the top of the slot.

[beedee]

I just saw that the photog did in fact snap the shootout

[Peggy_GKG]

From the video I thought that guy in Round 2 had a halfway decent move, couldn't see that you got the poke-check in. Right on. Definitely looks like you're being fairly aggressive in a couple of those, which I guess makes sense given how slow they were moving.

[beedee]

Slow skaters mean easy surprise poke checks. Video doesnt show Round 1, I gloved that one. One guy shot it after I poked the puck away.

[jammer06]

Well good news on my front. The league coordinator is going to let me play on 2 teams in the playoffs even though my divisions aren't consecutive. Kinda stoked about being able to do it legally.

This past weekend we only had one game but I did manage a goal. Just a quick shot from the dot on a nice feed from the corner. Goalie didn't see it clean as he was screened by his own dman. I actually had a great chance set up at the top of the hash marks off a clean faceoff earlier. Unfortunately I shot it too close to the goalies body and he kept his arm in to prevent it sneaking through. There was a lot of net...

Our own goalie gave up a goal he wished he could have back a thousand times over. Looping wrist shot from the point that bounced about 3 feet out from the crease. Took a right turn on the goalie and just beat him. Its like having a deflection in front sometimes. I'd like to hear how you feel about those shots Beedee.

The posts were the player of the game though, I think we hit at least 6 and they had 2.

[Peggy_GKG]

I've been hearing soooo much about the inequity amongst teams in the different league and at different rinks. Talked to a guy on Saturday who plays Copper at Anaheim and he says there's like 5 players on his team after half the team left/quit in the middle of the season. They've scored like 10 goals all season. Part of it I think is the fact that a lot of the people running these league maybe aren't particularly experienced and/or aren't too concerned with it. I do know that they (being the Rinks at Anaheim and supposedly Lakewood) are aware that there are some issues and are supposed to be making changes for the fall season but what exactly happens I guess remains to be seen. This guy also told me he plays in a league at Ice Town in Riverside which is a LA Kings affiliated rink. Their rookie league season started in July but runs through December, I was thinking maybe I'll try to jump into that midway through and see how it goes. Also a bit cheaper than the Anaheim leagues which also helps.

[mudfisher]

I've been hearing soooo much about the inequity amongst teams in the different league and at different rinks. Talked to a guy on Saturday who plays Copper at Anaheim and he says there's like 5 players on his team after half the team left/quit in the middle of the season. They've scored like 10 goals all season. Part of it I think is the fact that a lot of the people running these league maybe aren't particularly experienced and/or aren't too concerned with it. I do know that they (being the Rinks at Anaheim and supposedly Lakewood) are aware that there are some issues and are supposed to be making changes for the fall season but what exactly happens I guess remains to be seen. This guy also told me he plays in a league at Ice Town in Riverside which is a LA Kings affiliated rink. Their rookie league season started in July but runs through December, I was thinking maybe I'll try to jump into that midway through and see how it goes. Also a bit cheaper than the Anaheim leagues which also helps.

Peggy get use to it. Every league has players that do not belong at that level. Normally higher skill players playing in lover levels to pad their ego. However, some play in lower level because of the night fits their schedule(ie: me when I do play in leagues)

I don't think I have ever seen a rink coordinator ever successfully move a ringer from a league.

Note: Ringers don't normally show up till Bronze, Silver, and Gold level.

[beedee]

^truth

it is especially obvious at the lower levels with players that should be in a higher division.

we beat the first place team yesterday, 4-2. first goal that i gave up i should have saved, i was too slow to drop and it squeaked under my left pad. the second goal i was hung out to try with a 2 on 0, i actually got over in time with a butterfly slide but still got beat above my right pad.

[jammer06]

Peggy get use to it. Every league has players that do not belong at that level. Normally higher skill players playing in lover levels to pad their ego. However, some play in lower level because of the night fits their schedule(ie: me when I do play in leagues)

I don't think I have ever seen a rink coordinator ever successfully move a ringer from a league.

There are a few other legitimate reasons "ringers" end up in the wrong levels too.

1) teams drop levels because guys move etc and a better player ends up in the wrong division
2) guy moves to an area and puts his name out, only one team responds, he's just looking for ice time
3) friends or spouses/kids playing on the same team who are at disparate levels

Then there are the straight douche bags who are out there to get 10 goals a game and arent even looking to pass since they know there's nobody to pass too they are so far ahead of their teammates.

Our league does have a rule for the bottom level teams though. If you play at that level you can't play for any other levels for the rest of the season. It prevents the random ringer greatly.

[Peggy_GKG]

Thanks for the insight guys. I suppose at least at Anaheim and Lakewood they're aware and trying to do *something* about it. I guess I won't sweat it too much and just try to have fun. Makes a bit of sense that its impossible to police anyway.

[Hipcheck]

Solution? Use the old Italian Hockey tactic of waiting for the guy by his car after his game....4 people hold him down and someone with a boot steps on his hand until you hear a crunching sound.

[jammer06]

First playoff game today. None of our goalies or backups could make it so one of our guys who plays beginner level goal brought his stuff. We were actually winning 1-0 before they got their first shot on net.....and then they realized how bad our goalie was. We lost 13-1.

[jammer06]

Playoff game number two was much better. 3-2 win where we controlled and dominated play. We were the 2 seed playing the 7th seed but let me tell you how league play can get ridiculous when it comes to playoffs.
Remember my other team had to suit up a skater to play goal because none of our rosterd goalies could make it? Well the score keeper comes out and tells the 6th seed that their goalie's not on the roster. We were all kind of wondering since we don't get along with the other team real great and their goalie didn't look familiar.
So the ref comes over and asks us if we want to let this other goalie play. Then the scorekeeper comes over and tells us we can't decide if the other goalie can play its a league decision. So we're like ok decide. Well the scorekeeper cant decide they have to email the league director. So the refs are just letting us all hang around for about 15 minutes while they discuss this and finally the refs have to start the game. So we line up and the other team calls time out to stall for more time for the league to respond. At the end of the time out scorekeeper announces the goalie can play. 20 minutes after we were supposed to start we finally got to line up and play.
Their goalie was the only thing that kept them in it. Both their goals came on breakaways (one out of the box, another just a real bad turnover at our blue line). Worst part was they have these 2 guys that will absolutely crush you with a check, or kick your skates out and then apologize to you for doing it. Just the worst kind of d-bag. They both ended the game in the box thankfully for us. Anyway it was a cluster**** but we managed and I feel bad for all the other teams playing after us that had their games all pushed back.

[Luc SkyBomba]

hmm, for some reason my 0-10 team didn't make the playoffs...

[jammer06]

hmm, for some reason my 0-10 team didn't make the playoffs...

harsh league man

How long until next season?

[Luc SkyBomba]

harsh league man

How long until next season?

not sure, tomorrow is the championship game so i'm guessing 2-3 weeks from then

PS - if anybody is interested in joining a silver level roller team in NoHo, lemme know! we've had tons of no-shows which no doubt contributed to our awesome record. it would be great to have some consistency!

[jammer06]

wow we usually roll the next season the weekend after the championship. This year that means the exhibition games will be labor day weekend.

[beedee]

I have managed to put myself in a little conundrum. Our rookie league is winding down, only 2 playoff games remain. Most of the team is coming back, but in Rookie because the Copper division is bursting at the seems according to the league, so no room for new teams. My buddy plays in Bronze at Anaheim Ice and asked me to play goal for them. It will be a jump up in skill level, and I'm confident that I could hang.

Rookie league, the play is slower, and the shots are cattywhompus. However, the rink is 10 minutes away, and game times have been consistent and are ALWAYS on Sunday afternoon.

Bronze league, the play will be faster, shots will be harder and more precise. However the rink is about 35 minutes away and game times are inconsistent and are NOT always on Sundays. They vary and have been on Sundays, Tues (night), Weds (night), Thurs (night) and Saturday (day/night). I did tell my buddy that if I was to play I could only do the Sunday games, so he was trying to figure out a way to keep me as a "sub" for the Sunday games, that way I don't think I'd have to pay?

I'm trying to weigh out the pros and cons of each, as I would like to play in a higher level but the convenience of the Rookie league is very hard to beat! Especially with a one month old daughter at home. And to make matters more convoluted, I have a Rookie game at 3:30pm this Sunday and the Bronze league starts this sunday with our first game being at 8:55pm...

Thoughts?

[jammer06]

I have managed to put myself in a little conundrum. Our rookie league is winding down, only 2 playoff games remain. Most of the team is coming back, but in Rookie because the Copper division is bursting at the seems according to the league, so no room for new teams. My buddy plays in Bronze at Anaheim Ice and asked me to play goal for them. It will be a jump up in skill level, and I'm confident that I could hang.

Rookie league, the play is slower, and the shots are cattywhompus. However, the rink is 10 minutes away, and game times have been consistent and are ALWAYS on Sunday afternoon.

Bronze league, the play will be faster, shots will be harder and more precise. However the rink is about 35 minutes away and game times are inconsistent and are NOT always on Sundays. They vary and have been on Sundays, Tues (night), Weds (night), Thurs (night) and Saturday (day/night). I did tell my buddy that if I was to play I could only do the Sunday games, so he was trying to figure out a way to keep me as a "sub" for the Sunday games, that way I don't think I'd have to pay?

I'm trying to weigh out the pros and cons of each, as I would like to play in a higher level but the convenience of the Rookie league is very hard to beat! Especially with a one month old daughter at home. And to make matters more convoluted, I have a Rookie game at 3:30pm this Sunday and the Bronze league starts this sunday with our first game being at 8:55pm...

Thoughts?

Number 1 stick with the better locker room. That's meant more to me than anything regarding levels of play. It obviously best if the locker room is at the level where you're pushing yourself but don't forget the fun aspect.

Number 2 commute times are serious, if you've done it before you'll understand, but there's a big time difference between being gone for 1-2 hours for a hockey game and 3 hours minimum once you start adding in that drive time. I'm about 25-30 minutes from my rink, but when you add the time in needed to find parking and such on concert nights I can sometimes be gone for 3 and a half hours for a 75 minute ice slot. THats for one game and right now I play on 2 and believe me it was a highly negotiated thing with the mrs.

Number 3 consistent game nights really are a huge blessing, especially with kids. Personally I'd prefer to play on a weeknight but I'm not a gold level player. Doesn't have to be sundays for me but it does have to be the same night so schedules will work.

Good luck whichever way you go with it, I'd definitely try to sub at least once though.

[Peggy_GKG]

^^Seems like pretty solid advice.

Besides, you're like a cult hero now in the Rookie League after your last incident!

[beedee]

Number 1 stick with the better locker room. That's meant more to me than anything regarding levels of play. It obviously best if the locker room is at the level where you're pushing yourself but don't forget the fun aspect.

Number 2 commute times are serious, if you've done it before you'll understand, but there's a big time difference between being gone for 1-2 hours for a hockey game and 3 hours minimum once you start adding in that drive time. I'm about 25-30 minutes from my rink, but when you add the time in needed to find parking and such on concert nights I can sometimes be gone for 3 and a half hours for a 75 minute ice slot. THats for one game and right now I play on 2 and believe me it was a highly negotiated thing with the mrs.

Number 3 consistent game nights really are a huge blessing, especially with kids. Personally I'd prefer to play on a weeknight but I'm not a gold level player. Doesn't have to be sundays for me but it does have to be the same night so schedules will work.

Good luck whichever way you go with it, I'd definitely try to sub at least once though.

Thanks for the well thought out reply man. My gut is telling me to stick around in rookie for all the reasons you mentioned and just sub here and there when needed in a higher league. Our team is full of cool people (not sure how the Anaheim team is other than my buddy and he is cool). But the commute thing is huge, I can take side streets to the rink and if I do Anaheim Ice it is basically like driving to Disneyland, around 25 miles from my pad.

[beedee]

Playoffs started today and we lost 2-0 today to the first place team...that we beat last week 4-2.

According to the scoresheet I saved 20 of 22 and both goals came in the first period. One was a hack rebound after I made two initial saves. The second goal came with 25 seconds left in the first, from right around the left faceoff dot. Our d got beat around the corner and I was on the edge of the crease and had the angle. It was a great shot that snuck by lower blocker/above right pad and just inside the far post.

Our team took around 25 total PIM I believe and it felt like we were always short handed. At one point we were facing 5 on 3. Luckily nothing got by me. It really is a bummer when your team cant score one goal. Their goalie was good and has more experience than I do. I heard he plays on a higher level team there, maybe lower Silver?

I am still torn on what to do for next season, Peggy_GKG pointed out that I looked bored more or less...and it was true. Not only that but he mentioned there are a lot of new rookies coming into the league next season. Which is a great thing! But for me it means even more slow-mo shots and lack of game flow.

Big thanks to Peggy_GKG for coming out to support and check the league out.

[jammer06]

Well played our semifinal game last night. We did a lot of things right but ended up 2-2 and it came to a shootout. Their goalie just was better. According to the stats we outshot them 36-21 but I think it was worse than that. It went 4 rounds in the shootout and I would have shot 5th so that was frustrating. Personally I played well which is what I think makes the whole thing so frustrating. Their tying goal came on one of those plays where you want to chain quick to the net. Our goalie came out to play the puck, whiffed on it, our d got back with the oncoming forward and actually blocked the follow up shot, but then couldnt clear from his knees, just fanned and the forward was able to poke it into the net.

The team that won the other semifinal game actually stayed to watch ours. We noticed them all lined up in the stands when it was shootout time. I think they really wanted us since we were the only team to beat them this season. Unfortunate that we won't be able to play them for it.

Anyway another season down, looking forward to the next one.

[Peggy_GKG]

Playoffs started today and we lost 2-0 today to the first place team...that we beat last week 4-2.

According to the scoresheet I saved 20 of 22 and both goals came in the first period. One was a hack rebound after I made two initial saves. The second goal came with 25 seconds left in the first, from right around the left faceoff dot. Our d got beat around the corner and I was on the edge of the crease and had the angle. It was a great shot that snuck by lower blocker/above right pad and just inside the far post.

Our team took around 25 total PIM I believe and it felt like we were always short handed. At one point we were facing 5 on 3. Luckily nothing got by me. It really is a bummer when your team cant score one goal. Their goalie was good and has more experience than I do. I heard he plays on a higher level team there, maybe lower Silver?

I am still torn on what to do for next season, Peggy_GKG pointed out that I looked bored more or less...and it was true. Not only that but he mentioned there are a lot of new rookies coming into the league next season. Which is a great thing! But for me it means even more slow-mo shots and lack of game flow.

Big thanks to Peggy_GKG for coming out to support and check the league out.

All good my friend. You're probably a bit more familiar with him than I am, but I wasn't all that impressed with the other goalie. More often than not it seemed like he just flopped down on the puck when it was in the crease. He did make some saves on pucks shot from away from the net and was actually pretty busy there at the end...maybe it just seemed like he wasn't working cause most of the shots were pretty low and soft.

I'm real curious as to who would play goalie in rookie if you move on. As I said way back, playing goalie has always sort of been what I'd like to do, but I'm having a lot of fun skating and I think it would be beneficial to get at least a few seasons under my belt before I even considered making a transition. It's not like I'm playing to move up anyway, best case scenario after a few years *maybe* I go through Copper and make it to Bronze but that's likely the highest level I'd ever get.

Anyway, hey personally I'd love to see you come back, I know it would help ME out personally, but that's just me being selfish. Wouldn't blame you at all for moving up, with Mid-Ice going to Copper it's probably going to be worse this year in Rookie, not better.

[beedee]

All good my friend. You're probably a bit more familiar with him than I am, but I wasn't all that impressed with the other goalie. More often than not it seemed like he just flopped down on the puck when it was in the crease. He did make some saves on pucks shot from away from the net and was actually pretty busy there at the end...maybe it just seemed like he wasn't working cause most of the shots were pretty low and soft.

I'm real curious as to who would play goalie in rookie if you move on. As I said way back, playing goalie has always sort of been what I'd like to do, but I'm having a lot of fun skating and I think it would be beneficial to get at least a few seasons under my belt before I even considered making a transition. It's not like I'm playing to move up anyway, best case scenario after a few years *maybe* I go through Copper and make it to Bronze but that's likely the highest level I'd ever get.

Anyway, hey personally I'd love to see you come back, I know it would help ME out personally, but that's just me being selfish. Wouldn't blame you at all for moving up, with Mid-Ice going to Copper it's probably going to be worse this year in Rookie, not better.

Thanks again man. He was certainly busy later in the 3rd, I wasn't. I did notice he didnt really have much in the technique department when making saves...he did just flop and flail on loose pucks. No lateral movements or butterfly slides at all. Even though we were down 2-0 in the third it isn't even worth pulling the goalie in rookie, that is why I stayed in the net last night. Even when we went on the PP with 3:34 left, it wouldn't have made a difference. Some people have told me that if I didn't tell them this was my first season they wouldn't have guessed that it was, I guess that is a complement. :) I totally agree with you on that front about next season getting even slower. It will be interesting to see how the team shapes up. Scott W. was pretty adamant about avoiding full teams returning in rookie (which I do agree with). I'm thinking of doing the draft skate to see if I might be able to get put on a Copper team there. Worse comes to worse I juggle subbing at Anaheim Ice Bronze with subbing Rookie and Copper at Lakewood Ice.

As always, Im glad to help you out when I can. So many people helped me out along the way so it feels great to give back to those who have the passion to learn and play the game.

[Peggy_GKG]

"Worse comes to worse I juggle subbing at Anaheim Ice Bronze with subbing Rookie and Copper at Lakewood Ice."

Sounds like this might be the best plan, just from everything you said.

I'm kind of looking forward to the draft skate, it will be an experience. As far as the teams, I mean it would be cool to play with you and Marco and whoever else you guys bring back but at the same time don't feel obligated either to make a huge push to get me, it's not as if I'm noticeably better than the average guys on your team now and it seems like they are really going to make the effort to even the teams up. The only thing I'd be concerned about is a massive influx of LTP'ers who are true n00bs, I do think I have an advantage on a lot of them, but I guess we'll see. The draft should be interesting, if they do it similar to Anaheim, they rank everyone either 1, 2, or 3, based on skating as well as game play.

[beedee]

well our season came to an end last night. it couldn't have been a better game to end it on, tied 2-2 at the end of regulation, then went to an 8 round shootout. our team couldn't manage to score once during the shootout, talk about aggravating! i stopped 7 of 8 shooters, the last guy beat me blocker side in between my arm and chest...i was kind of fatigued at that point and got lazy and didn't seal that area up.

I'm proud of my team, they really did improve and worked hard all season long. Some people "got it" while others I really feel like they just "don't get it". Others are more naturally talented and coordinated while some people aren't. This completed my first season as a goalie and I feel like I learned a lot about the position and improved as the season progressed. I will reiterate once again how playing goalie really opened my eyes to the game from a different perspective. You see EVERYTHING, the good, the bad, and the flat out ugly of positional play. I learned that you really can carry your team and keep the game close when it shouldn't be nearly as close as it really is...I also learned that you can royally blow the game and have it be out of reach when it should be in reach.

I did sign up again for Rookie at Lakewood but do plan on actively subbing higher levels. This time around I am just going to focus on my position and my position only. If people want help, I will gladly help them out. At the beginning of our season I was the only one with experience on the ice, so I gravitated to trying to coach from the crease and I was expending way too much energy on that, as well as trying to play and learn my new position...it was exhausting. We did eventually get a coach about 3 or 4 games into the season and that was a huge load off my mind as he handled everything from there on out. In between periods I would offer up what I saw from the crease, but that was it.

It was a great experience overall and I'm glad I met some new friends.

Post game team photo.
https://scontent-dfw1-1.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xfa1/v/t1.0-9/11988756_10153723769334258_418294534953001343_n.jp g?oh=c2f0f485d3f11858fb171589321ea6c1&oe=56673D28

[jammer06]

The team that beat us managed to win the whole damn thing. 3-2 in a shootout again. Must have been a team of destiny.

[RoyalSubject]

I'm moving to Washington state (Portland metro area) in a week. I'm still not quite recovered from the concussion I got back in April, but I think I'm pretty close to at least being able to skate again. It seems like everyone here is in SoCal, but I thought I'd see if anyone is on a team looking for a skater in a beginner league in the Portland area. (Ice or roller) I'm hoping I'll be ready to play in a spring league.

[jammer06]

Wish I could help, closest folks I know are playing up in Seattle. I would think Portland would have some rinks though. I thought they supported their WHL team fairly well. And LOL I just looked it up, Jamie Kompon is their GM!

[LetTigerIn]

Wish I could help, closest folks I know are playing up in Seattle. I would think Portland would have some rinks though. I thought they supported their WHL team fairly well. And LOL I just looked it up, Jamie Kompon is their GM!

Thanks for the idea. One of my friends is heavily involved with the Winterhawks Booster Club. I'll check in with him to see if he knows anything and post the results back here.

[RoyalSubject]

Wish I could help, closest folks I know are playing up in Seattle. I would think Portland would have some rinks though. I thought they supported their WHL team fairly well. And LOL I just looked it up, Jamie Kompon is their GM!

They have three in Portland from what I've found online. Hoping we don't end up too far from them as we're looking to buy some land which will probably put us out in the sticks.

Go Winterhawks! Probably going to grab a 6 game ticket pack for this coming season to properly indoctrinate my SO and her toddler into hockey culture. Already bought the toddler a Bailey stuffed animal and a "baby's first puck" with a Kings logo on it. She will be a Kings fan! Or at least not a Ducks fan.

[RoyalSubject]

Thanks for the idea. One of my friends is heavily involved with the Winterhawks Booster Club. I'll check in with him to see if he knows anything and post the results back here.

Many thanks!

[LetTigerIn]

They have three in Portland from what I've found online. Hoping we don't end up too far from them as we're looking to buy some land which will probably put us out in the sticks.

Go Winterhawks! Probably going to grab a 6 game ticket pack for this coming season to properly indoctrinate my SO and her toddler into hockey culture. Already bought the toddler a Bailey stuffed animal and a "baby's first puck" with a Kings logo on it. She will be a Kings fan! Or at least not a Ducks fan.


So, this may overlap the information you already have, but my friend says Mountain View Ice Arena in Vancouver, WA or Winterhawks Skating Center in Beaverton, OR are possibilities.

[RoyalSubject]

So, this may overlap the information you already have, but my friend says Mountain View Ice Arena in Vancouver, WA or Winterhawks Skating Center in Beaverton, OR are possibilities.

I didn't know about the one in Vancouver. I looked but must have missed it. We're planning to live somewhere close to Vancouver so that's perfect!

[jammer06]

Our Winter league opened this past weekend. Had 2 games, the first started at 8, the second at 830..Oh well

First game was really fun. We picked up a guy off the Free agent list that is going to be a real nice player for us. He got a couple of goals and made nice passes but he's clearly just at the top of our level. I mean he was working to get what he got and not sandbagging in any way. We ended up winning 4-1 and controlled most of the play.

Second game was well in progress by the time 3 of our guys came over to play in it. The other two guys went to work for the other team and I lined up against them. We pretty much only got in for the third period and even though it was a single level lower the play was much slower, mostly because there was a lot more chaos. It felt hard to get into the game when the puck kept ending up in scrums in the corner and mostly chip play. Our team was up 3-0 when I got in there and the score stayed that way. Tough for anyone to find room to make plays.

In all the season looks like it's going to be a lot of fun both ways.

[beedee]

^ "like"

Right on Jamski. Lower and slower can be tough to get any flow at all, I know how that goes.

So last night was the "Draft Skate" for the upcoming Rookie Season at Lakewood Ice, I use the term "draft" very loosely, let me explain. I show up as a goalie, not necessarily a rookie any more since I have one season under my belt. There were probably around 40-45 skaters or so on the ice as well, all varying in abilities. First 5-10 minutes were spent skating laps, stretching and some people dicking around with pucks. I skated a few laps, stretched, worked on some slides, my usual warm up routine. There was no way in hell I was going to get in net with all the madness out there. On top of that, not everyone knows the etiquette of shooting on net, or not shooting on net. The whistle blows and the guy running the "draft skate"..err, clinic rallys everyone together and explains the instructions for the warm up skate. Im thinking, ok cool, I can partake in this one as it is just skating laps, fast on one whistle, slow down on a double whistle. That comes and goes and he goes on to explain the next drill, etc. AT NO POINT DID THE GUY EVER TALK TO ME, THE GOALIE ABOUT WHAT THE PLAN WAS. It was like I was invisible, usually at a clinic an instructor will give me the run down on the plan for the hour. Long story short, after nearly 40 minutes of me just doing my own thing and working on some crease movement I got off the ice. I was pretty upset at how I was totally ignored by the instructor, I didn't want my own private person or anything, but I also didn't want to just be a waste of space out there. Just think if I was a brand brand new goalie out there!!!?!?! I would have been uber pissed off because no one said anything to me. I had to ask my buddy who was helping run the clinic to ask the main guy if they were going to utilize me in net at all. He did ask and he said yeah, in a bit they would use me. I said **** that and bailed.

Now on to the "draft" portion of this thing. There is no way in hell they could have kept track of who was who, as everyone was in their own practice jerseys, some numbered, some blank. So how will they divide the teams up without knowing what person has what ability? Such a joke! l am very curious to see how the season unfolds, I heard that USA Hockey came down hard on Lakewood Ice for excessive penalties and unfair teams last season.
Peggy_GKG was there too, I hope he chimes in. We had a lengthy text discussion last night about it all. If they branded this skate as a "clinic" then I would say they nailed it. The drills they were doing seemed to be pretty worthwhile and a couple of my teammates from last season where there as well and enjoyed it. As a "draft skate", this was the ultimate in FAIL.

[beedee]

We just got the email this morning and the rosters have been set, Peggy_GKG is on my team. For the record, this guy doesn't wear a visor or a cage, 4th Line Banger in the making!!!

[Peggy_GKG]

We just got the email this morning and the rosters have been set, Peggy_GKG is on my team. For the record, this guy doesn't wear a visor or a cage, 4th Line Banger in the making!!!

Not true! I wear a combo visor/cage:

http://www.hockeytron.com/1050-tron-hockey-helmet-cage-visor-shield-s920.jpg

I spent a few grand on braces just a couple years ago to finally get my teeth straight, gotta protect the chompers

[beedee]

Not true! I wear a combo visor/cage
dang, your cool factor just dropped a few points.

[Peggy_GKG]

dang, your cool factor just dropped a few points.

It went from 1,000,000 to 999,997. I can live with that.

[jammer06]

This sounds like it's gonna be a lot of fun for you guys.

Just took minijammer to his first new hockey class on Thursday. He's grown so much from between when he started and this class now the coach took one look at his shorts and said "see me next week before practice, we'll get him some better shorts and you can trade in that speedo he's wearing"

I like the new coach.

[Peggy_GKG]

This sounds like it's gonna be a lot of fun for you guys.

Just took minijammer to his first new hockey class on Thursday. He's grown so much from between when he started and this class now the coach took one look at his shorts and said "see me next week before practice, we'll get him some better shorts and you can trade in that speedo he's wearing"

I like the new coach.

I am excited. I never thought this would be happening, at the ripe old age of 42 no less. 8 months ago if you had told me I'd be playing organized hockey I would I never would have thought it possible. I truly thought maybe I could play broomball, at best.

And not to get all cocky, but I wasn't all that impressed with the level of skater in the rookie league either, during the latest draft. Maybe it's because I've taken several skating classes as well as some good clinics, but even in the one-on-one drills I was beating guys who I know have played at least one season if not a couple (they were wearing their team jerseys). I obviously wasn't watching everyone but I didn't see too many people that really stood out, I think once the games start I'll be fine and I'm really feeling confident that I'm going to be a solid player. Maybe I'll be humbled once we get going, we'll see.

Anyway we have our first clinic this weekend, I assume maybe that's where we'll figure out positions and stuff, should be fun. Good times.

[Luc SkyBomba]

awesome you guys get to play together!

My Noho team didn't get enough players returning so the "league" decided to drop us altogether... I'll be playing roller in Burbank for the next season! Should have more fun there since they have actual skill brackets.

[jammer06]

So the end of week 2 in our league.
Lower level team had their first taste of what i expect a top team to be in the new division. To their credit they didnt cry ringer or anything when there were some pretty fast players. Hard part for me was trying to match higher effort/level of play with the fact that my team was still playing at the speed of a division below. Was frustrating to spin the wheels, but i was hoping they would pick up on it.

Second game at the higher level, though late made it all worth it though. Played the team that finshed second last season. They always have a fast pace and this was no different. We had 9 skaters and rolled 3 D. First period had 3 whistles over the first 10 minutes. Not a huge amount of shots but an abundance of tape to tape passes regroups and so forth. Just a real fun game. There were some screwy calls but it ended in what seemed to be a fair enough 3-3 tie.

Maybe Mud or LTI can answer but how is the best way to go about lower level team play. I dont want to try and do things by myself because its not how i enjoy the game. Probably just need to give the guys time to adjust to the new level and hope the spirits stay high.

[LetTigerIn]

As far as playing at the lowest level goes, I'm not sure what I have to offer will be any good, because I actually belong at that level, so my experience is different.

From my perspective, I try to add one or two elements to my game every time I skate, or, if I notice I'm developing some bad habits, I'll re-focus on maintaining the good habits I've already established. I try to get my teammates to hold me accountable, and I offer to do the same for them. For me lately, it's been making an effort to face the play as much as possible, which entails me relying on my shaky backwards skating and keeping my feet sorted out. Some of the habits I've tried to develop in the past include keeping my legs activated, sticking to my defensive assignment, positioning to be available on breakouts, screening the goalie, keeping my stick on the ice, etc. Some of these habits are things I've worked out on my own, but most of them were advice given to me by teammates.

For some of my teammates this season, it has been things even as basic as being onside, being in the right spot on face-offs, and taking short, hard shifts.

So, maybe if you just look for the incremental improvements in the skaters in front of you, or especially if you take a hand in helping them toward those steps, it will be less frustrating for you. If you can point out to them the specific ways they're improving, even better to help keep the spirits high, as you say. If that is not something that makes you happy, then I say just move onward and upward. I always think that's cool.

[beedee]

For lower level players that I have experienced on my team I really emphasized positioning and keeping their sticks on the ice. If they are in the right place at the right time, they will be blocking passing lanes and hopefully intercepting passes if they are good about keeping their sticks on the ice. I also try to drive it in their heads to shoot the puck along the boards if they don't have anything, hell even if they have something, the safest play is up along the boards, especially in our zone. Too many times they just swat at the puck without looking or having an idea of where they want it to go....and many times it would go right through the high slot...to the other team.

Last night we had another clinic at Lakewood, they were suppose to have our jerseys ready but they didn't. Lame. It was four teams on one sheet of ice, with only two goalies, myself and another one. The guy that was running it was really cool though and tried to make the best of if by not over complicating things. The first 10 minutes were spent warming up and messing around with pucks, i steered clear of the crease until drills started. He started the skate by dividing half of the skaters in each end of the ice and doing the classic horseshoe drill...it was also cool because he instructed the skaters (after i mentioned it) to shoot from the slot and not try to deke the goalies yet since we were warming up. After that they did some 2 on 0's, which wasn't too bad. I was focusing on making quick lateral slides from right to left, and made a few great saves if i say so myself. From there we went on to scrimmage for about 20 minutes or so. At times it was tough to tell who was on my team because of the variety of jersey colors, I imagine the players had trouble deciphering that as well. I only gave up two goals during it, both were crappy tap ins due to no defensemen picking up the wide open forward in the slot/backdoor. Once the scrimmage wrapped up he did a fun keep away drill using the face-off circles with players on the outside of it and one in the middle, pass the puck through and don't let the person in the middle get it. It was fun because i partook in it as well. After 5-10 minutes of that he divided people in half and did shootouts for the last 10 minutes or so. Again he was very considerate of the goalies and made sure the players waited until we were up and ready from the previous shooter before they came in from center ice. As usual, I got gassed after the first 15-20 shooters (as did the other goalie) so I stepped out of the crease for a bit to skate it off and shake out my legs before getting back in the net for more action.

All in all it was a fun skate, there were two or three skaters that shouldn't be in this league, but that is inevitable. It was really fun though seeing the new people come in and try their hardest during the drills. They were so stoked to be playing hockey and even apologized if they fanned on their shots on goal, haha. I'm assuming our games start up next Sunday.

[Peggy_GKG]

That was Coach JR (Reed), he posts in the Facebook groups every so often. I know he coaches at Anaheim, probably the other Rinks as well, he's definitely around. I think he works more with the kids. Good guy.

Rink C is still a giant pile of dirt but looks like at least part of it was graded yesterday. "ANY DAY NOW!!!"

I had a clean breakaway in that scrimmage yesterday, turnover in the offensive zone and I swooped in and scooped it up. There wasn't too much space to get good control of the puck, I ended up firing a solid wrister but it went wide, I was pretty upset I didn't even get it on net. There was a minimal attempt to assign positions on the bench for our team and I ended up playing center which was fun. Obviously as a brand new skater I know I have a lot to learn but I get the sense that maybe I have just a pinch more hockey sense than some of the other players, just understanding basics like getting the puck out of the center of the ice/crease in the defensive zone, using the boards, etc. There was one period (2nd time we were on the ice) where the puck was just floating around the goal for a bit and no one could move it out. beedee was screaming to get it out, I was trying to stay somewhat high for a breakout but ended up going down behind the net to help move it out. Even though we're supposed to have positions it seems like it turns into a giant cluster***** once play starts, particularly with the less experienced players. I'm very anxious to finally play a real game where everyone has a definite assignment. I know I've been studying a bit on positioning and making myself available, all that. It's going to be a challenge.

[beedee]

That was Coach JR (Reed), he posts in the Facebook groups every so often. I know he coaches at Anaheim, probably the other Rinks as well, he's definitely around. I think he works more with the kids. Good guy.

Rink C is still a giant pile of dirt but looks like at least part of it was graded yesterday. "ANY DAY NOW!!!"

I had a clean breakaway in that scrimmage yesterday, turnover in the offensive zone and I swooped in and scooped it up. There wasn't too much space to get good control of the puck, I ended up firing a solid wrister but it went wide, I was pretty upset I didn't even get it on net. There was a minimal attempt to assign positions on the bench for our team and I ended up playing center which was fun. Obviously as a brand new skater I know I have a lot to learn but I get the sense that maybe I have just a pinch more hockey sense than some of the other players, just understanding basics like getting the puck out of the center of the ice/crease in the defensive zone, using the boards, etc. There was one period (2nd time we were on the ice) where the puck was just floating around the goal for a bit and no one could move it out. beedee was screaming to get it out, I was trying to stay somewhat high for a breakout but ended up going down behind the net to help move it out. Even though we're supposed to have positions it seems like it turns into a giant cluster***** once play starts, particularly with the less experienced players. I'm very anxious to finally play a real game where everyone has a definite assignment. I know I've been studying a bit on positioning and making myself available, all that. It's going to be a challenge.

Very true, it was like watching a little kids soccer game where everyone is congregated around the ball, but in this instance, the puck. That cluster-f was no joke, people just hacking and whacking, yet fanning on the puck!!! There was one moment during the scrimmage where Brian (my boy as you called him, lol) left the front of the net to help out our elderly defenseman, #18 (http://letsgokings.com/usertag.php?do=list&action=hash&hash=18) in the right side corner. This literally left two opponents wide open in the slot and lead to a goal. I asked him WTF are you doing?!?! He knows better and knows that I'm just trying to help him. He told me he saw it was Toad in the corner and needed help...at that point the center should have been there helping him, not the other defenseman. No biggie, but just a microcosm of rookie right there in one play.

Your knowledge of the game is a great asset and I'm hoping you can share it with the others on our bench this season. Half of our team has it, half doesn't. Shane and Kyle have been putting in serious work and it is showing, they play well together and know where to go when each other has the puck, and they know if they don't have anything when entering the zone to get it down low. Toad (the older guy with glasses) is just old, lol. I hope I am skating when I am his age, he tries his best and that is all we can ask of him. Melinda (little vocal asian chic) is also improving, but isn't an offensive threat by any means. I'm sure you, me and marco will have some good conversations regarding the team and how we can keep improving. Not sure if you saw him, but Seth was there and he is going to continue to help coach from the bench, he has extensive hockey knowledge and played some high level hockey...and is also friends with many of my former teammates on the game we were watching after our skate.

I didn't look at Rink C, I thought about peaking through the tarps but said F it and bailed.

[LetTigerIn]

I'll add to my earlier post that obviously we put most of our best skaters on the blue line, and when they pinch, I will try to cover the blue line when appropriate and occasionally have had to defend a rush. Typically, due to my skills, that means I end up back checking, but I still find it fun when that happens, and gratifying when I make the play.

[beedee]

I'll add to my earlier post that obviously we put most of our best skaters on the blue line, and when they pinch, I will try to cover the blue line when appropriate and occasionally have had to defend a rush. Typically, due to my skills, that means I end up back checking, but I still find it fun when that happens, and gratifying when I make the play.

all around smart hockey right there. i wish our forwards paid that much attention.

[Peggy_GKG]

Very true, it was like watching a little kids soccer game where everyone is congregated around the ball, but in this instance, the puck. That cluster-f was no joke, people just hacking and whacking, yet fanning on the puck!!! There was one moment during the scrimmage where Brian (my boy as you called him, lol) left the front of the net to help out our elderly defenseman, #18 (http://letsgokings.com/usertag.php?do=list&action=hash&hash=18) in the right side corner. This literally left two opponents wide open in the slot and lead to a goal. I asked him WTF are you doing?!?! He knows better and knows that I'm just trying to help him. He told me he saw it was Toad in the corner and needed help...at that point the center should have been there helping him, not the other defenseman. No biggie, but just a microcosm of rookie right there in one play.

I distinctly remember that because I remember seeing you basically give him a "WTF!?" right after that goal was scored. I was on the bench for that one, actually both goals that went against you, so my +/- is still looking good!


Your knowledge of the game is a great asset and I'm hoping you can share it with the others on our bench this season. Half of our team has it, half doesn't. Shane and Kyle have been putting in serious work and it is showing, they play well together and know where to go when each other has the puck, and they know if they don't have anything when entering the zone to get it down low. Toad (the older guy with glasses) is just old, lol. I hope I am skating when I am his age, he tries his best and that is all we can ask of him. Melinda (little vocal asian chic) is also improving, but isn't an offensive threat by any means. I'm sure you, me and marco will have some good conversations regarding the team and how we can keep improving. Not sure if you saw him, but Seth was there and he is going to continue to help coach from the bench, he has extensive hockey knowledge and played some high level hockey...and is also friends with many of my former teammates on the game we were watching after our skate.

I didn't look at Rink C, I thought about peaking through the tarps but said F it and bailed.

Yeah I mean I have knowledge just from watching so many games but once you're out on the ice its different so my main goal right now is just to try and absorb as much as I can. I know there will be plenty of times where I'm out of position or don't make the right play. Not sure who Seth is...was he outside the glass on your right during the clinic? I remember seeing a dude there kinda just watching the whole time but didn't make the connection. That's awesome that he will be on the bench.

[Nyssa42]

wow, sounds like I would be a superstar on beedee and Peggy's team! And I wouldn't even be the oldest! That's one thing I hate about pickup....I need a specific position to focus on. I am terrible on the right side, so always drift to the left, but it seems I end up playing center a lot, and I am too old and out of shape for that!

[Peggy_GKG]

wow, sounds like I would be a superstar on beedee and Peggy's team! And I wouldn't even be the oldest! That's one thing I hate about pickup....I need a specific position to focus on. I am terrible on the right side, so always drift to the left, but it seems I end up playing center a lot, and I am too old and out of shape for that!

You probably would! The Toad guy that BD mentioned has to be in his mid 60's if not older. But hey, like he said, good for him!

[jammer06]

Thanks to LTI for pitchin in on my question (as well as peggy and beedee). I don't want to toot too much of a horn here about levels of play but my lower team has been together for 4-5 seasons with their core. They are all intermediate players but the division we were playing in was low for intermediate. The net result is the last couple of seasons the guys have started really stringing together a pass or two during gameplay and at that level if you can do it consistently you end up dominating possession and chances. Defensively if any of our forwards picked off a pass through the slot they would be past the blueline before the D would recover, lots of out numbered chances. At the level they are playing at now those chances don't happen. Other teams back off the blue line immediately and can skate well enough that even if it's tight up they are there.

The big adjustment is getting out of the zone with a proper breakout. Slamming the puck off the boards and winning a footrace isn't going to happen at this level until they get much faster. At the lower level I could usually lob a puck to the cross ice winger or do any number of foolish things from behind my goal line because the opposing centers would never cover the slot. At this level I might try that pass, but I'm looking first and I'm getting it well over someones head if they're there. I know this, but my team hasn't caught up to it yet. The net effect is I put in a little more effort and get a puck from the corner and my options are diminished because my team hasn't reacted assuming I'll win the puck. The winger on the short boards isn't ready for a pass, the center isn't setting to curl up for a pass from the winger (or the opposite winger isn't cutting across yet to take the pass from the board winger.

Mostly its that being a level up there's less time for the little mistakes. Pucks going off sticks on passes, trying to use your stick to take the puck off the boards instead of your skate, assuming that a pass through a person 6-10" off the ice will go through because they never blocked it before. Too many looks for 2 line passes.

The net effect is that they start looking to me to "do something" at times because they see me skating harder and faster than I did in the lower level, but I'm just doing it to win the puck and then set up for the play. I'm not doing it to try and turn around into a one man team for several reasons (one of which being I'm honestly probably not good enough at this current level to be anything other than a puck hog). LTI probably has it right that I need to encourage the incremental improvement. They know how to do it at the lower level, they just need to keep the confidence they can do these things and get game reps so they don't spaz and realize they've got time to do it. The rest of the team needs to learn to anticipate as if it will be done correctly instead of waiting. Trust is a hard thing to keep going when it seems like you're gonna get pounded, but playing the right way is a lot better in the long run than just collapsing to the net all the time.

[beedee]

Another thing I have chalked it up to is that not everyone gives a crap as much as we might.

This past rookie season I found myself wanting to help people learn the game that might not have really wanted the help. As the season went on, I grew frustrated that many players appeared to not give a **** that we just lost our 4th game in a row, no one asked questions in the locker room, etc. I was the only one speaking up about it, then again it was only rookie league, but then again I would think that people would want to learn and ask questions.

[jammer06]

Another thing I have chalked it up to is that not everyone gives a crap as much as we might.

This past rookie season I found myself wanting to help people learn the game that might not have really wanted the help. As the season went on, I grew frustrated that many players appeared to not give a **** that we just lost our 4th game in a row, no one asked questions in the locker room, etc. I was the only one speaking up about it, then again it was only rookie league, but then again I would think that people would want to learn and ask questions.

That definitely happens, but I'm usually the guy that doesn't give a crap. I just want to make some good hockey plays here and there.

[LetTigerIn]

The big adjustment is getting out of the zone with a proper breakout. Slamming the puck off the boards and winning a footrace isn't going to happen at this level until they get much faster. At the lower level I could usually lob a puck to the cross ice winger or do any number of foolish things from behind my goal line because the opposing centers would never cover the slot. At this level I might try that pass, but I'm looking first and I'm getting it well over someones head if they're there. I know this, but my team hasn't caught up to it yet. The net effect is I put in a little more effort and get a puck from the corner and my options are diminished because my team hasn't reacted assuming I'll win the puck. The winger on the short boards isn't ready for a pass, the center isn't setting to curl up for a pass from the winger (or the opposite winger isn't cutting across yet to take the pass from the board winger.

Wow. I know this feeling, even at the lowest level. A couple of seasons ago, one of the teams from a level above us moved down, and a well-organized roller team decided to take a stab at ice. Simultaneously, several of our best skaters moved up, and we struggled mightily on the breakout. This is when I finally had to research what my responsibilities would be at a more advanced level on the breakout, and, unsurprisingly, what I found is similar to what you said. Haha. So, that's what I do now. Of course, that still creates the problem that when I am in the right position, there's no guarantee I'll be able to receive the pass. :smirk:

Also, on the short side, I'll frequently curl to the top of the circle to create a shorter pass and more options, but I'm slow enough that sometimes when I do that, the defenceman has already dug the puck out and races past me up the boards. In this case, I just try to subtly (or not so much) open a lane for him.

Even though I'm still not remotely useful on the breakout, moving around to help the play develop is a lot more interesting, both mentally and physically, than standing around waiting for the play to develop.


trying to use your stick to take the puck off the boards instead of your skate

This is very useful to me, and I'm going to put it to work. Thanks!



The net effect is that they start looking to me to "do something" at times because they see me skating harder and faster than I did in the lower level, but I'm just doing it to win the puck and then set up for the play. I'm not doing it to try and turn around into a one man team for several reasons (one of which being I'm honestly probably not good enough at this current level to be anything other than a puck hog). LTI probably has it right that I need to encourage the incremental improvement. They know how to do it at the lower level, they just need to keep the confidence they can do these things and get game reps so they don't spaz and realize they've got time to do it. The rest of the team needs to learn to anticipate as if it will be done correctly instead of waiting. Trust is a hard thing to keep going when it seems like you're gonna get pounded, but playing the right way is a lot better in the long run than just collapsing to the net all the time.

I used to get a lot more advice from several of my teammates. Most of my teammates will not say anything, and for some it took several seasons before they realized they could feed me some criticism, and I would listen. However, for the few who have been helpful, I am extremely grateful. One of my teammates in particular is very good at this. He usually first tells me what I'm doing well and then adds just one thing I need to improve. Occasionally, he has no feedback, and then I find something to work on for myself. This is easy, because there's always that play or two (or more) every game you know you could have executed better.



Another thing I have chalked it up to is that not everyone gives a crap as much as we might.

This past rookie season I found myself wanting to help people learn the game that might not have really wanted the help. As the season went on, I grew frustrated that many players appeared to not give a **** that we just lost our 4th game in a row, no one asked questions in the locker room, etc. I was the only one speaking up about it, then again it was only rookie league, but then again I would think that people would want to learn and ask questions.


That definitely happens, but I'm usually the guy that doesn't give a crap. I just want to make some good hockey plays here and there.

The team I'm on is not particularly fiery. We do want to win, but mostly we want to have fun. We've had a few players from time to time who were competitive hotheads, and they did not get over very well. We've had some (and still do) who are competitive and passionate but not out of control, and that's okay. Mostly, our attitude is similar to jammer's. Of course, the caveat there is that we are so full of beginners that we are bound to show improvement, which is more difficult at higher divisions.

For me personally, when we get players who have never, ever skated before, I'm actually a good player to have around, because I'm proof one can go from super terribad to only terribad. :ggrin:

[jammer06]

Wow. I know this feeling, even at the lowest level. A couple of seasons ago, one of the teams from a level above us moved down, and a well-organized roller team decided to take a stab at ice. Simultaneously, several of our best skaters moved up, and we struggled mightily on the breakout. This is when I finally had to research what my responsibilities would be at a more advanced level on the breakout, and, unsurprisingly, what I found is similar to what you said. Haha. So, that's what I do now. Of course, that still creates the problem that when I am in the right position, there's no guarantee I'll be able to receive the pass. :smirk:

Also, on the short side, I'll frequently curl to the top of the circle to create a shorter pass and more options, but I'm slow enough that sometimes when I do that, the defenceman has already dug the puck out and races past me up the boards. In this case, I just try to subtly (or not so much) open a lane for him.

Even though I'm still not remotely useful on the breakout, moving around to help the play develop is a lot more interesting, both mentally and physically, than standing around waiting for the play to develop.

This is very useful to me, and I'm going to put it to work. Thanks!

2 things about wingers on the boards that I've told people in the past that may or may not help

1) Holding the back of your skate against the boards is weird until you do it alot. You have to be very patient and you're a bit stuck when you feel like you should be moving, but it's the right play. If you must move slide up and down the boards until you feel confident that you can get your ass and skate back on the boards very quickly. Also if your Dman loses the puck you can use the board to push off if the dman at the point activates.

2) You can gain a bit of time/space setting up level with the dot if you're worried about the pressure from the point dman (you're closer to the play but their forward is usually tied up with your D). Similarly some nights are just bad puck nights. If you're fighting it set up higher near the blue line to help push the dman out of the play and give your D a better chance of clearing the zone.

Figuring out how to work the boards is probably the hardest thing for us adult learned beer leaguers. You can't go to a stick time and work on it without help unless you just do 5 -10 minutes along the boards without your stick. It's more beneficial to have someone wrapping pucks around the boards for you though. Skills classes almost never work on it. It's probably the most valuable skill that's developable though.

[mudfisher]

Playing down a level is always tough and can be very frustrating and also rewarding if you
see players develop and get better including yourself. There has been many good ideas and
suggestions on how to advance oneself while playing down. We all want to win. But if you can
approach the lower level as a skill development and make it game within a game you can spur
your competitive edge while working on skills.

You won't get better unless you learn to play the position at a slower pace. Jumping into
the deep-end may work for swimming but not ice hockey. Playing at a higher skill level will
help you but if you are getting out classed too much you will not learn or develop good
positioning.

1) Start slower and work yourself up.

2) Forwards (Non-centers) are the easiest positions to play. They have 2-3 spots to cover
in the D zone. Side to side passes, shot coverage, and north and south passes.

A)Toughest part about playing forward is wanting to help your team mates and leaving your
position. 80-90% of the time if you leave that D-man to go help. That D-man gets the puck
and gets a shot off or helps generate a scoring chance.

B) Most of the time it is best to stay in between the current play and the D-man you are
covering. Keep that pass option unavailable by keeping your head on a swivel between the
play and your the D-Man you are covering. You should keep your stick moving as the play
moves to help provide pass deterrence.

C) If you can tackle A and B throughout a couple games then you will be good. A is tough
because the draw and hunger to get in the play is strong like the Dark-side of the force.

3) Center is the next toughest position. Center acts as the 3rd defense and supports the
D-man in front of the Net.

A) Work on faceoff win and body placement (Win and loss body movement)
B) In most instances of D zone play a defender always plays the player along the deep
boards and the Center takes up the position between that play and the open Center or
Forward. 2nd Defender has his hands full with the other open forward or Center depending
on who's in front of the net.
C) Learn to help Positional switch. (IE: puck goes from west to east side corners of the
ring while going behind the net). In most cases the Defensmen(A) playing the puck should not follow behind the net
chasing the forward A/center with the puck. This Defensmen(A) should move to the front of
the net and the Defensmen(b)/Center should be in communication for who takes up the defense
of puck carrying forward.

3) Defensmen

A) Defending a Rush - Learn to use the side faceoff dots as your lines of north and south. If
player is rushing in outside of the line try to keep them outside. If a player is rushing inside
the line try to force them to move outside the line. The farther out you meet the attacking
player the better. Also, don't backup all the way to your goalie. They hate that. Do something
if you see the top of the circle because that means you are at the Faceoff dots and quickly closing in on your goalie.
B) Never be side by side with your defensmen on a defense attack rush. The D-Man without the puck
should be a little behind his partner (IE: Stagard so if he gets beat you can swing across). Protect
the pass if you can.
C) Forward covering and play transition from east to west along with Center (see above).

4) Communication - One of the most important aspects and helps make the game easier when players
communicate

A) The toughest thing to do in all of sports in any sport you play is communication. The first thing
new skaters do when the game starts is they stop talking.
B) Learn how to communicate while being involved with the play in the O-zone or D-Zone.
C) Communicate with the Goalie and Goalies communicate with the Defensemen/Centers

I side on the best players should be Defensemen if they can play the position else Center. Typically
the better players on a team can skate better and get back to good positions.

Rambled a bit. But it always nice to see players wanting to improve there play.

[Peggy_GKG]

^^Great stuff^^

Thanks for posting. Just trying to shove as much info as I can into my brain.

[beedee]

tonight i subbed in Bronze East (2.5 levels above Rookie) and stopped 23 of 24 and got the win, 5-1. only goal came in the 2nd after i stopped the first two shots and the d couldnt clear it. one of their guys roofed it from the middle of the slot, top blocker corner.

the game was so much fun! much much much faster with quality shots and plays.

[beedee]

We had our season opener this evening at Lakewood Ice and won 5-1. i Iet in a weak goal in the first (a flutter puck) but was money after that, stopping the next 20 shots or so. (scoresheet isnt posted yet)

our team played well overall and will only get better as the season carries on. its always so cool to see teammates score their first ever goal in organized hockey, some get really pumped up.

the rink ran out of "the rinks" logos to put on the front of our jerseys but did put numbers on the back...random numbers ar that. i usually wear 31 but this season i am wearing 30.

my buddy took this shot of me, pretty sure i had just deflected a shot into the corner.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v408/bretdee/20150927_220650.png (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/bretdee/media/20150927_220650.png.html)

[jammer06]

Had only one game last night at the higher level. Broke in a new guy who'd been in london for the last 3 years and actually had gotten to play on the university team there. He was a bit rusty and got winded by the third but is a really solid player. Always nice to pick up a good player that wants to play the blueline.
The game itself had 2 of my pet peeves.
1) the guy cutting the ice dumped an absolute lake of water out there. in the first period it was a comedy of people trying to make passes or stick handle and the puck would hit a puddle an come to a screeching halt. Nearly burned us as more than a few passes ended up stopping right in the slot.
2) catching pucks right on the laces. 2nd week in a row I caught one there, both times on centering passes and not shots thankfully but goddamnit that **** hurts. I think I'm gonna break down and get the guards.

Otherwise it was a good game for us. got the win 5-2. New D partner picked up a couple of assists, one on a real nice tip in front. We were both active and in the play instead of just hanging out at the blue line. Lots of fun.

[beedee]

Get the guards man! I got them AFTER I blocked a clapper with my foot and broke my 5th metatarsal...wish I had bought them before hand.

That is great about picking up a solid D'man, as a goalie I love having a solid person on each line of D, it is reassuring!!!

[Peggy_GKG]

My first "true" organized hockey game last night as part of the newly christened Lakewood Cat-nucks (name subject to change). I played 2nd line RW and had a blast. As beedee described above, our team played pretty well. The other team had a couple of real strong individual players but overall I would say seemed a bit weaker and disorganized compared to us. We gave up a soft goal early then dominated zone play for some pretty good stretches, even when on the PK. I obviously had never played with the team before, but both of my linemates commented that they felt good playing with me and there was some chemistry there which should hopefully continue to improve.

I noticed that in their zone, depending on who was playing D, they usually collapsed down deep towards the back red line, so even though I was cognizant of keeping myself between the puck and the D-man, I would cheat up a bit between the face-off dot and the blue line. So when we were able to get control of the puck I was able to break out of the zone and get on a number of break outs. Biggest problem for me was controlling the puck on a clearing pass. One of our better defenders (Brian) was consistently giving me good passes up the board but I was having a hard time controlling them sometimes since it's on my backhand, or I was pressured. But I think we did a solid job getting the puck out and moving it up at least to disrupt their rhythm. All in all I had about 4-5 decent SOG but nothing got through. One breakout I had my Center on my left, calling for a pass. He was a bit close to me and it looked like a tough angle for him, I thought I should have ripped a shot and put him is position for a juicy rebound, but I deferred and passed and we got nothing. All part of the game. Biggest things for me to work on are probably my endurance mostly, and keeping my stick on the ice and head up. Some of the better skaters are still able to dangle me a bit so working on puck control/movement is also an issue but that will come with practice.

Just glad we were able to get the win and I was able to hold my own. I don't think I got an assist but someone on our team mentioned a goal where all 3 forwards passed the puck back and forth before scoring so maybe I'll get credit on that one. Of course the Scoresheet still isn't up. Also, we had the same ice issue early on as well there. Definitely a few puddles in our zone to start. Supposedly Rink C will be ready this week so we'll see if it's any better. And of course no logos on our jerseys which isn't a bad thing in the end. I figure it's all part of the DERP that is playing at Lakewood.

[beedee]

Just redid my pads last night in honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xta1/t31.0-8/12087269_10153792933919258_900007802043940123_o.jp g

[beedee]

got my first shutout tonight, 9-0! too bad Peggy_GKG was too busy watching muscular men in tight pants rubbing up against each other and tackling instead of being a part of the epicness! ;)

[Peggy_GKG]

Hey I had a great time but I'm definitely bummed about missing this game. And of course they have me as playing yesterday on Pointstreak so now my PPG average is going to drop! I wonder if the Avalanche are going to try and get some help. Wouldn't surprise me if a "trade" in the league is made in the next few weeks.

[mudfisher]

Congrats on the Shutout! Were you putting out a hit on anyone who said the words during the game?

[beedee]

Congrats on the Shutout! Were you putting out a hit on anyone who said the words during the game?

thanks man! well, i was certainly hoping no one on the bench was saying the magical word! the third period actually got a bit sloppy too, but it all worked out!

[Luc SkyBomba]

now that my games are on friday nights instead of wednesdays, it feels like i gotta wait so damn long to get some action!

PS - we won the opener last week!

[jammer06]

now that my games are on friday nights instead of wednesdays, it feels like i gotta wait so damn long to get some action!

PS - we won the opener last week!

My old off night used to be friday nights. It was the worst for parking in downtown Oakland, give me wednesday any time. Gratz on the win though!

So did the b2b with both my games this last weekend. Nothing out of the norm other than the lower team is starting to get it together a little better and my upper team is still shocking the league with its undefeatedness. Still tired from the games on sunday, this getting old stuff is really starting to catch up with me.

[Luc SkyBomba]

feelin you on gettin old!

[beedee]

feelin you on gettin old!

+2, taking up goalie at the age of 40 isn't too great on the knees.

[RoyalSubject]

No beer league for me yet, but I finally recovered enough from the concussion I got back in April to able to get back on skates last week. Completely lost all my stamina and just puttered around the rink for 20 minutes before I had to pack it in, but I still skated again and it was glorious!

[beedee]

we lost 7-4 tonight. i gave up two crappy 5-hole goals and then a really bad one that deflected off a chics skate about 10 feet in front of me, redirected my way, off my skate and in. it was one of those blooper type of goals you would see on a Top 10 Crappy Goals compilation.

Our defense sucks, I have given up on trying to help them after doing so all last season. Im convinced they just dont get it. One out of the 5 we have is what I would consider strong.

[Luc SkyBomba]

Ugh we had a 2pm game yesterday... Outdoors, 111F in Burbank! We gave up halfway through the 2nd.

[beedee]

Wow, I can't believe they didn't just flat out cancel your game man, that is asking for serious health concerns by allowing you guys to even attempt to play in that heat.

[jammer06]

Wow that sucks 111 heat? crazy.

Groin issues have struck again. Felt like a one legged man from the 2nd period on. Didn't help we had 9 guys and skated 3 D but we deservedly lost 9-1. About the only excuse I can offer up is it should have been 5-1 ish but their goalie was really decent and our goalie took a shot off the mask and quite frankly didn't look right on some of the shots after that.

Time for more stretching.....

[Luc SkyBomba]

Yeah and the big mouths on the team kept barking out **** like "fight for that puck" and i'm like, "f u guys, i'm about to die"

[beedee]

tonight i subbed again in bronze east at lakewood for the same team that i subbed for a month back. it is 2.5 levels higher than my current league and is so much fun! we were up 3-0 after the first, then i gave one up in the second on a partial breakaway, the guy had dirty dangles! third period our team got sloppy and i gave up two goals, yikes. one was a total fluke from almost along the boards that looked like it was going wide glove side but i swear it bent and squeezed in about 6" of gap between my left pad and the post!

this led to a shootout. their first guy muffed the puck and didnt get a shot off. our first guy shot it wide. their next guy was dr. dangles (same guy that beat me in the 2nd) and can-openered me, beat me 5 hole. our next two guys scored and then i stuffed their 3rd guy for the win!

[beedee]

i subbed in Copper last night and got the win, 3-2. i wasnt able to play in our game today but heard we lost 4-3.

[LetTigerIn]

Finally back on the ice yesterday after over a month layoff! Unfortunately, we lost the game. Grr.

[beedee]

subbed last night in copper and had my 4-0 shutout spoiled with 45 seconds left in the game! :(

the team did ask me to play fulltime with them. :)

[beedee]

Our rookie team won in a shootout last night 4-3 (we beat the team 9-0 last time). Kudos to Peggy_GKG for stepping up and trying defense for the first time in a game situation. Overall, the game was atrocious, I know Ii should be happy we won, but the overall play left a bad taste with me. They brought in a ringer who was pretty good, dangled our team multiple times throughout the game and top shelved a beaut backhand over my shoulder on my blocker side, i thought i had played it perfectly. Someone on our team tripped someone from behind in the first period on a play that wasn't even remotely a breakaway and they were awarded a penalty shot...in which I stuffed. Also ended up stuffing all three of their shooters in the shootout and thank the lord someone on our team actually scored during the 3rd round of it.

Myself, our coach and captain seriously believe the team is regressing...it is sad. It is frustrating telling returning players the same thing multiple times a game that i told them multiple times a game all last season, simple stuff too. Such as, here is where you line up for a face-off. Take a look before sending a blind backhand pass across the middle from our own corner, keep your stick on the ice, keep two hands on your stick and last but not least, skate hard.

Oh well.

[jammer06]

Bummer about the ringer business beedee. Happens all the time though.

Had the weirdest first period last night. Other team started the gsme with no goalie, one of our players showed up late, missing his gloves. Then he and another player had to leave the game and get shoulder pads, they had to stop the game mid play because the league got a call from another players wife that she was in labor and finally their goalie showed up. All that happened in i think the first 7 minutes of gametime. Game was pretty good after that, 1-1 tie but a lot of flow and good passing combined with good sticks. Led to lots of neutral zone transition.

[LetTigerIn]

We had an exciting game last night, which we unfortunately ended up losing 3-2. We gave up two goals early, came back to tie it in the third, but gave up the GWG shortly after. I scored our first goal while I was screening the goaltender. One of our defencemen floated in a slow knuckler that was dipping for my legs. I got a piece of it to ensure it went through my legs, but I was upset, because I thought I got too much and killed it dead at my feet, so I never knew it went in. I was trying to figure out why the whistle went, because I turned around, and the puck was sitting in the crease, right where I thought it would be.

I will add that at this level, I'm not too upset by the ringers, unless they are freezing people out and trying to dominate the game way too much. Without them, the flow of the game would be even more disastrous than it already is. Plus, I think I learn a lot more quickly by being required to keep pace, and it feels good to force one of the better players have to change gears.

[jammer06]

Theres a difference between a guy dropping down a level and trying to hard, a guy at the wrong level just trying to make his teammates better and some douchbag out to score 20 goals all by himself

[LetTigerIn]

Theres a difference between a guy dropping down a level and trying to hard, a guy at the wrong level just trying to make his teammates better and some douchbag out to score 20 goals all by himself

Concur.

[Luc SkyBomba]

how can i nicely get my teammates to STOP changing up when our team goes back on the defensive?

[jammer06]

how can i nicely get my teammates to STOP changing up when our team goes back on the defensive?

Pull the old Keenan Kovalev trick, just wave them back out there every time they only want to come off. Hey they might get it eventually right?

[Luc SkyBomba]

Pull the old Keenan Kovalev trick, just wave them back out there every time they only want to come off. Hey they might get it eventually right?

my cousin (also teammate) is actually trying to convince me that it's strategic!!! wtf...

"when i come off a fresher guy comes on to play defense"

[jammer06]

my cousin (also teammate) is actually trying to convince me that it's strategic!!! wtf...

"when i come off a fresher guy comes on to play defense"

Well in most of the bottom beer leagues getting a guy to come off before a 2 minute shift is usually the biggest issue. It can be a problem higher but it usually gets straightened out pretty quick

[pepperdine]

how can i nicely get my teammates to STOP changing up when our team goes back on the defensive?

Depends, there are times where it's actually beneficial - especially in the 2nd period. If you spend some solid time in the offensive zone, a turnover should usually lead to a quick swap as you can gain 30 feet by switching up on the transition back to the defensive zone

Of course, if he's that player that will take long shifts and never come off on an offensive transition - then f him :-)

[Peggy_GKG]

Bummer about the ringer business beedee. Happens all the time though.

Had the weirdest first period last night. Other team started the gsme with no goalie, one of our players showed up late, missing his gloves. Then he and another player had to leave the game and get shoulder pads, they had to stop the game mid play because the league got a call from another players wife that she was in labor and finally their goalie showed up. All that happened in i think the first 7 minutes of gametime. Game was pretty good after that, 1-1 tie but a lot of flow and good passing combined with good sticks. Led to lots of neutral zone transition.

A real hockey wife would have delivered in the stands!!

[jammer06]

Ok so small venting issue. Got on the ice after a few weeks off due to groin pull. We have a tight close game but for whatever reason the refs are randomly calling the icing. So we're bitching about it and then the ref tells our center he's calling hybrid icing...in the third period. Ok fine so now we know the ref's not calling the house rules, we pull the goalie down 3-2 with the faceoff down in their end and they win the draw and chuck it down the ice. So I haul ass back get to the puck and there's no ****ing whistle. Of course the rest of the team hasn't done squat, my only option is a desperation wrap on the boards which gets picked off and they get the EN goal. So I yap at the refs an the one ref actually conferences with the other and they decide the puck was tipped. We're like by who? just terrible when there's an actual good game going on. The other team didn't deserve to win or anything, the refs didn't "cost us the game" but they certainly took the focus off what was a good tilt.

[mudfisher]

Ok so small venting issue. Got on the ice after a few weeks off due to groin pull. We have a tight close game but for whatever reason the refs are randomly calling the icing. So we're bitching about it and then the ref tells our center he's calling hybrid icing...in the third period. Ok fine so now we know the ref's not calling the house rules, we pull the goalie down 3-2 with the faceoff down in their end and they win the draw and chuck it down the ice. So I haul ass back get to the puck and there's no ****ing whistle. Of course the rest of the team hasn't done squat, my only option is a desperation wrap on the boards which gets picked off and they get the EN goal. So I yap at the refs an the one ref actually conferences with the other and they decide the puck was tipped. We're like by who? just terrible when there's an actual good game going on. The other team didn't deserve to win or anything, the refs didn't "cost us the game" but they certainly took the focus off what was a good tilt.

Do like my teammate did the next game something like this happened. He iced the puck at the ref rather hardly. But be warned he got ejected for a game or 2.

[beedee]

Had a double-header last night...kinda.

In a classic Lakewood fashion, our captain checks in for what is suppose to be a "clinic" in place of this weeks game and gets notification that there are no coaches present and then we basically have open ice. I had planned on NOT attending the clinic because the suck for goalies and the last 2 or three i have gone to, I wasn't utilized until 30 minutes in. So cappy texts everyone and explains the situation, so I decide to go show up and play. Here is the kicker, we were suppose to share the ice with another team in our league, and only TWO people from their team showed up. If that doesn't tell you how lame the "clinic" is viewed by players, nothing will! Ironically, most of our team showed up. We dicked around for the first 20 minutes or so and then did a scrimmage, it was cool and nice warm up for my Copper league game that immediately followed our session...on the same rink.

On to my Copper game. We had heard about this team we were playing, and heard they were really good. And they were! All female team composed of former/current college level hockey teams, LMU, USC, etc... These gals could really move the puck and it was obvious they should not be in our league. I'm talking set plays, ability to string 3 and 4 passes together (totally unheard of in beer league) and just a very well rounded team. They out skated us and outplayed us. We lost 4-2 and I gave up 2 in the first, 2 in the second and none in the 3rd. First goal was a shot from near the boards, middle of the circle, I dropped and made the save off my chest, rebound came down in front of me and was swatted immediately to the slot, then banged in. Second goal I couldn't see squat, lower left side, I literally didn't move, was screened by two of my team mates. Third goal was a nice backdoor cross ice pass, nothing I could do as I tried to get over in a butterfly push but the gal just had to tap in the puck from the pass. Not sure where the D was, or why the pass wasn't broken up. Fourth goal was a backhand going from my left to right and it hit off my mask and then went in...ugh! The scoresheet said I only faced 27 shots, but it really felt closer to 40. I must have faced at least 15-18 in the first period alone! Our team was making horrible passes right to the sticks of the other team, the play was in our end most of the game. I was so tired that I showered and fell asleep within 10 minutes of getting out of the shower when I got home.

[jammer06]

Had a double-header last night...kinda.

In a classic Lakewood fashion, our captain checks in for what is suppose to be a "clinic" in place of this weeks game and gets notification that there are no coaches present and then we basically have open ice. I had planned on NOT attending the clinic because the suck for goalies and the last 2 or three i have gone to, I wasn't utilized until 30 minutes in. So cappy texts everyone and explains the situation, so I decide to go show up and play. Here is the kicker, we were suppose to share the ice with another team in our league, and only TWO people from their team showed up. If that doesn't tell you how lame the "clinic" is viewed by players, nothing will! Ironically, most of our team showed up. We dicked around for the first 20 minutes or so and then did a scrimmage, it was cool and nice warm up for my Copper league game that immediately followed our session...on the same rink.

On to my Copper game. We had heard about this team we were playing, and heard they were really good. And they were! All female team composed of former/current college level hockey teams, LMU, USC, etc... These gals could really move the puck and it was obvious they should not be in our league. I'm talking set plays, ability to string 3 and 4 passes together (totally unheard of in beer league) and just a very well rounded team. They out skated us and outplayed us. We lost 4-2 and I gave up 2 in the first, 2 in the second and none in the 3rd. First goal was a shot from near the boards, middle of the circle, I dropped and made the save off my chest, rebound came down in front of me and was swatted immediately to the slot, then banged in. Second goal I couldn't see squat, lower left side, I literally didn't move, was screened by two of my team mates. Third goal was a nice backdoor cross ice pass, nothing I could do as I tried to get over in a butterfly push but the gal just had to tap in the puck from the pass. Not sure where the D was, or why the pass wasn't broken up. Fourth goal was a backhand going from my left to right and it hit off my mask and then went in...ugh! The scoresheet said I only faced 27 shots, but it really felt closer to 40. I must have faced at least 15-18 in the first period alone! Our team was making horrible passes right to the sticks of the other team, the play was in our end most of the game. I was so tired that I showered and fell asleep within 10 minutes of getting out of the shower when I got home.

Them former college chicks are the best spanking I've ever gotten on the ice too

[mudfisher]

Lesson Time.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cV7ZL68L-Pc

How not to defend the rush as a Defensemen when One on One with a Forward.

1) Body Position

2) Poke check form
A) D-Man should only poke out far enough that he does not have to lean forward. The stick and the Poke checks should be subtle and should be unpredictable. (ie: poke check half-way to three quarters of your maximum poke check length while standing up. If you expose your full length of the poke check at first the attacker knows how far you can reach and will make adjustments on his attack

3) Stick placement
A) The stick work should be made to keep the attacking player on the outside.

4) Supporting player
A) stop the cross ice pass provide support to block the attacker from taking the center of the ice.

---

Watch the video and see how these 3 failures in positioning and fundamentals results in a goal against.

A) J. Bouwmeester leaves his great position on the ice(he moves a couple feet to the right)
B) He then leans forward and pokes way out and misses the puck with causes him to lose backward momentum. He is now on the tip of his skates which dig into the ice and causes him to become flat footed to the attacking player as he regains balance.
C) J. Bouwmeester missed poke check provides a space for Zuccarello to cut inside and into prime scoring position.
D) Blues supporting player is puck watching(coasting) and not taking the center of the ice away when J. Bouwmeester misses on his poke check. Zuccarello has easy path to net. (Supporting player fault.

If J. Bouwmeester would have just denied the center of the ice using proper stick placement and body position(which was correct) before the poke he would have had a better opertunity to deny Zuccarello the scoring chance. Supporting player still puck watching and thats another story.

If this is annoying let me know so I can do more.

[beedee]

Last night our Copper game was at 10:40pm, ugh. To make things worse, we were playing on Rink B but had to suit up in locker room 1, which is on the other side of Rink A. So we had a nice lengthy walk to Rink B....which sucks in goalie gear.

On to the game. We were playing the first place team (whom only had 1 loss, we had two). Our team pretty much dominated the play all game long. I swear there was one shift where we were in their zone for over 2 minutes straight!

I felt great all game and made some big saves. I was or practicing my back and forth butterfly pushes a lot when play was at the other end. They are coming along nicely, it feels really good to finally be able to do them quickly in precession. It was a goal of mine when I started, so I'm stoked!

Ok back to the game, I lost my shut out on a breakaway with 3:25 left in the game!!! Ugh! I stopped 22 of 23 and we won 4-1. I believe we are tied for first place now. I am 3-1 with this team. I joined them the second game of the season.

Tomorrow is another "clinic@ for my rookie team and I highly doubt I will be going.

[jammer06]

If this is annoying let me know so I can do more.

I want you to do more, so yes it's annoying?

[jammer06]

Back on the ice for a B2B post turkey weekend...and it was brutal. Game one we lost 7-2 I think, I was even on the game as one of 2 d pairs but I wasn't contributing much either. They just had one guy who would show speed and our goalie was frustrated by him. Let in a couple bad goals from the outside and was blaming our D for letting him get the shot off...which we just knew he was having a bad game so what can you do.

Game 2 was even more pronounced, I think it was 8-1 and again the other d pair was on for 6 of the goals, both times i was out we were on the PK (one 5-3). The other team could really move the puck and it was actually a really good skating game. Lots of up and down the ice and not so much just getting pinned. Strange how that can happen sometimes where on the scoreboard you're getting killed but on the ice it's competitive.

Strange story of the night was in game 2. Early on I pushed up to the blue line to force the forward to dump the puck and he did. I stood my ground and let him run into me. A nothing collision but somehow he got me just right to knock the wind out of me. Hadn't had that happen in about 20 years so I probably had a good panic face going on. He looks at me and asks if I'm allright, at which point I did that inhale squeek thing which confused him, finally got my breath back and told him "plexus" he was confused but skated off cuz the game was still going. At the intermission I caught up to him and we had a laugh about it. He apologized for breaking out his bruce lee moves on me. Anyway it was a good exchange.

Btw mud, I definitely was guilty of leaning way forward during both games on poke checks. It's how I know I'm getting really tired out there and I need to really concentrate on getting off the ice on shifts instead of whatever else it is I'm doing out there. Usually after a few shorties I can get my confidence back up to make some plays.

[beedee]

Cliff notes version of this weekends games.

Lost both games over the weekend, 5-3 in Copper and 4-0 in Rookie.


Pic from last night:
https://scontent-lax3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xlt1/v/t1.0-9/1477386_10153947285814258_6936185334490835345_n.jp g?oh=b97d257ccfcb09388423d701e83679d2&oe=57105240

[Luc SkyBomba]

i'm feelin you on the rookie team (well it's beginner for me)

There's just one jackass that's ruining every game for me. I let the commish know so we'll see if they can find me another team next season.

[jammer06]

Yeah, good locker rooms are worth finding. If you can't then its worth poking around. That goes for drop ins and other places as well. Sometimes theres just a bad fit.

Haven't been on the ice in forever it seems. January is going to be rough.

[yipperzz]

Went to my game on Sunday and one of my teammates works at the rink. One of the workers told him there was a guy in copper playing on the C rink that was averaging 4 points per game. I can only imagine another copper player trying to take a run at him. Or attempting to run him and falling while trying to take him out. That's highly possible too.

[beedee]

Went to my game on Sunday and one of my teammates works at the rink. One of the workers told him there was a guy in copper playing on the C rink that was averaging 4 points per game. I can only imagine another copper player trying to take a run at him. Or attempting to run him and falling while trying to take him out. That's highly possible too.

Two weeks ago we had a game, there were two players on the roster, full-time that also skated in the SILVER division at Westminister!!! That is 6 levels higher than Rookie, mind boggling that no one that runs the league took notice to that until our players looked them up and found that out. Must be pretty rewarding to sandbag in Rookie. Last night the other Rookie team had a player that clearly was upper bronze or silver skating with them too.

[yipperzz]

Wow. That's not even fun. Not cool at all.

[mudfisher]

Lesson Time Part 2 (two player failure, Player B(Defender) should go back to last Lesson (http://letsgokings.com/showthread.php/462184-Tales-from-the-beer-league-part-2?p=3117556&viewfull=1#post3117556))


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t7HPH3eM5Ow

Defending a board play just outside the blue line as a non-engaged forward

1) Body Position
A) Take the open forward at the blueline
B) Defender hold the spot as a backup to the board battle.

2) Supporting player(Forward)
A) stop the cross ice pass provide support to block the attacker from taking the center of the ice.

Defender(Smith) - See last lesson.

Watch the video and see how these 2 failures in positioning and fundamentals results in a goal against.

First Failure
1) Body Position - Free forward double's up the remaining Defender and leaves an open forward.
A) Novak(forward) gets stuck behind the battle as the puck squirts out to Coyle. Novak no where near his guy.

Second Failure
2) Body Position (Defender)- Charges puck carrier and Misses on poke check
A) D-Man(Smith) should have only stepped out towards Coyle and forced him to shoot or skate outwide.

3) Stick placement - Missed poke check allows Coyle to cut into the slot.
A) The stick work should be made to keep the attacking player on the outside.

[beedee]

Well instead of buying a new stick with red on it (to match our jerseys), I decided to repaint my current TWIGZ stick. I masked off all the letters and kept the paddle masked as well, wanted it to keep the character it has with all the puck marks, scrapes, etc...

Here is a pic of me in a game in its previous state. And the re-paint is on the right.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v408/bretdee/0587DEF4-A41E-4611-AE7D-6E179CDB30E8.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/bretdee/media/0587DEF4-A41E-4611-AE7D-6E179CDB30E8.jpg.html)

[jammer06]

I am a glutton for punishment, havent skated in 3 weeks, just signed up for an iron man tourney saturday night. 7 games of 3 on 3 plus playoffs! Gotta start that new years diet with a bang right?

[beedee]

May the force be with you at that tourney Jammer!

[jammer06]

Unfortunately ill have entirely too much force in the form of gravity.

[jammer06]

So I had to bail on the ironman tourney due to that lovely stomach bug that's been going on around here. The boys made 3rd place without me. Sunday I had my regular game and by 7pm I felt good enough to give it a go for a single game since we looked to have more than 10.
Good news was I made it through the game, bad news is I was on the ice for all 6 goals against. The last one game literally as time expired on a broken play scramble where the other team went up 6-5. I couldn't believe it, I've been on the ice for 6 goals before unfortunately but usually when we were completely outclassed. This was just flukey broken this after that. I will take credit for blowing 2 coverages but there was **** going on like the high slot skate deflection to the top corner, the knucklepuck that made a 3 foot left turn from the point into the net, the goalies wise decision to go around the net and completely misplay the puck. The funny thing was I started off the night with a miracle save when our goalie slid out of the crease and they found a man high slot and I managed to knock the puck down with my stick on a straight snipe. Anyway sometimes there are nights when you just want to get off the ice to prevent the goofy stuff that seems to be following you, tonight was one of those nights.
Hoping to play more to start off the year and get rid of my tub o lard I'm carrying around.

[jammer06]

Ok so wednesday night I show up at the locker room and theres the goalie outside, its about 30 minutes before the game and it was rainy so I chatted a bit. After 5 minutes I caved and went and got the key for the room. I was heartened to see in that time 1 additional person had showed so I asked how many people were supposed to show, I was not heartened to hear the answer was 6, including the goalie. This is my higher level team and the team we were playing against is even with us in the standings so we all agreed we were going to get a hell of a workout. 5 minutes before gametime we got a boon! An unscheduled sub showed up!

So we took the ice 6 skaters and a goalie against 10+ guys and proceeded to just control the **** outta the puck. Somewhere in Russia I'm sure they felt us channeling the full 5 man non hockey dump philosophy. We got help with a couple of calls which allowed us a little bit of space early and most of us changed about 10 times total which was impressive and sucked at the same time. Getting a 30 second blow after a 5 min shift is not enough but we got the final go ahead goal short handed with about 3 minutes to go. I will say it was one of my favorite beer league wins ever. The other guys gave us our props, they tried to outskate us but they couldn't when we wouldn't let them have the puck.

2 days later though, my body ****ing HURTS

[Luc SkyBomba]

First game with the new team tonight! We got a 5-5 tie with my former team and it was great. We were down 5-2 starting the 3rd and kept pushing. I got an assist on the game tying goal. I'm really feeling this team. Also feeling tons of pain haha.

[jammer06]

2 games last night. The first one we had 15 guys. It was weird. Took me until the 3rd period to start really getting into the game. Too much sitting on the bench. 6 D seems like way too much. The boys were rough too, our breakouts were crap and I think we really only had about 3 good entries.

The second one we had 7 guys, so we recruited 3 because even though it worked on wednesday, we were all still sore. Game was a decent one, the stiffness was showing though. Came out 3-3. I was unfortunately almost a goat when my clearing pass around the boards nailed this dude right in the nuts. I could have got the puck from him but honestly I was astonished he didn't fall over. He managed a pass right to a guy in the slot and of course he put it home. Thankfully our guys tied it up. What can you do though right? I mean a guy should be rewarded for taking one in the nads.

[beedee]

Wow, that is a full bench Jammer! That is a whole bunch of sitting, it could be ideal if everyone took short shifts, but we all know how that goes. Skating every other other shift sucks, you get cold on the bench. Two even lines in beer league is my ideal situation when I skate out. And how ironic that you only had 7 for the next game. I do feel like when we have less players, your team plays smarter.


We lost 5-1 last night against the first place team.

I can honestly say I should have had 1 of those goals. First goal was a beauty snipe, top right corner from middle of the face-off circle. I should have had this next goal, banked off the inside of my right leg as I slid to my left to seal the post, the shot came from down at the bottom of the face-off circle and in between the goal line....ugh! Third goal, COMPLETELY screened, couldn't even see it come off the stick, this happened right after I told my defensemen I couldn't see and to move left or right, then I saw the puck go through is legs, then mine. :( Fourth and Fifth goals were hogwash, I made the first and second initial save on scrambles in front and then the puck squirted to the back door where no one was covering their player and they were able to knock them in...one of them i almost had with a desperation dive. Overall though I was very happy with my play, I stuffed two or three 2 on 1's with beauty lateral butterfly slide saves! My goalie buddy was watching from the stands and always has great things to say, very positive reinforcement for every game. It also helps because he recognizes and understands the goals that I couldn't save were results of defensive breakdowns. He also ribs me for ones that I should of had. haha.

The team started off solid in the first and it was 0-0 after 1. Then they just kind of got gassed in the second and third. Also, this was our first game in 3 weeks, and I guess we have this coming Sunday off as well. :/ Looks like I may try to find a stick time or pick-up to get in on this weekend.

[jammer06]

Another lonely Wednesday night. 7 skaters against the first place team. We lost 8-3, I was somehow a plus 2. (Thats code for I subbed a ****ton) Weird how that works out sometimes.

[Luc SkyBomba]

Another lonely Wednesday night. 7 skaters against the first place team. We lost 8-3, I was somehow a plus 2. (Thats code for I subbed a ****ton) Weird how that works out sometimes.

Seven skaters would've been a good night for some of the teams I've been on!

[jammer06]

Seven skaters would've been a good night for some of the teams I've been on!

It was a great skate, but with my generally perpetually tweaked groin these days I had no shame about grabbing the bench every 3-4 minutes. Probably played about 30 of the 45 minutes.

[beedee]

After no game last weekend we were back in action on Saturday night. We won 12-1, I felt bad for the other goalie, as he had zero support. It looked like they only had 4 subs too, and half of their team was older fellas. On top of that, their goalie didn't look that experienced. I could tell after we were up 7-1 in the 2nd period he was over it. I know that feeling, it totally sucks. Their goal on me game from the high slot in the middle of the 2nd. I was screened by two of our guys and one of theirs. I was looking to my right around the screen and the shot came through to the left of the screen, d'oh! Oh yeah, I also stuffed a penalty shot as well, my buddy took video of it, (it is on Facebook, so not sure if it is viewable if we aren't connected on Facebook).

Also, I popped in our proshop inside our rink over the weekend before our game and saw that they had a used SportMask Riccochet. I haggled them on the price a bit and got it for a great price. It needs new straps and foam, and probably could use a paint job eventually. But it was a smoking deal so I didn't want to pass it up.
https://scontent-lax3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xal1/v/t1.0-9/12573039_10154026310044258_7703932051949160836_n.j pg?oh=7df800b5e3244a141b2c3d8e32fb2d48&oe=573491B2
https://scontent-lax3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xpa1/v/t1.0-9/12553006_10154026310064258_7864669684914938302_n.j pg?oh=839b1398fc8e38d743f5e6ffaad85f46&oe=57378C1A

[beedee]

We won last night 7-1. I had a shutout going until part way through the 3rd. Shot came from the point, redirected off my defenseman's stick, then off my stick and in. Our team put up 36 shots, and they only had 18. Nothing major to report so I will keep it short.

[beedee]

Update on my SportMask.

She cleaned up nicely! I used some automotive polish and wax, along with some elbow grease.

https://scontent-lax3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xfp1/v/t1.0-9/12592487_10154032738349258_5872165188346052416_n.j pg?oh=a17dff40fc23849bdc73cbf142089d15&oe=572EEF8A
https://scontent-lax3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xfp1/v/t1.0-9/12654548_10154032738359258_7181029574727757514_n.j pg?oh=9146c25ec52c7cc666cab23d741b3c87&oe=57464DA5

Then it was time to pull out the crusty 10 year old foam. Ended up using Goo Gone per the advice of other SportMask users and it worked like a charm.

Old foam:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v408/bretdee/C51C3106-EF85-4A95-A88D-B55BC23C7154.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/bretdee/media/C51C3106-EF85-4A95-A88D-B55BC23C7154.jpg.html)

Before Goo Gone:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v408/bretdee/5491C939-913E-4579-ADB6-79D6B8FF06B0.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/bretdee/media/5491C939-913E-4579-ADB6-79D6B8FF06B0.jpg.html)

After Goo Gone:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v408/bretdee/17266EC0-D817-438B-A027-2310E2B28CEA.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/bretdee/media/17266EC0-D817-438B-A027-2310E2B28CEA.jpg.html)

Before & After collage
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v408/bretdee/83474D1A-BEAE-4EA5-9409-38CD4A2290B1.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/bretdee/media/83474D1A-BEAE-4EA5-9409-38CD4A2290B1.jpg.html)

New foam kit and straps:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v408/bretdee/8268E178-7FC3-46E8-B757-DD36B6C2E430.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/bretdee/media/8268E178-7FC3-46E8-B757-DD36B6C2E430.jpg.html)

New foam kit and straps installed:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v408/bretdee/A303A0E0-CE17-4425-842C-C7DD60B61B46.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/bretdee/media/A303A0E0-CE17-4425-842C-C7DD60B61B46.jpg.html)

I finally got to use it last night at Coach Ethan's Clinic at Paramount. The mask felt great, it does have a different chin shape than my Bauer NME8 so that took a little bit to get used to, the SportMask's chin pretty much goes straight down, whereas the Bauer NME8's kind of swoops out, so it doesn't get caught up on the chesty. Both have their advantages in that department, but I will say I like that the SportMask more or less seals off the gap that the Bauer leaves open in that very vulnerable area. Also, the SportMask felt a bit lighter than the Bauer and my face felt closer to the cage, it offers much better peripheral vision than the Bauer, I loved that part. I will eventually get a cat eye cage for it.

As far as the clinic goes, it was fun, yet tiring. 1.5 hours of skating on crappy, slushy, yet choppy ice. The crease areas were hammered. This was my second time attending this clinic and this time around the goalies were well integrated into the program almost right away. We had 4 different stations around the ice and each one had a different drill going on. This was cool because it allowed the goalies to rotate stations as well. I was getting gassed at my first station, as it basically was a 3 on 0, skaters came in and worked a weave type of passing set up. This always ended up in a backdoor shot on goal, after awhile I just stayed down in butterfly and worked from there. It got pretty tiring trying to track the puck with one group right after another. Another station had two goals set up, one on the side boards and one closer to the boards on the goal line. Basically the skater would take a shot on the side goal after a few strides, then cut towards the goal line and receive a pass from the coach along the side boards and shoot on the goal on the goal line. That was cool, and wasn't quite as tiring as the 3 on 0 station for me. I never tended the goal for the snap shot/slap shot station, darn. #sarcasm. (http://letsgokings.com/usertag.php?do=list&action=hash&hash=sarcasm.) Those station drills made up a good majority of the skate. After that we set up the goals cross ice in each zone and did a mini-game for about 15 minutes or so, that was a nice and fun way to wind down the skate.

oh yeah, Peggy_GKG was there and it was nice to see him, he is nice. I haven't skated with him in about a month, but he has still be skating and has made great progress. Special side note about him, he wears fluorescent underpants. ;)

[Peggy_GKG]

Skating at Paramount is always a challenge, the ice is marginal at best and then after an hour straight of 30+ skaters doing various drills?it gets real dicey.
Interesting that whenever Ethan advertises a clinic to do edge work only 15 or so people show up, MAYBE one goalie, but an hour and a half of shooting drills and we get 30+ and FOUR goalies! I?m sure the Throwback Classic coming up this weekend was also a factor, lots of people talking about it. Would have been fun for sure to get into that but I?ll have to hold off for next year.

As far as drills it was 3-on-0 then 3-on-1 with a back-checker, and various shooting drills working on snap, wrist, and slap shots, forehand and back hand. Most of the people there are in the Rookie to lower Bronze ability level so I?m sure everyone got something out of it and no doubt the goalies got in a lot of work. Then a 15-20 minute scrimmage at the end, where I fell at least 3 times which pissed me off, but like I said the ice was garbage at that point and I was also breaking in brand new pair of boots and getting gassed. But #noexcuses.

The good news is my skating is getting better and better, the real challenge is working these moves (crossovers) into game play, but that will come. My turns and stops are getting smoother, and it?s good to know that I?m no longer the worst skater out on the ice. I can hold my own pretty well at these things and am generally right in the middle of the mix as far as ability.

For the record, I was wearing full length compression pants, yes they were neon. I like to mix it up. I don?t do hockey stink, so I go head to toe compression gear. Look good, feel good, play good. Believe it.

[jammer06]

I tried full sleeve compression tops once and I hated it. My elbow pads were sliding around all over the place. I couldn't imagine doing that with the shin guards. I pull out the liners and wash em every time I wash my gear instead (I also shower immediately at the rink, i'm not taking that funk home or in the Mrs car).

[Peggy_GKG]

I tried full sleeve compression tops once and I hated it. My elbow pads were sliding around all over the place. I couldn't imagine doing that with the shin guards. I pull out the liners and wash em every time I wash my gear instead (I also shower immediately at the rink, i'm not taking that funk home or in the Mrs car).

I have a couple shirts from Under Armor that have this sticky grip stuff on the sleeves, supposed to help hold the elbow pads in place and keep them from slipping. Works pretty decent. I haven't had any problems with either, in fact I rarely even use shin tape. Definitely a personal preference thing.

[Luc SkyBomba]

So you guys know I play roller and usually it's pretty warm but the last couple weeks were pretty chilly. I got myself a fitted long sleeve from Under Armour. Compression is too damn tight for me. My head won't even fit through the hole (that's what she said). Anyway the shirt has been great for the colder nights. Haven't had problems with the elbows slipping off. Normally I wear the fitted sleeveless shirt.

[SuperCalo2000]

I tried full sleeve compression tops once and I hated it. My elbow pads were sliding around all over the place. I couldn't imagine doing that with the shin guards. I pull out the liners and wash em every time I wash my gear instead (I also shower immediately at the rink, i'm not taking that funk home or in the Mrs car).

I bought some STX elbow pads and so far so good. They are easily the beat fitting elbow pads. Elbow pads are not easy to find when you have scrawny arms.

I also wear a long sleeve undershirt w/o the grip. Not too tight too. And the pads don't slide. That STX.

[jammer06]

I think I'll try out the STX elbow pads. The CCM's I have now are getting pretty worn. I'm pulling a pad back up my arm every shot it seems.

For the record, I use a lot of tape on my shins. Landing on a pad when it's shifted a bit and you're over 220lbs is the worst.

[Birdman]

So you guys know I play roller and usually it's pretty warm but the last couple weeks were pretty chilly. I got myself a fitted long sleeve from Under Armour. Compression is too damn tight for me. My head won't even fit through the hole (that's what she said). Anyway the shirt has been great for the colder nights. Haven't had problems with the elbows slipping off. Normally I wear the fitted sleeveless shirt.

I always wore the "Long Sleeve Blue Underwear" when I played, indoors or out.

[SirJW]

Looking for a set of the purple gloves used this week during the game vs the B's. 13 or 13 1/2. Anyone here have an in b4 they end up on the open market?

[beedee]

Well this past weekend I partook in the 6th Annual Ducks Throwback Classic Presidents Day Tournament. The games started on Friday, and end later today. There were 8 divisions, with 8 being the lowest, and the one I was playing in.

Our schedule and win/loss:
Friday, 7:45pm, 7-0 win
Saturday, 7:00am, 8-1, loss (I didn't play)
Sunday, 2:05pm, 7-3, win
Monday, 7:00am, 5-3, loss (I didn't play)

Our first game was a snoozer, I think I literally saw no more than 7 SOG the entire game, the other team was very green, and was made up of all women. The highlight is when I was hollering for a D on our team to cover the wide open girl in the slot. Here is what she said to me, "STFU, You guys are up 7-0, and I have never scored a goal in my life!!!".....at first I thought she was joking, but she wasn't. As she skated away, she flipped me off! I was dying and just put my arms in the air in a shrug motion, it was amazing!

Second game, wife had to work so I couldn't make it. But the team we played I guess had played together a bunch and probably should have been in a higher division....then again, I think our team should have been too.

Third game, again another team comprised of all women and one dude. This was also a snooze fest for the most part, but it was fun because many of the opposite team play at Lakewood in Rookie and Copper, and some guys wives and girlfriends were on that team. Not much action for me, however late in the third my shutout was cracked on a nice backhander, spinner from the dude on the team. Kind of a scramble int he low slot, I went butterfly and paddle down but it squeaked through and in, just inside the far post. The next goal was the WORST GOAL I have ever given up. A medium powered shot along the ice from my stick side face off circle, the top of it. Instead of dropping and redirecting it into the corner (like I always do) I decided to just stay standing, and square the puck up with my blade....oops. It hit my blade, bounced up and over in slow motion, through my legs. I actually had time to turn around and try to snatch it before crossing the goal line but failed to do so. My wife happened to catch this on camera, it is pretty funny! See the pic below. The third goal was another slow-mo back door play that I read well, but almost over committed in my butterfly push and it went in-between my arm and torso and I slid over to make the save.

All in all it was a good time. I wish I could have played this morning but like many others on our team, I had to work.

Here are a few pictures my wife snapped.

Ohnoooo, the worst goal ever!
https://scontent-lax3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xtf1/t31.0-8/12698685_10154070887929258_7053036943268387229_o.j pg

Just sitting here, bored.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v408/bretdee/901546F7-4C54-489C-9E09-4B216488B3F9.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/bretdee/media/901546F7-4C54-489C-9E09-4B216488B3F9.jpg.html)

Some Reverse VH.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v408/bretdee/A7B0EDE8-9262-4C30-B6DB-383A2FA4CF6F.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/bretdee/media/A7B0EDE8-9262-4C30-B6DB-383A2FA4CF6F.jpg.html)

And our team photo after our first game/win.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v408/bretdee/DA4AD538-E59C-4BCF-9774-683C9ED1F8DA.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/bretdee/media/DA4AD538-E59C-4BCF-9774-683C9ED1F8DA.jpg.html)

Our regular league game was cancelled because they tried to reschedule it from last weeks cancellation, but so many people from both teams were playing in this tournament that neither team had enough people that would be able to play....so it was rescheduled again.

[beedee]

Saturday night was out last regular season game. We won 4-1, I had a shutty going until about half way into the third. The guy sniped me top blocker corner, it did glance off my shoulder though, but it was a great shot, no denying that! Our team dominated the play overall and I'm surprised we didn't have more goals than 4. A handful of easy tap ins were missed, but whatever. I stopped 18 of 19 according to the scoresheet, seemed about right. There were a few breakaways that I stuffed too. The team we played had some people on it from my Throwback Classic team, including the guy to the left of me in the pic above (african american dude). He is really fast, and has a great shot, he is the one that beat me for the goal. Early in the second he had a somewhat breakaway but I remembered he liked to shoot high, so I was ready for it, and sure enough, high snapshot to the glove side, boom, save!

The "oh *****" moment came midway through the second where a hard shot came from just inside the top of the left side circle. It caught me in the chin (see pic below) and ended up blowing out a screw on the opposite side of the mask! Talk about energy transfer!!! Luckily I was able to find the screw and nylon spacer/washer and upon further examination, the female portion of the screw actually broke. I played the remainder of the game with only 3 of the 4 screws holding my cage in place.

Playoffs start this coming Saturday, we finished in a solid 2nd place, going 10-4-1.

Here is a pic of my mask, you can see where the puck nailed me in the chin.
https://scontent-lax3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xtl1/t31.0-8/12716154_10154085303424258_7278630907380824139_o.j pg

[LetTigerIn]

After a lengthy hiatus, we returned to the ice yesterday and held on for a 4-3 victory after having 4-1 lead in the third period. We had a substitute netminder who did truly great work to help us get there. As for me, I had a couple of open shots on the rush that I sailed well wide of the net (I guess I know what I'm working on next :ko:). The good news about those two shots is I was in the right place, collected the puck and didn't get caught by any backcheckers; for me, that's a minor victory. Also, as hard as I skated each shift, I found another gear entirely in my final shift. I'm hoping that knowing what that feels like helps me set that as a starting point my next time out, or at least my goal for each shift. I love to play this game!

[jammer06]

I got on the ice last night with my lower level team possibly for the final time as a regular roster player. Due to some upcoming trips and a move I'll sub but then its off to a whole new world. Anyway there was no pregame speech or anything, lost 4-0 and some tempers flared mostly due to it being a close game (we pulled the goalie 2-0 with 2 to go). In general though I wasn't pushing it much even though I had a couple rushes up the ice. I did have a few shots from the point on net that definitely made the tender work. One was a great glove effort on his part just to fight it off and even though he left the juiciest rebound in front nobody could get a stick on it.

Maybe they'll go on a run in the playoffs and I'll get another game out of it, but probably not.

The higher level team I do get to play a game for in the playoffs and then I'm off to parts unknown. Hopefully I'll come back to the championship game for them.

[beedee]

Saturday night at 1020pm the puck dropped for our playoff game. We finished in 2nd place and were playing the 3rd place team. This team was in the higher level of our league, and dropped down after getting waxed the first 4 games of the season. The last time we played them it was close, but I think they edged us out 5-3, ironically, that was the score this time around too. They had one ringer who definitely should be in Silver, not Copper. I was happy to have stuffed him on multiple occasions Saturday night, he ended up with goals 4 and 5, both of which were garbage goals...i.e., I made one or two initial saves, no one cleared him or the puck and he banged them in.

Overall the game was a blast, I saved 27 of 32, and as usual, the scoresheet doesn't indicate the types of saves I made. Many two on ones, a couple two on 0's and even 2 breakaways, all were stuffed by me. (humble brag) The game was back and forth, they went up first, then we tied, then they went up, then we tied, then we went up, then they tied, then they went up late in the 3rd and that was it.

First goal- bang bang bang passing play, it was a beautiful goal, not sure any goalie would of had a chance. the final bang was on the back door and i had no chance.
Second goal- we were short handed, i dropped and saved a clapper from the point, directed the rebound towards the corner....where someone was on the backdoor, and he had the easy tap in...again, no D there on the guy
Third goal- my BIGGEST pet peeve, our winger flung a no look pass across the middle from deep in our zone...right to the stick of their center, he promptly fired a wrister from the top of the slot (which i didn't see at all), it went wide right but the rebound came out on my glove side...i didn't even see the shot released due to traffic, by the time i saw the puck, it was out of the corner of my eye on my glove side and a guy was shooting it in the net, i didn't even move. :(
Fourth goal- garbage rebound after making first initial save
Fifth goal- see above.

All in all I had a blast, it was much more fun to play in a tight game that was back and forth. I saw a TON of action and came up big many times, my team and the other team would give me props after making a big save. This coming Saturday is our consolation game against the team we blew out last week, it means nothing. It should be fun though, as I have a few new acquaintances on the team.

[jammer06]

Played out upper level playoff game last night, short run this playoff. Sometimes the stars are aligned against you and this was one of those nights, lost 4-1. Personally it sucked bad to be responsible for 2 goals against. The first I had tied up the man in the crease, a rebound popped out and I cleared it off his skate right to his stick for the easy tap in. Super frustrating. The second we were on the PP and the puck hopped my stick at the point and it was off to the races, I harrassed the guy into an early shot but the rebound came out 3 feet from the goalie and I'd taken an outside line to get on his stick for the shot, he shielded me and chipped in the back hander. Still it was inexcusable to start the whole play with a point play like that. Their goalie played a great game, I had an easy tap in rebound sitting in the crease where he thought he'd covered it and it was to his side. I got to the puck but I was cleaned out when I did and I think he either gloved my push or I shot it right into his glove. All night close in scrambles he just managed to find it even though we had more than enough chances.

[jammer06]

Anyone ever hear of true temper sticks? They just showed up in our pro shop and they look fancy.

http://www.hockeyworldblog.com/2014/06/25/true-a6-0-stick-review/

[LetTigerIn]

Anyone ever hear of true temper sticks? They just showed up in our pro shop and they look fancy.

http://www.hockeyworldblog.com/2014/06/25/true-a6-0-stick-review/


I use whatever stick is available and bring my own temper.

[beedee]

Had our consolation playoff game last night, won 2-1. Much too close for my comfort, especially since we beat them 14-1 last time. Our team was playing down to the other teams level big time last night. It was a little frustrating, as we had many turnovers in our zone, leading to scoring chances and flurries. And once again, these came as a result of the D trying to make bad breakout passes through the middle, instead of along the boards.

Nothing too exciting to report, I had a couple "oh shiz" moments, one was in the first with a high wrister from the point. Made an easy blocker save, but the deflection popped straight up, and I didn't know it at the time, but it bounced off the backside of my shoulder, then off the crossbar and then behind the net! Then with under 5 seconds left in the game, I thought it would be easy enough for our team to get the puck out of the zone and that would be it. Again another failed clearing attempt lead to a snapshot from the top of the circle, one of our D tried to stop it, it redirected low glove-side and I was able to make the glove save......with .3 left on the clock!!!!

Oh well, we still won. Our captain mentioned an allstar game coming up, each team gets two players from it. She said that the goalies are "voted" on by the league, but since I was a full-time sub more or less for the team, I'm not sure I will get a chance. I was 11-4-1 with the team...and the first place team had dropped down from a higher level, so in reality we were in first. Next season starts this Friday.

[LetTigerIn]

We got absolutely destroyed yesterday by a team that came down from a higher level. That was frustrating. For my part, I skated as hard as I could, forechecked hard, backchecked hard, broke up a few plays, and made a pass I thought would lead to a sure goal but was broken up by a defender going flat on the ice and stretching the stick to the max (if only I had some sauce to put on it, oh well). Even more frustrating than being totally outmatched was catching myself a few times letting fatigue and frustration get the best of me and not getting the motor going again fast enough on the backcheck a couple of times; to me should be instant and no internal questions asked.

I keep telling myself that someday putting in the max effort will be good enough to produce the right result, and, you know, I still believe that is true.

[Myk13]

Anyone ever hear of true temper sticks? They just showed up in our pro shop and they look fancy.

http://www.hockeyworldblog.com/2014/06/25/true-a6-0-stick-review/


I use the A5.2....love it. I really want to try the Z-Palm gloves

[beedee]

We kicked off our new season on Friday night with an 8-1 win. Two guys on our team had hatties and the third guy had two goals. I had a shuttie going until about halfway through the 2nd period, fairly easy shot from up high came in, dropped into butterfly and made the easy save, but instead of softening/killing the rebound I kind of flicked my stick and shot the rebound out to the left side of the slot. They had two guys right in the slot, our D had one tied up and of course the rebound went to the other guy, whom buried it just inside the far post, out of reach of my left leg that I kicked out, it was a good shot.

According to the scoresheet, I stopped 17 of 18. I will be out of town for this weeks game, which is against my former team.

[Luc SkyBomba]

Last game of the season was Sunday... damn we all played like **** after the time change. And what's worse, the other team only had five players and we were only missing one. Ugh... We made the playoffs at least so hope we don't come out flat again.

[beedee]

Just found out our team got bumped up at division after our opening night win of 8-1.

[Nyssa42]

Just found out our team got bumped up at division after our opening night win of 8-1.

yay?

[beedee]

yay?

Very yay!

I was bummed that we weren't moved up in the first place. This would have been the teams 3rd season in the lower Copper division. We went 11-4-1 last season and had the best record of the teams that started and finished in the division last season. I'm looking forward to much more action in goal!

[LetTigerIn]

My favorite thing lately is creating loose pucks when the opponent has possession. Last game, I was able to convert a couple of these into clean possession, but most of the time, it ended up with about four of us scrambling, trying to find the puck in our feet. For some reason, I find this hilarious.

[jammer06]

My favorite thing lately is creating loose pucks when the opponent has possession. Last game, I was able to convert a couple of these into clean possession, but most of the time, it ended up with about four of us scrambling, trying to find the puck in our feet. For some reason, I find this hilarious.

Puck in the feet in non checking leagues tends towards a lot of chaos, best recommendation is to watch mite practices. They usually do a drill or too without sticks and you'd be surprised how much it helps to just get your butt out and stay patient in those situations.

[beedee]

On Wednesday night I received an email stating I was selected to play in the 2016 Lakewood Ice Adult League All-Star game, I was pretty jazzed! Each team in Rookie and Copper was to select 2 players to represent their respective teams, and the league would choose the goalies. I was selected out of 20 teams! The league selected 4 goalies, two for each team. I was there representing my Copper team!

Here is the flyer:
https://scontent-lax3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xtl1/t31.0-8/12841156_754577811309154_2014070826325622013_o.jpg

The other goalie for our team never showed up, so I was playing the entire game. No biggie, although I was looking forward to just playing half of it and competing in the breakaway skills competition. The other team had two goalies, and they each played 1.5 periods, and also split the breakaway skills competition. The game had a pretty fast pace, as it mixed all of the Copper levels and there were clearly a handful of sandbaggers that should be playing in the Gold division, how they aren't is beyond me, then again, nothing surprises me with this place (or most leagues for that matter). Anyhow, I had a shutout in the first period, and we were up 4-0 after 1. I gave up 3 in the second period, the first one was whacked out of the air by the ringer, I deflected a pass from the corner that was coming to the slot with my paddle, it went up in the air about 2 feet and as it was coming down, he took a backhand swing and it went in, I have video of this and will upload later. The second goal was a great top corner snipe through a screen, couldn't see it at all, third goal was a nice back-hander top glove by the ringer. I gave up for in the 3rd, our defense was non-existent, even my dad texted me after the game saying that I should thank them (sarcasm) for allowing the other team back in the game. It really was nuts of how bad they got. Two of the goals were on me, one short side goal, and a bad top corner over my left shoulder as I was in reverse VH on the left post. There wasn't much room at all, so I suppose it was a great shot? We ended up winning 10-7, and I won the goalie portion of the shootout competition, only allowing 2 goals on 12 attempts. Each skater had 3 attempts in rapid succession, basically skating in the first puck from the blue line, taking a shot then hustling back to the blue line to get the next puck, shot, then repeat. I was getting pretty gassed as it was non-stop, and again I was the only goalie for our team.

All in all it was a lot of fun, I really dig the faster paced game. As seen on the flyer, they did do player introductions, a national anthem and we had some bomb post-game bbq catered. I was given a signed John Gibson Ducks puck, and a nice The Rinks pint glass for winning the goalie portion of the shootout competition.

Here are a couple pix of the locker room. It was cool, they had our jerseys hanging with a hat from Teemu's brand, "Aufeis", and "name-plates". They also had a big bucket full of waters and beers for us in the middle.
http://i126.photobucket.com/albums/p90/stellaplease/door_zps73jjljrb.jpg
http://i126.photobucket.com/albums/p90/stellaplease/jersey_zpsklbyjopd.jpg

I didn't play in our regular beer league game on Saturday as we were in Big Bear, but I saw the scoresheet and we lost, 5-2.

[beedee]

Video of the mid-air goal scored on me. :(


v7E4qesB3oY&feature=youtu.be

[Nyssa42]

So, I decided to join a league after not playing in a league for like 12 years. The "beginner" level at LAKings Valley Ice Center in Panorama City....closest rink to my house and the games are on convenient nights for me. I did not know it is all 4 on 4. That's fine because we only have like 10 people on our team, BUT I have no idea where to stand for faceoffs!! I played D tonight. Did pretty well. We had one pure beginner on our team. He did really well. The rest were all "returners" and better than total beginner players. Anyway, we won....I think it was 6-2....the scoreboard on the smaller rink does not work properly...it shows the score as .7 to ? for the whole game. At least the clock works. Pretty sure I got an assist on our last goal. Looking forward to our next game next week!!

[Luc SkyBomba]

Well we got eliminated from the playoffs last night. Hell of a season for a team that's never played together before!

[beedee]

Got rekt tonight, 7-1.

[andrews]

Does anyone know of any teams looking for players in Westminster, Lakewood, or Anaheim? I am looking for a team to join or sub on.

[beedee]

Does anyone know of any teams looking for players in Westminster, Lakewood, or Anaheim? I am looking for a team to join or sub on.

I gave ya that info yesterday on ModSquadHOckey. :)

[andrews]

HAHA I know but someone recommended this forum as well. I have reached out to all the numbers I could but havent been able to get a hold of anyone.

[beedee]

HAHA I know but someone recommended this forum as well. I have reached out to all the numbers I could but havent been able to get a hold of anyone.

That doesn't surprise me. When I was looking for a team at Westminster I had zero luck. And then when Rick finally replied to me, he told me to come out to the "draft skate" at Anaheim, which was suppose to cover the Westminster and Anaheim leagues??? I had skated out at Lakewood for many years, but just last April was my first season in goal, so I joined a Rookie team there to start off in net with, now I am playing Copper and subbing in Bronze once in awhile. Did you try emailing them as well? I know many seasons are just starting up again, our 3rd game of the season is tomorrow night at Lakewood.

Here is Scott Workman's email addy, he runs the Lakewood leagues: SWorkman@the-rinks.com

[yipperzz]

Scott's pretty good at finding people a team. I need to do that myself as my old team moved to a new night that I can't play. There are plenty of teams that don't have enough players. He'll find you one of those teams if you need to join in the middle of the season but I think they prefer you to do a draft skate if possible. Good luck.

[andrews]

Scott's pretty good at finding people a team. I need to do that myself as my old team moved to a new night that I can't play. There are plenty of teams that don't have enough players. He'll find you one of those teams if you need to join in the middle of the season but I think they prefer you to do a draft skate if possible. Good luck.

The draft skates are only before the new season starts?

[jammer06]

Good luck finding a team Andrews

Life as a sub pre move is strange. I'm in for the exhibition game it seems, not sure if I should play D for my old team or make them get other people used to it. Ah well I'm just there to skate so I'll go where they put me.

[beedee]

The draft skates are only before the new season starts?

Yes, and it is next to impossible to find out when the date is for those things. They usually are a couple weeks before the season starts.

I wanted to do the one for Copper last season but ended up subbing for a Copper team then came on full-time for them. Ideally I'd like to get on a Bronze team, but those games are typically Wednesday nights at Lakewood. It was hard to navigate the site though to find out when the draft skate was, as it had a "TBD" on it forever...

[andrews]

That doesn't surprise me. When I was looking for a team at Westminster I had zero luck. And then when Rick finally replied to me, he told me to come out to the "draft skate" at Anaheim, which was suppose to cover the Westminster and Anaheim leagues??? I had skated out at Lakewood for many years, but just last April was my first season in goal, so I joined a Rookie team there to start off in net with, now I am playing Copper and subbing in Bronze once in awhile. Did you try emailing them as well? I know many seasons are just starting up again, our 3rd game of the season is tomorrow night at Lakewood.

Here is Scott Workman's email addy, he runs the Lakewood leagues: SWorkman@the-rinks.com

Thanks for Scott's email he has been able to put me in touch with a few teams. I really appreciate the help.

[beedee]

Got the shutout last night, 3-0! This team beat us the last two times we played them, so it's a good feel!

In my opinion we should have worked them since they only had two subs and we had nearly three full lines! And of course they had a golden opportunity with under 10 seconds left....nail biter!

[jammer06]

So I ended up playing in one of the 2 games this weekend. The friday game had 15 guys and they still asked me to come out. I was like dude I'm a sub and you already have 15 guys.
The second game had 9 and 3 of the guys had to leave in the third period to go play in another game. I came out for that one.
Pace was really good for an exhibition game. The other team had won the championship the previous season and had been together for a bit. They got up early 3-0 and sadly the first 2 were just horrible reads at the blue line on my part. They sent a guy to fly the zone and I simply wrote checks my ass didn't cash and hung my goalie out to dry on both of them. The second period we battled back, I even managed to start things off with an end to end rush where I cut the middle, used the d-man as a screen and surprised the goalie with a shot right over his shoulder. That gave the boys some life and a second goal soon followed off a nice 2-2 entry where the first forward pushed wide and got the centering pass to land and the second forward simply beat the other D for a tip in home. By the end of the second we had tied it up and then the third happened. We had started the game with 9 skaters and now we were down to 6. We struck early to put it to 4-3 on a great individual effort wrap around by one of our guys. They tied it back up on a PP goal where I'll take the blame again. I hopped on the ice and the puck was genuinely in my feet, I looked to be sure my man had gotten off before playing it and their guy pushed it passed me to another man with speed and all the sudden it was a 2-1 with speed and our D flat footed. We cycled for another go ahead goal and then they tied it up again on us. All in all tie was probably deserved, we should have won if I hadn't had me head up me arse but then again I know I had some occasional passes that got the puck down the other end. The third period was probably a huge success considering our sub situation.

In any case it was a fun one and looks like the division will be competitive again.

[beedee]

Stood on my head Saturday night and got the L, 3-0. Both teams were scoreless after 1 period, they got their first goal on a 2 on 0 in the 2nd period. Goals 2 and 3 game late in the third, one was a two on one, and the third was a wide open guy on the back door. I felt like I possibly could have had the second goal, I just didn't get all the way over in time. I knew he was going to pass, but just didn't get the push I needed. No chance for me to save the third goal though.

I'm finding that I need to change my mindset. Coming down from Gold to Rookie, then Copper has been tough. I have false expectations of the players in front of me whom just aren't at the level that I am used to. I have accepted it, but it doesn't make it any less frustrating. I have an offer to play Bronze at Anaheim Ice, it is twice as far, and mid-week I believe, but I might have to take the plunge.

[xLAxKingsx]

Ill be playing my first league games come May when i sign up for Beginner League at Anahiem Ice. I expect to be the worst out there but I just need to do it. Not sure what to expect as far as level of play. Kinda nervous but ready.

[Luc SkyBomba]

Ill be playing my first league games come May when i sign up for Beginner League at Anahiem Ice. I expect to be the worst out there but I just need to do it. Not sure what to expect as far as level of play. Kinda nervous but ready.

awesome! just remember to have fun out there

[xLAxKingsx]

awesome! just remember to have fun out there

Thats all ill be doing. Ive been beating myself up not having enough time to be this awesome great amazing 2nd coming of mcdavid player. But then i realized screw it i rather just have fun and learn to play at my pace and enjoy the game more than anything. Ive had fun playing with lgk at a few pick up games when i was super green. This should be fun!

[beedee]

We lost 6-2, one of those craptastic nights where they scored 2 power play goals on the back door, and another one went off my defenseman leg from the top of the crease and in. Our forwards aren't producing and our centers are being lazy AF on the back checks. I am continuously making first initial saves only to have rebounds (that aren't even that far away) banged in because no one is there to cover the open guy on top of the crease or on the back door. :o/ My defense has been great though and have been doing a great job of tying up their man when needing to do so. They are feeling frustrated as well, there rarely is a winger on the near side boards when they are looking for a break out pass, and the center is no where to be seen in the high slot or not circling back down low.

Oh well. My defense and I had a good talk after the game and it was refreshing to hear we shared the same frustrations. In the past they had brought it up to the team, but nothing really changed. I have decided that the only way to keep my sanity is to not let those goals get to me. I can only do so much, and talking to the team about what they need to do isn't going to change anything. Really hoping to get on a higher level team for next season.

xLAxKingsx, have fun man. Expect it to be like Keystone Cops out there, lots of falling down and basically just batting the puck when it comes to people. Have fun though, that is how you learn!

[xLAxKingsx]

We lost 6-2, one of those craptastic nights where they scored 2 power play goals on the back door, and another one went off my defenseman leg from the top of the crease and in. Our forwards aren't producing and our centers are being lazy AF on the back checks. I am continuously making first initial saves only to have rebounds (that aren't even that far away) banged in because no one is there to cover the open guy on top of the crease or on the back door. :o/ My defense has been great though and have been doing a great job of tying up their man when needing to do so. They are feeling frustrated as well, there rarely is a winger on the near side boards when they are looking for a break out pass, and the center is no where to be seen in the high slot or not circling back down low.

Oh well. My defense and I had a good talk after the game and it was refreshing to hear we shared the same frustrations. In the past they had brought it up to the team, but nothing really changed. I have decided that the only way to keep my sanity is to not let those goals get to me. I can only do so much, and talking to the team about what they need to do isn't going to change anything. Really hoping to get on a higher level team for next season.

xLAxKingsx, have fun man. Expect it to be like Keystone Cops out there, lots of falling down and basically just batting the puck when it comes to people. Have fun though, that is how you learn!


Thanks i think i see you play at lakewood ice? thats where i wanted to play but got scared and didnt sign up on time lol. Should i expect it to be like kids playing where everyone chases the puck? or is there atleast some structure?

[jamlo21]

Thanks i think i see you play at lakewood ice? thats where i wanted to play but got scared and didnt sign up on time lol. Should i expect it to be like kids playing where everyone chases the puck? or is there atleast some structure?

What division? I played in copper a while ago and thought the skill was fairly high at Lakewood. It definitely wasn't kids chasing the puck hockey. Most of the teams could get a decent cycle going on.

[xLAxKingsx]

What division? I played in copper a while ago and thought the skill was fairly high at Lakewood. It definitely wasn't kids chasing the puck hockey. Most of the teams could get a decent cycle going on.

Beginner! I hope there isnt to many sandbaggers playing my only worry it wouldnt make it fun to try and compete with others really advanced.

[beedee]

LAK, correct, I do play goalie in Copper West at Lakewood right now. When I skated out, I played Gold West.

My first season of goalie I played in Rookie at Lakewood. You can scroll back a bunch of pages and find my game reports to see my opinion. In a nutshell, our rookie team was compiled of ALL rookies, as in, no one had ever played on a team before (except me, but I was new to goalie). Not a problem at all, after all, it IS "rookie" league. The issue we (my team) had was that all three of the other teams in rookie, weren't rookie teams. They had people on them that were 3rd season players, which some of still showed signs of being new, but the others clearly had no business being in "rookie". Many rinks allow you to sign up for one level, and if you want to play on another team, you can do so, as long as it is only one level below. The real cherry on top of my final rookie season in goal was when we played a team last season that had two SILVER players on it! Silver East players, meaning they were 6 levels above Rookie! Talk about the ultimate in sand-bagging! We immediately brought it to the leagues attention and they were banned from Rookie right away.

From what I understand, Anaheim Ice does a better job at monitoring teams and their skill levels. We had a player that switched to Anaheim Ice after playing one season at Lakewood, he is currently halfway through his season there. From what he tells me, he enjoys it much more than Lakewood. YMMV.

[Nyssa42]

Ill be playing my first league games come May when i sign up for Beginner League at Anahiem Ice. I expect to be the worst out there but I just need to do it. Not sure what to expect as far as level of play. Kinda nervous but ready.

You won't be the worst, and everyone will be nervous, whether they say so or not.

[xLAxKingsx]

You won't be the worst, and everyone will be nervous, whether they say so or not.

Thanks for the confidence booster! I mean i did skate out to a lgk game when it was barely my 4th time ever on ice lol ive skated plenty of more times than that by now. Im excited non the less lets get here May!

[beedee]

Got lit up last night, 6-1. Same crap different night.

[jammer06]

I finally got back on the ice last night, almost a month between games due to travel mainly. Good thing I'm only paying to be a sub. Funny enough it was the exact same team we played in the exhibition game and the result was the same in the form of a tie 6-6 this time though. We tried something really different. We had 11 skaters but one was leaving mid game. Instead of going 4 D and juggling 7 forwards we went 3 D, 2 centers and 3 wing pairs. Strangely it worked really well. Our best skaters got on the ice the most and at the same time were changing regularly. The wingers where we hide our more suspect players may have had a few 2-3 minutes shifts at times but they mostly worked that out themselves. Once our extra forward left we were down to 10 and so dropped the extra wing back to D and carried on. If anyone ever wants to get crazy its a whole lot better to try this than to go with 3 centers where your better guys are sitting on the bench and your 2 wing pairs are eating up all your ice time with your worse off players.

[eddieshack23]

I agree.

You always want your best skaters on D.

[jammer06]

I agree.

You always want your best skaters on D.

It really helps, especially in a 3 man rotation guys are aware of the clock and know how important it is to get off and keep the rotation going. One long shift can bollox the whole thing. I don't play at a high enough level where everyone can play the whole game but I assume at those high levels they at least have respect for the fact that someone also was paying for ice time and they wouldn't bogart the hell out of it.

[LetTigerIn]

I finally got back on the ice last night, almost a month between games due to travel mainly. Good thing I'm only paying to be a sub. Funny enough it was the exact same team we played in the exhibition game and the result was the same in the form of a tie 6-6 this time though. We tried something really different. We had 11 skaters but one was leaving mid game. Instead of going 4 D and juggling 7 forwards we went 3 D, 2 centers and 3 wing pairs. Strangely it worked really well. Our best skaters got on the ice the most and at the same time were changing regularly. The wingers where we hide our more suspect players may have had a few 2-3 minutes shifts at times but they mostly worked that out themselves. Once our extra forward left we were down to 10 and so dropped the extra wing back to D and carried on. If anyone ever wants to get crazy its a whole lot better to try this than to go with 3 centers where your better guys are sitting on the bench and your 2 wing pairs are eating up all your ice time with your worse off players.


We do this for most games.

[beedee]

Well all be darned, we won 9-2 on Saturday night, against the Saturday Knights. lol

Our team dominated the first period and we were up 4-0 at the end of it. I'm not too certain that it was because we had great shots, but rather their goalie wasn't at his best. He usually plays way better, and he let in the first shot he saw. As a goalie, that crap is impossible to get out of your head! Their first goal on me came in the 2nd period, I joked with my defenseman that he got the assist AND the goal on it. After one blind, backhand clearing attempt up the middle, I stopped a shot and steered the rebound to the left corner, this time the other defenseman did the ol' blind backhand up the middle, right to the opponents stick. The guy ripped a clapper that was going high glove, but the same defensemen redirected it downwards and into the net from about the mid-slot. It was a beauty of a redirect, lol!!! That was it for the scoring in the 2nd. In the third we came alive again, scoring 5 goals. Their next goal came late in the 3rd, our left d'man got beat around the corner and the guy was coming in from just outside the face-off dot, moving from his right to left. I had him squared up but cheated a bit anticipating a backhander from across the crease....however he stayed forehand and squeaked it in between my pad and the post. Oh well.

Their ringer that was routinely scoring 3+ goals for them last season isn't playing with them this season, and it is hurting them. They are in the basement with us, sitting at 3-6 on the season so far. I felt like I played well, stopped a few breakaways from their ringer "sub" that was filling in for them. The score sheet says I stopped 15 of 17, I hate to say it, but I think that was fairly accurate, as I really didn't see a whole lot of action. Nonetheless, it felt great to break a 4 game losing streak!!!

Oh yeah, forgot to mention, I got an assist on our last goal of the game! I was in reverse vh along the right post, their forward tried to throw it to the slot from below the goal line, in which I broke up the pass with the paddle of my stick, it went right to our star center, whom took it coast-to-coast and buried it for the 9th goal and my first assist of this season. :)

[beedee]

We lost this weekend, but let me back up to warm-ups (even to last weeks warm ups).

Last week in warm-ups, the team formed the semi-circle as they usually do and began to fire shots. The first three consecutive shots were headshots (inadvertent, but headshots nonetheless). So after the third one I got out of my crease and was done with taking shots. During the week I kindly reminded the team in our Facebook group that warmups are meant for the goalie to get the feel for the puck (medium shots, into the pads, glove, blocker), not for you guys to take headshots. I was able to see that the entire team saw the post, but no one commented....

Lets fast forward or back to this most recent Friday. With the prior weeks warmups still fresh in my head, I was very hesitant to get back in the net for warm-ups. So I took most of the 5 minute warmup time to stretch, skate, stretch. And with under a minute left, I thought to myself, what the heck, i'll take a few shots. So the team gets in a semi-circle and I quickly square up to the shooter on the very left of it, not even a split second after I squat into my stance to I get tagged in the base of my neck!!! WTF!?!?!? I am livid, the shot came from a player two people down from the guy I was squared up to. I managed to play the first 8 minutes of the game, but had to pull myself because my neck/sternum/clavicle was throbbing. It made it very difficult to breathe and focus.

[xLAxKingsx]

We lost this weekend, but let me back up to warm-ups (even to last weeks warm ups).

Last week in warm-ups, the team formed the semi-circle as they usually do and began to fire shots. The first three consecutive shots were headshots (inadvertent, but headshots nonetheless). So after the third one I got out of my crease and was done with taking shots. During the week I kindly reminded the team in our Facebook group that warmups are meant for the goalie to get the feel for the puck (medium shots, into the pads, glove, blocker), not for you guys to take headshots. I was able to see that the entire team saw the post, but no one commented....

Lets fast forward or back to this most recent Friday. With the prior weeks warmups still fresh in my head, I was very hesitant to get back in the net for warm-ups. So I took most of the 5 minute warmup time to stretch, skate, stretch. And with under a minute left, I thought to myself, what the heck, i'll take a few shots. So the team gets in a semi-circle and I quickly square up to the shooter on the very left of it, not even a split second after I squat into my stance to I get tagged in the base of my neck!!! WTF!?!?!? I am livid, the shot came from a player two people down from the guy I was squared up to. I managed to play the first 8 minutes of the game, but had to pull myself because my neck/sternum/clavicle was throbbing. It made it very difficult to breathe and focus.

holy crap thats terrible i always feel bad when ive played or had a goalie during stick times and hes warming up and my shot goes high. I apologize not trying to be a prick. Did anyone from your team say anything? or did everyone just kinda meh and moved along?


Edit:

Only 2 more weeks till me league play starts woot!

[beedee]

I decided last week that will be skating out this upcoming season, hopefully on defense.

[jammer06]

hopefully on defense.

said no one ever ;)

[SirJW]

I decided last week that will be skating out this upcoming season, hopefully on defense.



Ah that is why you are selling all your goalie gear?

[SirJW]

Anyone going to Phoenix for the tournament this weekend? If so hit me up. i'm going solo as a free agent for the beer leaguers. Staying at the new hotel in Chandler...

[beedee]

Ah that is why you are selling all your goalie gear?

Yeah, my post a few posts back regarding the headshot in warmups two weeks in a row kind of was the nail in the coffin for me.

I wont be going to the Phoenix tourney, have fun!

[xLAxKingsx]

Yeah, my post a few posts back regarding the headshot in warmups two weeks in a row kind of was the nail in the coffin for me.

I wont be going to the Phoenix tourney, have fun!

sucks to hear that experince has ruined it for you. Finally got update on the correct start date for analhiem ice beginner league! It will be june 5th def excited.

[Subhuman15]

Anyone going to Phoenix for the tournament this weekend? If so hit me up. i'm going solo as a free agent for the beer leaguers. Staying at the new hotel in Chandler...

We'll be there to support my buddies team but not playing myself I didn't have a team. It will be great to get away for the weekend nonetheless.

[jammer06]

Bummer that you're giving it up beedee but honestly tending isn't for everyone.

[Luc SkyBomba]

said no one ever ;)

i'd like to play D some day... but my skating sucks

[beedee]

Bummer that you're giving it up beedee but honestly tending isn't for everyone.

Yeah man, ironic that it was almost a year to the date I started. The biggest issue for me was dropping down to Rookie and then moving up to Copper. I skated out in Gold for many years, so it was tough adjusting to the people in front of me lacking the experience, skills, and know-how. Sure it was a great workout, but I felt like I was always busting my ass for the team, while I would see people coasting, not back-checking, etc. Just about anything that could go wrong, did. I had a blast when I subbed in the upper Bronze level, but that was few and far between when sub opportunities presented themselves.

The mental aspect was also HUGE. While it is just rec hockey, it was tough to not hold on to a loss, even when you played your ass off....yet your team couldn't score one or two goals against a team that had a bad goalie. That drove me nuts, I know I can only control me, but it still sucked. As a player, it sucked to lose, but as a goalie, it was the next level of suck, at least for me it was. I'd get psyched up for games a couple days before hand, and carry some anxiety until stepping on the ice. As a skater, I never experienced that. It was more along the lines of "ok, ho-hum, i have a game at 6pm". But as a goalie, it was like "ok, crap, this team has this guy, that guy, and then this ringer that scored 4 on me last game". Another thing I struggled with was getting a decent warmup. Until you are a goalie, you don't really understand that trying to deke the goalie in warmups isn't cool, nor are headshots, or shooting when the goalie isn't facing you, or shooting when the goalie is putting the pegs in the net. I had a couple really cool defensemen that got "it". They were there for me and routinely communicated with me during games and the locker room.

Perhaps I expected too much? I suppose I didn't really know what to expect. What I do know is that it felt more frustrating than fun, and this season in particular, I wasn't looking forward to games. Winning isn't everything, but when you have a 4 game losing streak, that sucks. The team was 3-8 at the time of my departure. All in all, I'm very happy I took the plunge into goalie at the age of 40. I had played goalie growing up in street hockey and roller hockey and it was always a dream of mine to play it on ice.

I'm looking forward to skating out. My experience in goal certainly has made me a more well rounded player, that is for sure.

[SirJW]

We'll be there to support my buddies team but not playing myself I didn't have a team. It will be great to get away for the weekend nonetheless.


Have you left yet? Bring your gear there is always a team or two that needs a player. Contact the office asap if you want to play....

I'll be at the new place in Chandler, hit me up f you wanna get a soda...

[Subhuman15]

Thanks for the info, I though about bringing my gear at the last minute and try to find a team with a need. We were lol be hanging out with the Riverside Yinzers. They are in the Grand Canyon division.

[beedee]

Did the draft skate up at Bay Harbor tonight at 6pm and had a blast. I hadn't skated out as a "player" in over a year, the last time I did was at an LGK Midnight PickUp Hockey game. At first it felt very awkward, because player skates are much different than goalie skates. My feet felt like stubs, due to the shorter blades and taller boots. After about 15 minutes or so I found my groove and felt kind of close to my old self. I played defense all night, we did a 50 minute scrimmage with the clock set to buzz every 2 minutes for line changes. It was crazy how fast two minutes went by when skating out there! I had a lot of fun, my D partner was pretty solid as well, we both netted a few end to end rushes with goals, but then just hung back and let the lesser skilled players carry the puck in to make plays.

The league directors were both there, and had a clipboard with everyones name, jersey color, and jersey number. They watched over the game pretty close, eveyrtime I looked up to see what they were doing, they were either watch the game, or jotting down notes. My first hour of experience at Bay Harbor has already been more organized than the last I don't even know how many years at Lakewood!!!

Devin said that I should know what team I will be on this week. It will be on Sundays, as I can't play on the Thursday night teams due to having to pick up our daughter from DayCare on Tues/Thurs.

[Nyssa42]

I decided last week that will be skating out this upcoming season, hopefully on defense.


said no one ever ;)

I love playing D!! Probably because I suck at skating with the puck so I am terrible at forward! Also, I think I actually skate better backwards than forwards....at least my figure skating days pay off there.

[xLAxKingsx]

Had my rookie draft skate at anahiem ice woo. It was fun let's us hit a 20 min warm up session. Which I tried my hardest to get feeling good and I burned myself out. Lol we had a 60 min scrimmage running 3 lines 5 in 5 out at 1 min intervals. After 40 mins I was gassed out its been a good while since I played a game. Talent was pretty good no overly to good players and it was looks like it will be spread out pretty good. I netted with goals and was decent on skating ability surprisingly. It's gonna be fun!

[xLAxKingsx]

Excuse my spelling it's 4am and I'm on 2 hours of sleep and have to be up at 5am for work smh

[LetTigerIn]

Did the draft skate up at Bay Harbor tonight at 6pm and had a blast. I hadn't skated out as a "player" in over a year, the last time I did was at an LGK Midnight PickUp Hockey game. At first it felt very awkward, because player skates are much different than goalie skates. My feet felt like stubs, due to the shorter blades and taller boots. After about 15 minutes or so I found my groove and felt kind of close to my old self. I played defense all night, we did a 50 minute scrimmage with the clock set to buzz every 2 minutes for line changes. It was crazy how fast two minutes went by when skating out there! I had a lot of fun, my D partner was pretty solid as well, we both netted a few end to end rushes, but then just hung back and let the lesser skilled players carry the puck in to make plays.

The league directors were both there, and had a clipboard with everyones name, jersey color, and jersey number. They watched over the game pretty close, eveyrtime I looked up to see what they were doing, they were either watch the game, or jotting down notes. My first hour of experience at Bay Harbor has already been more organized than the last I don't even know how many years at Lakewood!!!

Devin said that I should know what team I will be on this week. It will be on Sundays, as I can't play on the Thursday night teams due to having to pick up our daughter from DayCare on Tues/Thurs.


Great! Hope to see you at the rink!

[jammer06]

Think I just played my last game for my lower level team before the big move. Was great to see all the guys again and they deserved better than the 1-0 loss. Other team took a point shot that was trickling slowly in so I literally went to kick it, missed and it deflected off my skate passed the goalie. I felt really bad for him. I had a shot off the crossbar later trying to make up for it. To make things worse our goalie had his window busted out on his truck in the parking lot. I will not miss these late night games in Oakland.

[xLAxKingsx]

Had my first structured clinic ever and it went ok. We are having 1 more clinic before our first game. I got drafted into the Gulls FML only team i didnt want i got. Only 1 goalie showed up and it wasnt out team goalie so thats kinda worrisome. Instruction was pretty decent on the ice for 1.5 hours running skating drills and shooting/passing. Some people def need the clinic i was decent minus the skating (cant skate backwards worth a crap). Cant wait till a game though feels nice to hit the ice on a consistent basis.

[beedee]

Had my first structured clinic ever and it went ok. We are having 1 more clinic before our first game. I got drafted into the Gulls FML only team i didnt want i got. Only 1 goalie showed up and it wasnt out team goalie so thats kinda worrisome. Instruction was pretty decent on the ice for 1.5 hours running skating drills and shooting/passing. Some people def need the clinic i was decent minus the skating (cant skate backwards worth a crap). Cant wait till a game though feels nice to hit the ice on a consistent basis.

Skating is paramount.

Is your goalie brand new? I know from experience, that playing goalie at clinics pretty much sucks. Nothing about a clinic ever caters to a goalie actually learning via instruction, all the attention/instruction is given to the players.

[xLAxKingsx]

Skating is paramount.

Is your goalie brand new? I know from experience, that playing goalie at clinics pretty much sucks. Nothing about a clinic ever caters to a goalie actually learning via instruction, all the attention/instruction is given to the players.

Not sure haven't met him but this might hold truth as the only goalie that showed up has only been playing for 2 months. It does make sense though as he was only used for us to shoot pucks at lol.

[beedee]

Not sure haven't met him but this might hold truth as the only goalie that showed up has only been playing for 2 months. It does make sense though as he was only used for us to shoot pucks at lol.

lol, isn't it amazing that the mentality of the league is that only the skaters need instruction!?! it seems like it is globally recognized that goalies are automatically skilled and don't need any instruction at all, there fore they are ignored at clinics, when it reality it is the most difficult positions to play in the game, physically and mentally.

[xLAxKingsx]

lol, isn't it amazing that the mentality of the league is that only the skaters need instruction!?! it seems like it is globally recognized that goalies are automatically skilled and don't need any instruction at all, there fore they are ignored at clinics, when it reality it is the most difficult positions to play in the game, physically and mentally.

Yes seriously after reading your trial and tribulations about the position i let the guy know after the session was over i appreciated him being out there as the lone goalie and sticking around for us. You can tell he really wanted to partake in drills or any other action then just being tossed into the goal. Only instruction i saw him get was another coach just shooting pucks at him when we weren't felt bad for the guy and he looked downed after hope it wasnt to demoralizing.

[beedee]

Yes seriously after reading your trial and tribulations about the position i let the guy know after the session was over i appreciated him being out there as the lone goalie and sticking around for us. You can tell he really wanted to partake in drills or any other action then just being tossed into the goal. Only instruction i saw him get was another coach just shooting pucks at him when we weren't felt bad for the guy and he looked downed after hope it wasnt to demoralizing.

That right there my friend does wonders for a goalie's psyche. Thanks for reading my stories man, I'm glad to see that you took it to heart and are spreading the love to the tendies you come across. :)

Btw, I'm still waiting to hear from the league directors about what team I am going to be on this upcoming season at Bay Harbor.

[xLAxKingsx]

That right there my friend does wonders for a goalie's psyche. Thanks for reading my stories man, I'm glad to see that you took it to heart and are spreading the love to the tendies you come across. :)

Btw, I'm still waiting to hear from the league directors about what team I am going to be on this upcoming season at Bay Harbor.


Thats what i was going for after reading your experience i had never thought about it till your stories came up. Goalies are getting beat up a whole game and probably feel the most at fault for a loss so i gotta do what i can to let em know its appreciated from now on!

Hope you get a ducks affiliated team lol i cant be the only one hating the team colors and name while playing. Why couldnt i get drafted into the Reign.

[beedee]

Thats what i was going for after reading your experience i had never thought about it till your stories came up. Goalies are getting beat up a whole game and probably feel the most at fault for a loss so i gotta do what i can to let em know its appreciated from now on!

Hope you get a ducks affiliated team lol i cant be the only one hating the team colors and name while playing. Why couldnt i get drafted into the Reign.


Been there, Ducks inspired logo on Canucks colors... :(
https://scontent-lax3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/11760139_10153642344739258_322004324567654492_n.jp g?oh=2ae6da1164e5a4bba4a9eb1d56d8794d&oe=57CBD5D7

[xLAxKingsx]

[/B]

Been there, Ducks inspired logo on Canucks colors... :(
https://scontent-lax3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/11760139_10153642344739258_322004324567654492_n.jp g?oh=2ae6da1164e5a4bba4a9eb1d56d8794d&oe=57CBD5D7

http://www.reactiongifs.com/r/mjl.gif

Sorry but thats double bad!

[Subhuman15]

I hate all my team jerseys that aren't Kings colors, which is all of them, my most hated ones had Avs, Canadiens,and Hawks colors. I have some Kings themed jerseys planned for my next team.

[beedee]

Well after nearly two weeks of waiting to find out what team I was placed on at Bay Harbor, I found out this morning. Bronze ended up being a no-go because there weren't any openings and their Silver equivalent plays on Wednesday nights (which I can't make). They placed me on a Copper level team, which is second from the bottom. I have skated out off and on for over 20 years, so playing Copper wasn't going to happen for me. The last time I skated out (the season before last) I was skating in what now is the Silver League at Lakewood, and previous seasons I skated in lower Gold. I kindly told them thanks but no thanks, and they issued me a refund for my first league payment. This was the very reason of why I didn't want to register and pay before I was placed on a team....in the case of getting put on too low of a level, which ended up happening. Luckily they processed the refund today before lunch time.

Looks like I will most likely be playing Silver at Artesia, which is basically Cerritos. I talked to their league director on the phone yesterday and he said it won't be a problem finding me a team. Their season also starts this weekend.

[jammer06]

Thats tough Beedee, I'm glad you were able to find a backup but I think you'll find you made the right choice. Playing in a level where you can't play a team game is just incredibly tough unless you have reason to believe the teams going to be worth it.

[beedee]

Thats tough Beedee, I'm glad you were able to find a backup but I think you'll find you made the right choice. Playing in a level where you can't play a team game is just incredibly tough unless you have reason to believe the teams going to be worth it.

thanks jammer. you are right, playing down would only frustrate me....as the last 4 seasons have shown, it was amplified even further because i was playing goalie. i have zero reason to believe this would be fun, i don't know anyone on that team they placed me on.

[xLAxKingsx]

Yesterday was last day of clinics before a game. It went ok basic turning and crossover drills we actually had 3 tendys show up. We didn't get our team jerseys so not sure how the **** we gonna play our first game light vs dark? It's been OK overall so far. Only met 2 people on my team. I think I ended up with the team that gets blown out by everyone lol. Should still be fun will post a vid next week of my first game!

[LetTigerIn]

Our new season started yesterday. Despite the heat, the ice was fantastic! We were down 4-2 in the second period, but ended up winning 10-5. Even though the score was high, both goalies played pretty well and made quite a few good saves.

[beedee]

Yesterday was last day of clinics before a game. It went ok basic turning and crossover drills we actually had 3 tendys show up. We didn't get our team jerseys so not sure how the **** we gonna play our first game light vs dark? It's been OK overall so far. Only met 2 people on my team. I think I ended up with the team that gets blown out by everyone lol. Should still be fun will post a vid next week of my first game!

LOLOLOL, classic "The Rinks" right there my friend. They'll manage to outdo themselves each week with a new form of incompetence that you never even thought was possible.

I remember two seasons ago there was a team didn't have their jerseys (that The Rinks were suppose to provide). So, they did give them practice jerseys to wear, and I kid you not, the numbers were safety pinned on to the backs of them via a white rectangle, with black spray painted stenciled numbers on them!!!

http://l2.yimg.com/bt/api/res/1.2/C7dokATkrppPrUBI6ygO2w--/YXBwaWQ9eW5ld3NfbGVnbztxPTg1/http://globalfinance.zenfs.com/en_us/Finance/US_AFTP_SILICONALLEY_H_LIVE/How_Scientology_almost_ruined_Tom-e53cfe04bf07ef63fa8909aa496255c7

[beedee]

Our new season started yesterday. Despite the heat, the ice was fantastic! We were down 4-2 in the second period, but ended up winning 10-5. Even though the score was high, both goalies played pretty well and made quite a few good saves.


So.....the defense sucked? lol

[beedee]

On a side note, I just got registered and will be playing at East West. :)

[LetTigerIn]

So.....the defense sucked? lol

I guess so, because there really were quite a few shots? I was sort of focused on doing my job, but I don't recall seeing them put too much pressure on the puck. We had a healthy share of possession, and because of that I spent a lot of time making havoc in front of the crease and had a few good jams.

They did a very good job of getting to loose pucks, and they'd have 3 or 4 join the rush. I backcheck hard on those, sometimes on the puck carrier, but most of the time trying to shut down extra attackers. On one of their goals, it was my fault, IMO, when I got beat to a loose puck. I was shielding it from a guy on my right who made a nifty move and went behind me to get to my left side. But I broke up a bunch of other plays, so happy with that.

Maybe the turning point for them on the whole was after we scored on a 3 on 1 rush. Their goalie was pretty mad at the defense, and the wheels sort of came off for them after that. Also, two of our players showed up late, so we got some fresh legs late in the game.

[xLAxKingsx]

LOLOLOL, classic "The Rinks" right there my friend. They'll manage to outdo themselves each week with a new form of incompetence that you never even thought was possible.

I remember two seasons ago there was a team didn't have their jerseys (that The Rinks were suppose to provide). So, they did give them practice jerseys to wear, and I kid you not, the numbers were safety pinned on to the backs of them via a white rectangle, with black spray painted stenciled numbers on them!!!

http://l2.yimg.com/bt/api/res/1.2/C7dokATkrppPrUBI6ygO2w--/YXBwaWQ9eW5ld3NfbGVnbztxPTg1/http://globalfinance.zenfs.com/en_us/Finance/US_AFTP_SILICONALLEY_H_LIVE/How_Scientology_almost_ruined_Tom-e53cfe04bf07ef63fa8909aa496255c7

http://www.reactiongifs.com/r/heh.gif

Every week I realize what you told me is true and this is all I can do.

[Peggy_GKG]

Guess who's back, UH!

What beer (belly) leaguers. Popped in to give my boy xLAxKingsx the low-down on Anaheim Rookie League. Turns out we're on the same team! At least we were a few weeks ago, I know they juggled the rosters. Still on the Gulls, which I don't mind since I lived in San Diego back in the early 90's and I remember the Gulls playing at the old Sports Arena down there, so I kinda dig it for the nostalgia factor.

Anyway, Anaheim summer league looks like a hot mess, virtually all new skaters. The better players pretty much all moved up to copper save for a a couple of d-bag loser sandbaggers. If all goes well this will be my last season in rookie. I consider the first season at Lakewood a redshirt season since I was injured for half the games and then buried on the bench for a lot of the others. Good experience but didn't really help my development all that much. I made some progress last season at Anaheim mostly because we only had enough players to roll with two lines which was fine with me, and because my team had some really good skaters to play off of. Not sure what to expect this season with a roster full of n00bs, I am anticipating that I might have to play D if the general skating ability is as bad it sounds. I'm not nearly as proficient in skating backwards as I'd like to be but I've been working on it a bit since I saw this coming so I think I'll be able to hold my own. First few games are always a bit of a cluster-f anyway. First game tomorrow night, can't wait.

[xLAxKingsx]

Guess who's back, UH!

What beer (belly) leaguers. Popped in to give my boy xLAxKingsx the low-down on Anaheim Rookie League. Turns out we're on the same team! At least we were a few weeks ago, I know they juggled the rosters. Still on the Gulls, which I don't mind since I lived in San Diego back in the early 90's and I remember the Gulls playing at the old Sports Arena down there, so I kinda dig it for the nostalgia factor.

Anyway, Anaheim summer league looks like a hot mess, virtually all new skaters. The better players pretty much all moved up to copper save for a a couple of d-bag loser sandbaggers. If all goes well this will be my last season in rookie. I consider the first season at Lakewood a redshirt season since I was injured for half the games and then buried on the bench for a lot of the others. Good experience but didn't really help my development all that much. I made some progress last season at Anaheim mostly because we only had enough players to roll with two lines which was fine with me, and because my team had some really good skaters to play off of. Not sure what to expect this season with a roster full of n00bs, I am anticipating that I might have to play D if the general skating ability is as bad it sounds. I'm not nearly as proficient in skating backwards as I'd like to be but I've been working on it a bit since I saw this coming so I think I'll be able to hold my own. First few games are always a bit of a cluster-f anyway. First game tomorrow night, can't wait.

http://www.reactiongifs.com/r/side-eye.gif

Ha! Still on the gulls still cant skate backwards. I thought id be the worst skater but sesh some people can barely skate forward. Cant wait first time ever playing glad someone from here will be on the team though. http://www.reactiongifs.com/r/brc.gif

[beedee]

I'd watch out for this guy!
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v408/bretdee/4LThug.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/bretdee/media/4LThug.jpg.html)

[Peggy_GKG]

http://www.reactiongifs.com/r/side-eye.gif

Ha! Still on the gulls still cant skate backwards. I thought id be the worst skater but sesh some people can barely skate forward. Cant wait first time ever playing glad someone from here will be on the team though. http://www.reactiongifs.com/r/brc.gif

Ha! Don't take it personally I was just generally speaking. From what I saw most of the skaters were fine. There was one girl in particular, she looked like she was about 12, very short, nice enough I'm sure but seriously she could barely move on skates. Unless she was completely and totally sandbagging it, she's not going to have any fun at all. It's bad enough when you're the same size as a 5th grader trying to play against adults, but throw in the fact that she has zero skating ability, and it's just going to be ugly. Trust me by no means am I Datsyuk out there, there are going to be at least a couple of guys who should be playing copper if not bronze skating circles around everyone else, but for the most part we're all on the same level.

[Peggy_GKG]

I'd watch out for this guy!
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v408/bretdee/4LThug.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/bretdee/media/4LThug.jpg.html)

LOL you got too much time on your hands bro. Nice pic though.

[xLAxKingsx]

Ha! Don't take it personally I was just generally speaking. From what I saw most of the skaters were fine. There was one girl in particular, she looked like she was about 12, very short, nice enough I'm sure but seriously she could barely move on skates. Unless she was completely and totally sandbagging it, she's not going to have any fun at all. It's bad enough when you're the same size as a 5th grader trying to play against adults, but throw in the fact that she has zero skating ability, and it's just going to be ugly. Trust me by no means am I Datsyuk out there, there are going to be at least a couple of guys who should be playing copper if not bronze skating circles around everyone else, but for the most part we're all on the same level.

The girl in the yellow jersey right? Her friend that was with her was ok as well but still pretty rough. I did think to myself i dont think theyre gonna have much fun with this. Hopefully the ice is better last week it was bad when we first got on just water everywhere.

[Peggy_GKG]

The girl in the yellow jersey right? Her friend that was with her was ok as well but still pretty rough. I did think to myself i dont think theyre gonna have much fun with this. Hopefully the ice is better last week it was bad when we first got on just water everywhere.

Yup, yellow jersey.

And ice at Anaheim is 10x better than at Lakewood, although I haven't skated there in quite a while. Is Rink C still "under construction"? :rofl:

[beedee]

Yup, yellow jersey.

And ice at Anaheim is 10x better than at Lakewood, although I haven't skated there in quite a while. Is Rink C still "under construction"? :rofl:

I'm willing to put money on it that it is under some form of construction! I haven't been back there since I pulled myself from that game where the ass-wipe on my own team plugged me in the neck during warm-ups, that was maybe 5 weeks ago or so?

[xLAxKingsx]

Took a loss first game. 5-2 it was back and fourth untill 3rd when they pulled away. It was fun of course unstructured a bit since it was first game. Ended up playing RW with Peggy_GKG 2 lines so we had some good ice time. We have our 2nd game tonight at 1035 and i gotta be up for work at 4 http://www.reactiongifs.com/r/dsb1.gif warning no one have a transplant operation at a west area medical facility i might drop your kidney on the floor.

[Luc SkyBomba]

I'm gonna be skipping summer league. Outdoor hockey + 95F = death.

[LetTigerIn]

We've started off a very strong 2-0-0. I'm expecting our team to get nerfed if we continue like this. We got totally destroyed last season (28GF, 78GA), so the league added a good scorer to our team and dropped us one or two of the more skilled newcomers. Combine that with our two most inexperienced skaters taking a break this season, and in two games, we've tallied 44% of our point total and 60% of our goals scored compared to the previous season.

[jammer06]

Well now that I'm in my new digs I've sent off a note to Hockey North America who runs the leagues here in Chicago. Their website is complete crap for trying to contact anyone about finding a team. Also kinda looks like I won't be able to play at the rink next door since I assume Tier 1 is the good guys.

[Peggy_GKG]

Took a loss first game. 5-2 it was back and fourth untill 3rd when they pulled away. It was fun of course unstructured a bit since it was first game. Ended up playing RW with Peggy_GKG 2 lines so we had some good ice time. We have our 2nd game tonight at 1035 and i gotta be up for work at 4 http://www.reactiongifs.com/r/dsb1.gif warning no one have a transplant operation at a west area medical facility i might drop your kidney on the floor.

yeah I think some of those guys have played together before, but rookie as a general rule is unstructured plus throw in that we're a new team. The other team has at least one dude who also plays Copper and their goalie was in the zone. I whiffed on a couple of really solid scoring chances, kind of beat myself up about that.

Tonight's game STARTS at 10:35 pm I guess the schedulers at Anaheim have a great sense of humor.

[xLAxKingsx]

yeah I think some of those guys have played together before, but rookie as a general rule is unstructured plus throw in that we're a new team. The other team has at least one dude who also plays Copper and their goalie was in the zone. I whiffed on a couple of really solid scoring chances, kind of beat myself up about that.

Tonight's game STARTS at 10:35 pm I guess the schedulers at Anaheim have a great sense of humor.

aye you got 2 assists lol so its all good. You could tell by the skating and shots from some of those guys they arent what id consider rookies. Hopefully we have a better game today.

[Nyssa42]

wish I lived closer to Anaheim so I could help out xLAxKingsx and Peggy_GKG s team. My "rookie" league is pretty tough. It's 4 on 4, and we usually have only 4 Dmen or fewer, so I have been playing Drew Doughty type minutes, and I am too old to play DD type minutes. Looks like we are going to make the playoffs, despite a rocky season. Last regular season game is tomorrow night.

But mostly I came in here to show off my spectacular bruises that I got ON THE SAME SHIFT last week. Both off shots from the point. (the white lines are my stretch marks - apparently stretch marks don't bruise)
http://i447.photobucket.com/albums/qq195/lgknyssa42/bruises_zpsz2bldyc1.jpg

[xLAxKingsx]

wish I lived closer to Anaheim so I could help out xLAxKingsx and Peggy_GKG s team. My "rookie" league is pretty tough. It's 4 on 4, and we usually have only 4 Dmen or fewer, so I have been playing Drew Doughty type minutes, and I am too old to play DD type minutes. Looks like we are going to make the playoffs, despite a rocky season. Last regular season game is tomorrow night.

But mostly I came in here to show off my spectacular bruises that I got ON THE SAME SHIFT last week. Both off shots from the point. (the white lines are my stretch marks - apparently stretch marks don't bruise)
http://i447.photobucket.com/albums/qq195/lgknyssa42/bruises_zpsz2bldyc1.jpg

Holy ****! I drive from DTLA to anahiem so my travel kinda sucks! It would be great if you sandbagged and play for us lol we rolled game 1 with 3 D i believe.

[Peggy_GKG]

Those are some gnarly bruises Nyssa!

[Peggy_GKG]

aye you got 2 assists lol so its all good. You could tell by the skating and shots from some of those guys they arent what id consider rookies. Hopefully we have a better game today.

I don't even know how I got those, refs were being very generous with handing out the A's! Usually they only give out a primary. There's a couple guys tonight we'll need to keep our heads on a swivel for.

Also, if it's any consolation, I have to be on the road tomorrow at 5:00 am for a meeting up near Palmdale. Gonna be a long day...

[beedee]

First game with my new squad tonight at 7:50pm!

[beedee]

aye you got 2 assists lol so its all good. You could tell by the skating and shots from some of those guys they arent what id consider rookies. Hopefully we have a better game today.
http://www.picgifs.com/reaction-gifs/reaction-gifs/good-job-succes-nailed-it/good-job44.gif

[xLAxKingsx]

I don't even know how I got those, refs were being very generous with handing out the A's! Usually they only give out a primary. There's a couple guys tonight we'll need to keep our heads on a swivel for.

Also, if it's any consolation, I have to be on the road tomorrow at 5:00 am for a meeting up near Palmdale. Gonna be a long day...


Swivel as in theyre good or a bunch of asses? I saw 2 people got game misconducts from the game that went on after ours.
gonna be a lonnnng ****ing day i have 12 hour shift with 3 cases scheduled i was hoping to get some sleep in my office but nope!

[Peggy_GKG]

Swivel as in theyre good or a bunch of asses? I saw 2 people got game misconducts from the game that went on after ours.
gonna be a lonnnng ****ing day i have 12 hour shift with 3 cases scheduled i was hoping to get some sleep in my office but nope!

Swivel as in they are asses. Well one of them is good too, should easily be in copper. It's a father-son duo, real pieces of work. Dad racked up 26 PIM IN ROOKIE, good penalties too, tripping, roughing, etc. I don't know if the guy that got the misconduct will be playing or not (I'd assume yes).