Tales from the beer league part 2

[mudfisher]

If you are USA Hockey member per league requirement. Expect your USA Hockey fees to increase significantly.

http://www.espn.com/olympics/story/_/id/19026627/usa-hockey-us-women-national-team-reach-agreement-avoid-boycott

[beedee]

USA Hockey fee is such BS anyways. I have my own health insurance.

[mudfisher]

USA Hockey fee is such BS anyways. I have my own health insurance.

If you don't have health Insurance its a life saver for people. I know people who have used it when they have gotten hurt playing hockey. Yes the $1500(Deductible) is steep but USA Hockey covers everything afterwards.

Note: This may have changed since I have not been on USA Hockey for many years.

Also, everyone loves the monthly magazine from USA hockey.

[jammer06]

If you don't have health Insurance its a life saver for people. I know people who have used it when they have gotten hurt playing hockey. Yes the $1500(Deductible) is steep but USA Hockey covers everything afterwards.

Note: This may have changed since I have not been on USA Hockey for many years.

Also, everyone loves the monthly magazine from USA hockey.

Actually minijammer does love that magazine, not that I'd subscribe for that fee

[beedee]

Do you guys submit your drawings to be shown on the last few pages of that magazine?

[xLAxKingsx]

Is there a way around certain leagues that require usa hockey membership? Mine is coming up expiring and its a waste of money.

[jammer06]

Is there a way around certain leagues that require usa hockey membership? Mine is coming up expiring and its a waste of money.

Ive played in 2 leagues that dont use their services, most leagues need it for insurance requirements though

[beedee]

I didn't use it when I broke my foot in a game, it is such a waste. They should give you the option to opt in if you don't have health insurance.

[xLAxKingsx]

WHAT THE FUQ.

Well we won yesterday and I had 2 goals! Im up to 6 goals in 4 games woo. https://media1.giphy.com/media/zQXYWz8NEodb2/200.gif#343

But that's not the WTF part. So for some odd reason they decided to add another new player to a 12 person roster. Ok... whatever now we have 3 lines thats fine but... I knew this guy was gonna be annoying and a wanna be coach as soon as he opened up his bag and the first thing he pulls out is a clip board with slots for names and lines. At this point ok I figure maybe he needs to visually see it to see where he fits. But once he started to jot peoples names down he was trying to make fixed lines. Now its rookie league and it doesnt matter really who centers wings and plays D on your line as everyone gets off at different times. That was my red flag that this guy was about to try and be coach. We usually wait around till 10 secs are left in warm ups to figure out who plays where and that works and we have fun no strict rules or anything. Once the game got going he was switching up the lines moving people around going from 3 RW 3 C and 2 LW to 3 LW 3 C and 2 Rw and so on just making people move around. Everyone on the team is nice quiet type of players there to have fun so no one was saying anything. I had to let him know to sit his ass down and cut this **** during 3rd people when i was about to step on the ice and he informs me now we are going 3 LW so the other Center was gonna go before me. https://media0.giphy.com/media/aZ3LDBs1ExsE8/200.gif#0 Hes a older guy and im sure he wasnt to keen when he had me yelling at him that this **** doesnt work for us and that if he wants to coach he needs to go back to the locker room and change into a suit. He just had a big stupid smile on his face embarrassed but I had to put a end to it and if he tries the same **** next game im stopping it before it even gets to the ice. No one knew what the **** was going on people moving not knowing when to take shifts and what position to play. He sat up on the board yelling to his line mates hey get off its been 1 minute the whole game. If he was playing LW i would have stayed on the ice the whole time.

I never dealt with someone like this on a team. Lol we had people that liked to take charge and would be a cheerleader on the bench but not like this. He left his stick behind also cause he was sitting next to me and he was awkward about it. I said **** it and left his stick so someone else can take it.

Heres a pic to feel that awkwardness. lol https://media4.giphy.com/media/QT83GfS9il0f6/200w.gif#19

[Luc SkyBomba]

WHAT THE FUQ.

Well we won yesterday and I had 2 goals! Im up to 6 goals in 4 games woo. https://media1.giphy.com/media/zQXYWz8NEodb2/200.gif#343

But that's not the WTF part. So for some odd reason they decided to add another new player to a 12 person roster. Ok... whatever now we have 3 lines thats fine but... I knew this guy was gonna be annoying and a wanna be coach as soon as he opened up his bag and the first thing he pulls out is a clip board with slots for names and lines. At this point ok I figure maybe he needs to visually see it to see where he fits. But once he started to jot peoples names down he was trying to make fixed lines. Now its rookie league and it doesnt matter really who centers wings and plays D on your line as everyone gets off at different times. That was my red flag that this guy was about to try and be coach. We usually wait around till 10 secs are left in warm ups to figure out who plays where and that works and we have fun no strict rules or anything. Once the game got going he was switching up the lines moving people around going from 3 RW 3 C and 2 LW to 3 LW 3 C and 2 Rw and so on just making people move around. Everyone on the team is nice quiet type of players there to have fun so no one was saying anything. I had to let him know to sit his ass down and cut this **** during 3rd people when i was about to step on the ice and he informs me now we are going 3 LW so the other Center was gonna go before me. https://media0.giphy.com/media/aZ3LDBs1ExsE8/200.gif#0 Hes a older guy and im sure he wasnt to keen when he had me yelling at him that this **** doesnt work for us and that if he wants to coach he needs to go back to the locker room and change into a suit. He just had a big stupid smile on his face embarrassed but I had to put a end to it and if he tries the same **** next game im stopping it before it even gets to the ice. No one knew what the **** was going on people moving not knowing when to take shifts and what position to play. He sat up on the board yelling to his line mates hey get off its been 1 minute the whole game. If he was playing LW i would have stayed on the ice the whole time.

I never dealt with someone like this on a team. Lol we had people that liked to take charge and would be a cheerleader on the bench but not like this. He left his stick behind also cause he was sitting next to me and he was awkward about it. I said **** it and left his stick so someone else can take it.

Heres a pic to feel that awkwardness. lol https://media4.giphy.com/media/QT83GfS9il0f6/200w.gif#19

Oh man, I have a feeling this might happen to my team. Our captain is stepping down because of work constraints and the jackass that calls everyone out but doesn't actually do anything useful volunteered to be the new captain.

Also nice creepy pic... I'm sure she's a nice girl though.

[xLAxKingsx]

Oh man, I have a feeling this might happen to my team. Our captain is stepping down because of work constraints and the jackass that calls everyone out but doesn't actually do anything useful volunteered to be the new captain.

Also nice creepy pic... I'm sure she's a nice girl though.

Man this guy was exactly like that he played defense and from all the talking i thought he was gonna be a superstar but he's just wow tripped over the blue line and swung his stick like it was a broom.

[beedee]

Nice job on the goals and even better job in calling the dumbass out.

[beedee]

Oh yeah, I didn't feel like playing on Sunday night at 8:40pm, so I didn't go to my game.

[Nyssa42]

well, my coed team lost our playoff semi-final game 3-2 in OT tonight. We put up a great fight against the team we could never beat all season. A bad penalty at the end of the game killed us.

My women's team, which was #1 (http://letsgokings.com/usertag.php?do=list&action=hash&hash=1) for our whole 8 game season, lost in the first round of playoffs, AND we managed to lose our consolation game even though we had 6 skaters and the other team only had 4 for half the game until their 5th showed up. (We play 4 on 4 on a small ice surface). Women's team starts back up on Sunday. I've gotta step up my goal-scoring even though I'm playing D. The other teams improved tremendously from the first few games.

[beedee]

Played for the first time in 3.5 weeks, or maybe it was a month last night! We had a bye last week, and i missed the two previous games just because. 7-2 victory for us last night!

It felt great to be back out there and what felt even more nice was the fact our game was at 6:40pm, yes, you heard that right, 6:40pm!!! Our team played probably the best it ever has, our passing was really well, and people seemed to gel like they had been playing together for years. Its so weird how that happens, its not like we practice or have a "system" or set plays...yet the puck movement was outstanding. Most of the team was there, we had 11 players, so two lines of D three sets of wings and two centers....I think that equals 11?

No goals for me but a plethora of shots from the point yielded me three assists on redirects from our forwards in front of the net. It was really fun letting those snappers and clappers fly almost at will. The score board showed we had 58 shots on goal, yes, 58!?!? The other team was a good group, no d'bags or anyone that was playing for game 7 of the Stanley Cup Finals, so that was cool. They had one ringer that turned me inside out in our zone, I was mad at myself for getting caught watching the puck instead of his chest. I didn't let that happen again though, and played him with a bit more separation and kept him to the outside from then on out.

I think we have 3 more regular season games then the playoffs start. Pretty sure we are sitting in 2nd place right now.

[Luc SkyBomba]

Wow so back to what xLAxKingsx was saying about the new guy writing down lines and stuff... Our first game was on Friday and the new Cap is already annoying me. In the email he sent about who is on our roster, I counted three defensemen out of eleven players.

So I ask... "Nice lineup, who is going to be on D with us?"

He replies with "We will do ok with defensemen. We have a pretty versatile team and a full roster so we will be able to rotate people around if needed on D."

Awesome, doesn't answer my question though. Then we get to the game on Friday. Who else is going to be on D? /crickets

Well apparently the cap had a little paper on who he thought would play D and of course those people didn't want to be on D. At least someone else stepped up and volunteered. Would be nice to get some actual defensemen on this team though.

There's more but I need coffee. Gameplay-wise though, I at least got to "McNabb" an old teammate into the boards.

[LetTigerIn]

We're all done with our regular season and are at the top of the table right now. We are guaranteed playoffs but do not have first place locked up, because the 4 teams below us all have a game in hand. First place gets an automatic ride into the best 2 out of 3 finals.

Next week should be extremely interesting for the 4 remaining teams! The next 3 teams beneath us are playing for 2 remaining playoff spots. Any combination is possible. Team in second place is the only one who can overtake us for first place. If I don't have to work the weekend, I'm considering going to the rink to see how it plays out.

The most interesting scenario is if the third place team beats the fifth place team in the first match. That will clinch a playoff spot for them, but it will mean that the second place team and the fourth place team will play the next game under extreme pressure, where if either team loses in regulation, they are out of the playoffs.

[LetTigerIn]

Wow so back to what xLAxKingsx was saying about the new guy writing down lines and stuff... Our first game was on Friday and the new Cap is already annoying me. In the email he sent about who is on our roster, I counted three defensemen out of eleven players.

So I ask... "Nice lineup, who is going to be on D with us?"

He replies with "We will do ok with defensemen. We have a pretty versatile team and a full roster so we will be able to rotate people around if needed on D."

Awesome, doesn't answer my question though. Then we get to the game on Friday. Who else is going to be on D? /crickets

Well apparently the cap had a little paper on who he thought would play D and of course those people didn't want to be on D. At least someone else stepped up and volunteered. Would be nice to get some actual defensemen on this team though.

There's more but I need coffee. Gameplay-wise though, I at least got to "McNabb" an old teammate into the boards.


Rotate 3 D and let the 8 forwards fight for skating time if nobody wants to step up and drop back.

[beedee]

We're all done with our regular season and are at the top of the table right now. We are guaranteed playoffs but do not have first place locked up, because the 4 teams below us all have a game in hand. First place gets an automatic ride into the best 2 out of 3 finals.

Next week should be extremely interesting for the 4 remaining teams! The next 3 teams beneath us are playing for 2 remaining playoff spots. Any combination is possible. Team in second place is the only one who can overtake us for first place. If I don't have to work the weekend, I'm considering going to the rink to see how it plays out.

The most interesting scenario is if the third place team beats the fifth place team in the first match. That will clinch a playoff spot for them, but it will mean that the second place team and the fourth place team will play the next game under extreme pressure, where if either team loses in regulation, they are out of the playoffs.

https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/originals/d8/ec/2f/d8ec2f528f0b4a493f7a948afa8153d7.gif

[LetTigerIn]

https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/originals/d8/ec/2f/d8ec2f528f0b4a493f7a948afa8153d7.gif

Hahaha! Yeah, there are so many scenarios for which two of the three teams get in that I tried to be specific. The bottom line, though is that the second game will essentially be a win-and-in game for both teams.

[Luc SkyBomba]

Rotate 3 D and let the 8 forwards fight for skating time if nobody wants to step up and drop back.

The problem with rotating 3 is that one jackass doesn't know when to come off so when he finally does, the partner needs a change too.

[jammer06]

The problem with rotating 3 is that one jackass doesn't know when to come off so when he finally does, the partner needs a change too.

You just send the jackass back out there and tell him to wait til his turn comes around again

[Luc SkyBomba]

yeah gonna have to until he figures out what "rotation" actually means

[beedee]

We lost last night 3-2, against the first place team (we are in 2nd). It was a close game all night long, back and forth and with about 3 minutes left they scored the GWG from the high slot...deflected off my ass. :( One of those plays where you just couldn't clear the puck to the boards if your life depended on it. I probably had two or three whacks and kicks at it and it ricocheted off a guys skate as i was trying to clear it to the right wing boards from the slot, went to a guy in the high slot who shot it. I tried to turn/spin out of the way of the shot so the goalie could have a clear look at it and it hit my ass and redirected in. :o/

All in all we played decent, not as well as last weeks game though. We had a full bench so that was good. I got a couple shots in through from the point so that is always fun, ended up with a 2nd assist on our 2nd goal. The best part was, their "that guy" wasn't there, so the game was fun and pleasant without him slashing everyone in sight.

Two more regular season games and then playoffs. Assuming we end up in 2nd and should have no problem against the third place team. Which means we'll meet these guys again in the finals.

[Luc SkyBomba]

We just had a game where almost everybody showed up! It's nice when I'm not dying for air. So I got there a little late and when I got behind the bench, I asked if I could get the next D shift. The other defenseman told me that the cap wanted me on forward tonight. So I waited for him to come off and I asked if somebody wanted to switch to D or something, cause usually it's just three of us and we get one of the forwards to play D. He wanted me to switch so we could have someone bang with the other team's goalie because for some reason, nobody else on this team likes to do that. After all the slashes I got in the back of the legs, maybe that's why...

PS - I finally flippin scored a goal \m/

[LetTigerIn]

Our playoffs begin this weekend. I need to get my skates sharpened before then.

[beedee]

Our playoffs begin this weekend. I need to get my skates sharpened before then.

I've been meaning to do that for a couple months now, that and sock tape! For the last two games I've been that guy who bums sock tape off people. I try to switch it up from week to week with who I ask for some.

[LetTigerIn]

I've been meaning to do that for a couple months now, that and sock tape! For the last two games I've been that guy who bums sock tape off people. I try to switch it up from week to week with who I ask for some.

I buy clear tape 24 rolls at a time, but I go through a lot of it. People keep bumming tape off me.

No, just kidding. The real reason I go through tape fast is because I still tape up my socks like my equipment didn't have straps or velcro. Old habit. Plus, it's fun.

[beedee]

I buy clear tape 24 rolls at a time,

http://i.imgur.com/lhjhbB9.gif

[jammer06]

Played with the youngins last night. First game of the "summer" league. There's three teams so its going to get a bit chippy i'm sure. We hung tough the whole game but they eventually got a few on the board. I finally potted another goal with the guys. Great bang bang play where our guy took it around the net and I drifted in off the back post, Puck was in the net before the goalie got his head back to the crease. I felt better out there playing with some of the better guys, lots of looks at the net, maybe 4-5 shots on goal. Should have had at least a couple. Anyway game got chippy but refs called it tight and overall I couldnt really complain. Their goalie just did a fine job.

[JEEPKING]

Why doesn't anyone like wood sticks anymore??

Went out for some pre-season practice and got a few comments on my 96' Shanahan model Easton all wood stick. I play d on most teams and I like a nice heavy piece of lumber. I don't like these ultra feather light composite sticks everyone is so crazy about. There's no meat on them if you know what I mean.

[beedee]

Why doesn't anyone like wood sticks anymore??

Went out for some pre-season practice and got a few comments on my 96' Shanahan model Easton all wood stick. I play d on most teams and I like a nice heavy piece of lumber. I don't like these ultra feather light composite sticks everyone is so crazy about. There's no meat on them if you know what I mean.

I hear ya. I grew up playing with an all wood Sherwood 5030 Coffey Curve (amongst other brands, I loved the MONTREAL), loved those things. I'm so accustomed to my lightweight composite stick now that even using a cheaper composite stick feels heavy AF to me now. It sounds silly but I like how light my stick is when it comes to poke checking.

[P.I.T.A.]

I would honestly like to know if my reaction was wrong to the following:

My team played in a tournament out here in KC this last weekend. Leading up to it, I had a couple of the captains (We have 4... tf?) tell me repeatedly that we would be going up against elite players and to get my head right. As some of you may have seen, I'm not a fan of losing (I'm much better btw, thanks to the meds) but I'm even more hateful of quitting or not even trying to begin with.

I went into each game with the same mindset that I always do; and I felt like I played solid. We lost the first game 5-1, but I got invited to play for two other local teams on a regular basis, so I suppose I did something right.

The second game was supposed to be a much more even match, and while the skill levels were on par, the effort was not. This team (my team) thrives on icing the puck with no pressure, no look passes to the other team in our zone, throwing the puck blindly into the neutral zone to give the other team possession... it's a weekly thing that's highlighted when you're playing against a team that understands the theory of puck possession. We lost 5-0, but the outcome isn't what I was furious about. With less than a minute in the game, I had my paddle literally pulled out of my hand, (probably by someone on my own team) and I had to make a save in a scramble with my blocker hand. When I looked up, one of my defensemen is doubled over and bleeding. He was crosschecked in the mouth while taking up for his defensive partner who was trying to keep my crease clear. We didn't know at the time how bad it was, (He ended up losing 4 teeth and needing 12 stitches) but almost nobody reacted at all. I started skating over and got tackled from behind by one of my captains, one of my better teammates who we call cannonball (you can imagine why) was trying to leave the penalty box, but everyone else had a ho-hum, indifferent attitude towards it.

I was disgusted, and I still am. One of the co-captains has gone on to say that if you don't want to lose teeth, wear a cage. I agree, but I still don't understand how you just let that happen to a teammate and do nothing. Not even after the game. They just didn't care... at all. I found them a sub for the last game and left. I told them that I needed to take some time off, but the Captain who tackled me talked me into staying for now.

I'm not advocating for a parking lot brawl, but am I wrong to be disgusted that almost nobody reacted on the ice?

[beedee]

I would honestly like to know if my reaction was wrong to the following:

My team played in a tournament out here in KC this last weekend. Leading up to it, I had a couple of the captains (We have 4... tf?) tell me repeatedly that we would be going up against elite players and to get my head right. As some of you may have seen, I'm not a fan of losing (I'm much better btw, thanks to the meds) but I'm even more hateful of quitting or not even trying to begin with.

I went into each game with the same mindset that I always do; and I felt like I played solid. We lost the first game 5-1, but I got invited to play for two other local teams on a regular basis, so I suppose I did something right.

The second game was supposed to be a much more even match, and while the skill levels were on par, the effort was not. This team (my team) thrives on icing the puck with no pressure, no look passes to the other team in our zone, throwing the puck blindly into the neutral zone to give the other team possession... it's a weekly thing that's highlighted when you're playing against a team that understands the theory of puck possession. We lost 5-0, but the outcome isn't what I was furious about. With less than a minute in the game, I had my paddle literally pulled out of my hand, (probably by someone on my own team) and I had to make a save in a scramble with my blocker hand. When I looked up, one of my defensemen is doubled over and bleeding. He was crosschecked in the mouth while taking up for his defensive partner who was trying to keep my crease clear. We didn't know at the time how bad it was, (He ended up losing 4 teeth and needing 12 stitches) but almost nobody reacted at all. I started skating over and got tackled from behind by one of my captains, one of my better teammates who we call cannonball (you can imagine why) was trying to leave the penalty box, but everyone else had a ho-hum, indifferent attitude towards it.

I was disgusted, and I still am. One of the co-captains has gone on to say that if you don't want to lose teeth, wear a cage. I agree, but I still don't understand how you just let that happen to a teammate and do nothing. Not even after the game. They just didn't care... at all. I found them a sub for the last game and left. I told them that I needed to take some time off, but the Captain who tackled me talked me into staying for now.

I'm not advocating for a parking lot brawl, but am I wrong to be disgusted that almost nobody reacted on the ice?

That is a sucky situation man. Back when I played goalie (for lower levels) it would drive me nuts seeing that kind of crap go on and seeing my team do nothing about it. I'm not sure if they just didn't know that something should have been done, or if they were like F it, its just beer league, or who knows what. A couple times I took penalties as a goalie because I saw their forwards taking liberties with our defenseman and defense woman. I've been guilty of letting my ego get the best of me out there and getting in fights. For some reason everything seems super important out there on the ice, and there is no way you want to let people get away with the things they do. Then on the other hand, it is just beer league and its all really lame when you take a step back and look at it.

I used to wear a visor many moons ago, but put my cage back on and haven't thought about going back to a visor, ever!

Our game last night sucked, even though we won. The other team didn't have a goalie and we barely pulled out the win. Nothing really was going right for us, over skating pucks, struggling to get out of our zone, forwards playing way too deep in our zone so me and the other D didn't have anyone to outlet to. Even though we won, it felt like a loss.

[Subhuman15]

Does anybody here use the Avision facemask?? I am looking at new helmets and really like the fit of the Re-Akt 75 and don't know which cage to get the re-akt titanium or the Avision.

[beedee]

I haven't used the Avision but I'm not a fan of those combos. Back in the early 90's (when I played Bantams) I used an Itech full face fish-bowl and it got very annoying with how often it fogged up. A full cage doesn't bother me at all and keeps me cooler than when I wore just a visor. Over time the plastic on the Avision will eventually get scratched/scuffed and not doubt will fog.

[jammer06]

So had a game last night with the younger crew and this was a first for me in beer league. We were down 2-1 with a minute to go, pulled the goalie and lo and behold the refs actually called a penalty on the other team! for all things it was a too many men on the ice to boot. Now we're still keeping the goalie out and its 6-4 and their goalie is just killing us but we finally sneaked one through with 2 seconds to go. Refs called for a shootout so who were we to complain (supposed to only be for playoffs) our goalie stopped all 3 but we finally got another one by their guy and won the game. First victory for me on this summer season but it felt plenty good considering we really were the better team all game.

Anyway just good to know that even in beer league, 3rd period late in the last game of the night a ref can occasionally be bothered to do something.

[beedee]

So had a game last night with the younger crew and this was a first for me in beer league. We were down 2-1 with a minute to go, pulled the goalie and lo and behold the refs actually called a penalty on the other team! for all things it was a too many men on the ice to boot. Now we're still keeping the goalie out and its 6-4 and their goalie is just killing us but we finally sneaked one through with 2 seconds to go. Refs called for a shootout so who were we to complain (supposed to only be for playoffs) our goalie stopped all 3 but we finally got another one by their guy and won the game. First victory for me on this summer season but it felt plenty good considering we really were the better team all game.

Anyway just good to know that even in beer league, 3rd period late in the last game of the night a ref can occasionally be bothered to do something.

Hopefully the fans that left early heard the roar of the crowd on the way out as you guys tied it up!

[xLAxKingsx]

Been MIA from here but my season has been going great. We are in 2nd place 1 point out of first. We play that team thats first and *******s this weekend. This is also the team that we have had beef with all season long that last game it boiled over into a scrum and a few people got suspended. So im excited AF our team has good people in it but being Rookie league seems kinda stupid when sticking up for team mates cause youll probably never see em again. Thats the main reason ive tried hard this season to improve and hopefully move up next year and play with consistant team and players. I like playing rough when others dish it. I dont mind sticking up for teammates but i know i wont get the same from most of these dudes. Lulz my buddy almost jumped on the ice from the bleachers when the scrum happened. As i skated back to the bench he was waiting talking **** to the guy that got booted for being a prick. Luckily he's playing next season. Our playoffs start soon im at 9 goales and 3 assists. First 2 seasons i had 1 goal 2 assists. So its been a huge change.

Some of you guys seem like *******s on the ice but i like that haha hopefully i can find some mates like that once im up from rookie.

[beedee]

Some of you guys seem like *******s on the ice but i like that haha hopefully i can find some mates like that once im up from rookie.

http://memeguy.com/photos/images/when-my-buddy-brings-me-home-an-extra-quesadilla-from-taco-bell-181974.gif

[xLAxKingsx]

We finally beat the team we hadnt be able to all season. The one with the *******s. But they played like a bunch of sheep all game. Terrible cause our team came out like rabbid animals. Then we potted 3 goals in first period and saw they werent playing like pricks so we calmed down out game. We won 6-3 and took on 1st place right before heading into playoffs. Team wants to move up to Copper next season im hesitant if i should do it or not. Not scared to lose just not sure if itll be beneficial or make me regress being outplayed night in and out. https://media3.giphy.com/media/12RfP2odT4hEOI/200.gif#15-grid1

[beedee]

Team wants to move up to Copper next season im hesitant if i should do it or not. Not scared to lose just not sure if itll be beneficial or make me regress being outplayed night in and out.

Nice job on the win man!

I vote for you to take the step to Copper, you will PROGRESS not REGRESS. If anything, another season in Rookie will cause regression.


I skipped our 10:20pm playoff game last night, on the tail end of a cold and didn't want to risk it getting worse.

[xLAxKingsx]

Nice job on the win man!

I vote for you to take the step to Copper, you will PROGRESS not REGRESS. If anything, another season in Rookie will cause regression.


I skipped our 10:20pm playoff game last night, on the tail end of a cold and didn't want to risk it getting worse.

I figured as much. I played better this season because i saw how weak i was so it made me work hard. This season where im kinda doing good after my first few games where i hustled hard and played my best, ive started to coast and play less hard simply cause i know i dont need too in order to win. I need that kick in my ass i guess cant become complacent because i feel im on the level of most players.

I play sick idk makes me feel better except the time i threw up on bench and took minute shifts all game lol.

[Nyssa42]

Team wants to move up to Copper next season im hesitant if i should do it or not. Not scared to lose just not sure if itll be beneficial or make me regress being outplayed night in and out.

move up! I'm sure it's not that much more skilled than what you're doing now, BUT the players understand the rules and positioning which makes it so much easier to play. You won't regress.
There is a pickup that I go to (not MHC!) where I am always the weakest player, and the other players are much, much, much better (and also younger! Some are on the UCLA hockey team) and I love the challenge. If I touch the puck like 4 times in those games I feel like I am a superstar.

[xLAxKingsx]

move up! I'm sure it's not that much more skilled than what you're doing now, BUT the players understand the rules and positioning which makes it so much easier to play. You won't regress.
There is a pickup that I go to (not MHC!) where I am always the weakest player, and the other players are much, much, much better (and also younger! Some are on the UCLA hockey team) and I love the challenge. If I touch the puck like 4 times in those games I feel like I am a superstar.

Thanks i think im gonna make the move!

I do hope to play with more structure my current team is composed of people ive played 2 or 3 season now so we are all aware of how to play like a team. I know

The Rinks has a bad system of making teams move and they said this season they are working on it. A few Copper teams have been playing together for 5 plus years and have bronze and gold players mixed in. The new Management has been very hands on this season and making everything that was wrong good. So i hope they stick to their word and make those teams that are clearly a level above move. Its to the point he said they will have to kick teams out if they dont make the move so they sound serious. Ill def be posting my transition to Copper.

[beedee]

I play sick idk makes me feel better except the time i threw up on bench and took minute shifts all game lol.

I'm at the point where i'd rather stay home.

[xLAxKingsx]

I'm at the point where i'd rather stay home.

https://media1.giphy.com/media/xT5LMSr5avG56CJQA0/giphy.gif

Sometimes i visit a buffet before a game then i really feel like staying home!

[beedee]

Looks like our new season starts up this coming Monday. Hopefully someone on the team decides to take the risk and put the balance their credit card (I sure as hell won't do that!), otherwise each player can expect to pay around $100 for the season!

[Luc SkyBomba]

Bless the helmet cage... Took a shot right on the jaw last game. Would've been bad haha.

[xLAxKingsx]

Looks like our new season starts up this coming Monday. Hopefully someone on the team decides to take the risk and put the balance their credit card (I sure as hell won't do that!), otherwise each player can expect to pay around $100 for the season!

$100!!? How Sway? Team we assembled for Copper we paying $500 cause everyone wanted to keep it at low players for max ice time. I saw some teams with 22 skaters. What the ****! Do you only like 5 mins of ice time a game?

[Luc SkyBomba]

$100!!? How Sway? Team we assembled for Copper we paying $500 cause everyone wanted to keep it at low players for max ice time. I saw some teams with 22 skaters. What the ****! Do you only like 5 mins of ice time a game?

Dude I will get my damn money's worth of 5 mins a game!

[beedee]

$100!!? How Sway? Team we assembled for Copper we paying $500 cause everyone wanted to keep it at low players for max ice time. I saw some teams with 22 skaters. What the ****! Do you only like 5 mins of ice time a game?

Oops, I left out a key word, we can expect to pay $100 MORE per person. Last season it was $290 a person, which included an extra $10 to chip in for our goalie. I think we carried 14 people?

[Luc SkyBomba]

Flippin drama at the flippin rink...

Playoffs started last night. I get there a little early to avoid traffic and I'm watching the first game. White team is up 8-1 after the 1st. Second period starts so I go back to my car and get my gear. I'm starting to get ready and I notice the game isn't even happening anymore. All of team white is at the scorer's bench and red team is just chilling. White goalie comes off the rink so I ask him what the hell is going on. Shortly after the start of the 2nd, the red team asked the refs for a roster check on white. The rule is you have to have played minimum three games to be eligible for playoffs and they found my homeboy was only accounted for two. Long story short, red could've reset the game to 0-0 without the illegal player or force them to forfeit. Guess what they choose... It got pretty nasty after that as you could imagine.

So my team won in a comeback victory after being down 0-2, scoring the tying goal with 30 seconds left and then winning the shootout 1-0. Epic game, but now I'm flippin exhausted. I'm already playing sick. Now we gotta play these jerkoffs for the championship.

[xLAxKingsx]

Bit behind.

So Last season is over. We ended up from 1st place to last place https://media0.giphy.com/media/NdYpkYhjlOtRm/200.gif#4-grid1
It all started with 1st playoff game we faced 4th seed but they ended up with a bronze goalie cause "thats all they could find" so of course they blanked us and we lost in shoot outs. Then we played for 3rd place but we said **** it and just had a good time and lost. Yea just a good time https://media1.giphy.com/media/I8nepxWwlEuqI/200w.gif#67-grid1

Well now im signed up and ended up being Captain https://media4.giphy.com/media/l0HlBulShc2B6p1v2/200.gif#5-grid1 so itll be interesting lulz. Everyone knows we gonna get blown... Out ever game but we just wanna have a bit of fun and try something more challenging.


we got jerseys made they coming in soon ill throw a picture of it once i get em but heres a mock up for laughter.

http://i68.tinypic.com/2mwdnw2.png

[xLAxKingsx]

update we are 0-5 in copper lol. But! I dont feel weve been out played only 1 team blew us out 9-1 and its a team that being forced out of copper this season. All others have been a 1 goal or 2 loss. I also dont feel like ive been outplayed myself. Of course there is some fast skaters and good players but my contributions to the team arent detrimental. So im happy hoping we get a W soon.

[Nyssa42]

update we are 0-5 in copper lol. But! I dont feel weve been out played only 1 team blew us out 9-1 and its a team that being forced out of copper this season. All others have been a 1 goal or 2 loss. I also dont feel like ive been outplayed myself. Of course there is some fast skaters and good players but my contributions to the team arent detrimental. So im happy hoping we get a W soon.

you'll get a win soon. I'll bet you've noticed you're all playing better, and, as I've mentioned before, since people play their positions better, you don't have to be scrambling around the ice as much chasing "your guy". My coed team is probably going to get forced to the next level next season, and you should have seen us a year ago.....it was like the 3 Stooges on ice our first few games even though everyone was a pretty good skater already. Now we are kicking butt in our bright yellow jerseys! The other teams fear our yellowness!!

[xLAxKingsx]

you'll get a win soon. I'll bet you've noticed you're all playing better, and, as I've mentioned before, since people play their positions better, you don't have to be scrambling around the ice as much chasing "your guy". My coed team is probably going to get forced to the next level next season, and you should have seen us a year ago.....it was like the 3 Stooges on ice our first few games even though everyone was a pretty good skater already. Now we are kicking butt in our bright yellow jerseys! The other teams fear our yellowness!!

You are right about playing better. Some of the teams are great and we play hard change shifts every 1-1.5min play our correct position and everything. We even wonder how the **** we lost any games during rookie season lol. Yellow is nice know why? cause its rare for another team to have it! Sunday we played a team with black jerseys and **** was that a bad time.

[jammer06]

So my first game back from vacation and its with my team of college kids home for the summer. The team we're going against has a bunch of guys that play in the "B" division so I know this is going to be a tilt. They go up 5-0 on us pretty quick and I'm like uh oh. We've had the puck so even though the scoreboard shows us getting hammered the play is even. Still in the first theres a bang bang play behind the net and my teammate and I both step out from back behind the net opposite sides for an easy bang home play. Hooray I've scored a legit goal! That sparked a comeback and entering the third the game is 6-5 they are still up but the game is both picking up and falling apart at the same time since guys are going 100% but both getting tired and its obvious nobody is playing team play on either side. Just back and forth pickup. That was a bad call on our part as they potted 3 more to put it away but it was a really fun game.
Next week we get to play a team that we played last week when I was out. Seems there were some shenanigans and a bit of a line brawl. So to counteract it there's a preplanned beers in the parking lot so we can hug it out. Should be a fun time.

[jammer06]

update we are 0-5 in copper lol. But! I dont feel weve been out played only 1 team blew us out 9-1 and its a team that being forced out of copper this season. All others have been a 1 goal or 2 loss. I also dont feel like ive been outplayed myself. Of course there is some fast skaters and good players but my contributions to the team arent detrimental. So im happy hoping we get a W soon.

Hey you are the captain, believe me that's contribution enough in beer league.

[xLAxKingsx]

Hey you are the captain, believe me that's contribution enough in beer league.

Half way thru chasing everyone to pay to pick colors and jersey logo plus getting the **** ordered paid for and made i wanted to quit. Lol ****kkkkkkkkkkkkkk that! good thing everyone wants to keep playing together so next season its just paying no more logos and ****.

[jammer06]

Half way thru chasing everyone to pay to pick colors and jersey logo plus getting the **** ordered paid for and made i wanted to quit. Lol ****kkkkkkkkkkkkkk that! good thing everyone wants to keep playing together so next season its just paying no more logos and ****.

And you've learned your lesson about being captain!

[xLAxKingsx]

And you've learned your lesson about being captain!

Is it ok to yell at them now? I wasnt vocal before but now i feel like its part of the duty to help them out on the ice. Even if im not the best player everyone always asks me about lines positioning and so forth. Is it park of the duty? I dont want to be that douchebag player.

[beedee]

I love reading the trials and tribulations of xLAxKingsx Beer League experiences. #memories (http://letsgokings.com/usertag.php?do=list&action=hash&hash=memories)

[beedee]

Is it ok to yell at them now? I wasnt vocal before but now i feel like its part of the duty to help them out on the ice. Even if im not the best player everyone always asks me about lines positioning and so forth. Is it park of the duty? I dont want to be that douchebag player.
Even though you may want to, I'd say no. It's just beer league, not everyone cares as much as you might. Trust me, I learned the hard way when I played goalie. At first you will doing it in a manner that is encouraging and what not. But over time I found myself falling down the rabbit hole of my words going in one ear and out the other. This led to a lot of frustration, which was amplified by me being the goalie, so all the crap they did wrong (which was a lot) always ended up on me saving their asses (not all the time, but a good amount). After awhile I started to get pissed but had to keep myself in check, I no longer stopped by the bench in between periods to offer up what I was seeing from the crease, as it was wasted breath.

Maybe just talk to them in between periods and get input from other people so they feel like they aren't being talked down to. I tried that approach to, but with everyone being so new, they didn't really know what wasn't going well on the ice. The thing that bugged me the most after losing 3 or 4 in a row was that no one even said anything in the locker room after the game...then again, its only Beer League and not everyone gives the same amount of F's as you.

Good luck.

[jammer06]

Is it ok to yell at them now? I wasnt vocal before but now i feel like its part of the duty to help them out on the ice. Even if im not the best player everyone always asks me about lines positioning and so forth. Is it park of the duty? I dont want to be that douchebag player.

When it comes to money and showing up, yell away. Probably the only thing I ever really got on people for was shift length and then i'd start out privately with that conversation. Positioning and stuff only works if they want to work on it. As the captain I never felt bad about yelling at the one dude that assumed shift changes only happened at whistles.

[xLAxKingsx]

Even though you may want to, I'd say no. It's just beer league, not everyone cares as much as you might. Trust me, I learned the hard way when I played goalie. At first you will doing it in a manner that is encouraging and what not. But over time I found myself falling down the rabbit hole of my words going in one ear and out the other. This led to a lot of frustration, which was amplified by me being the goalie, so all the crap they did wrong (which was a lot) always ended up on me saving their asses (not all the time, but a good amount). After awhile I started to get pissed but had to keep myself in check, I no longer stopped by the bench in between periods to offer up what I was seeing from the crease, as it was wasted breath.

Maybe just talk to them in between periods and get input from other people so they feel like they aren't being talked down to. I tried that approach to, but with everyone being so new, they didn't really know what wasn't going well on the ice. The thing that bugged me the most after losing 3 or 4 in a row was that no one even said anything in the locker room after the game...then again, its only Beer League and not everyone gives the same amount of F's as you.

Good luck.


When it comes to money and showing up, yell away. Probably the only thing I ever really got on people for was shift length and then i'd start out privately with that conversation. Positioning and stuff only works if they want to work on it. As the captain I never felt bad about yelling at the one dude that assumed shift changes only happened at whistles.


Hum makes sense not to yell. Though usually its more on the side of helping then criticizing cause they did something wrong. Either its getting them into position, whether to pinch or if they need to get back and stop being slow and leaving tendy out to dry alone. It helps me when i hear the bench yell we are so new we have tunnel vision and dont look around for plays. We have a vocal group but no one has fallen off the side to where they are angry its all constructive. I could see how it leads to yelling when you start to feel more comfortable around them i almost went there but i checked myself.

Glad my stories of failure please you beedee :33smile::pssst:

@Jammer Lol my team is great in that sense everyone shifts short 1-2mins max and everyone shows up we had a 1030pm tuesday game and everyone showed up. We have about 5 people that want to sub yet no one has missed a game yet.

Hooray for nice teammates!

[xLAxKingsx]

0-7 Now! But we arent getting ran off the Ice. We have set a standard that we arent push arounds.

We played a team back to back and 1st game they had a player who was pushing shoving and running over people. He open ice hit a girl on our team and knocked her almost out. Next game it was green light on him. I even took my first penalty when he played a puck in the corner and well after he dumped it i gave him a boarding of a lifetime. He yelled like a bitch but did nothing while i stood there. Team took it upon themselves and every time he touched the puck https://media3.giphy.com/media/HRPorK8tQZmsE/200.gif#8-grid1

Hope we get a win soon there is 1 other team with no wins so we arent the worst! lol

[beedee]

Thats what I'm talking about, way to step up and let him know that crap wasn't cool!!!

[xLAxKingsx]

Thats what I'm talking about, way to step up and let him know that crap wasn't cool!!!

It wasnt and other team knew he was being a dick. A few tried to play dirty but we all gave it right back slash for slash. We are the only new team in the league everyone has been around for a few seasons. I figure they think its ok to try and punk us.

Best part of it though was my daughter only 5 was yelling from the bleachers while i was in the penalty box. " **** YEA DAD ROWDY ROUGH BOYS!" Which some may not know are the bad boy versions of power puff girls. https://media1.giphy.com/media/uHHWef0W68lCo/200.gif#5-grid1

[Luc SkyBomba]

Anybody ever use a hairdryer to heat mold their skates? My oven's dial has no markings on it for some reason. It looks like someone scrubbed the numbers all off so I never use the damn thing. I googled how to use a hairdryer for heat molding but I find different answers. One page says use it on low heat, one says use high. Another says 5 minutes and another says 10. Can't get any straight answers.

[xLAxKingsx]

Anybody ever use a hairdryer to heat mold their skates? My oven's dial has no markings on it for some reason. It looks like someone scrubbed the numbers all off so I never use the damn thing. I googled how to use a hairdryer for heat molding but I find different answers. One page says use it on low heat, one says use high. Another says 5 minutes and another says 10. Can't get any straight answers.

I did this myself 6 mins on high and got good results. I used my older pair as tests 10mins was way to much! On low i didnt feel like it was hot enough to mold.

[Luc SkyBomba]

I did this myself 6 mins on high and got good results. I used my older pair as tests 10mins was way to much! On low i didnt feel like it was hot enough to mold.

Six minutes on high? Gonna try this tonight. Thanks!

[Luc SkyBomba]

Got to play pickup last night and try out my newly "baked" skates. Seemed to be fine and definitely didn't get that same pain I got from my old skates! Also that was my first game since spring season ended. Damn I miss battling D-men in front of the goalie!

[xLAxKingsx]

FINALLY 1-12


https://media2.giphy.com/media/Wn3JwcYYSMn5e/200w.gif#17-grid1

[jammer06]

So we had what we have dubbed the "Taco Bell" game. We were playing the worst team and we were likely going to pot quite a few goals and it would be a blowout but hey it will be fun right.
So the game starts out and we are not taking this really serious on the offensive end but we aren't letting them have any chances (our goalie was drinking beer the whole game, didn't want to ruin his buzz). End of the first we are up 1-0 and we're like Fezzik congratulating them for doing so well.

The second period starts and their goalie can barely skate down the ice. He's dropping his **** like he just got insta hammered. Well we smelled blood and scored on our next 7 shots. They stopped counting the goals at 10 and there was 9 minutes to go in the 2nd. You know how you kinda question your existence about 10 minutes after taco Bell, you know why things that seem like good ideas turn out terrible, that was us. Anyway we "toned it down" per a suggestion from the ref but theit goalie was worse than a sieve. We would shoot into his chest, the puck would fall into his lap and roll back through his legs for a goal.
Finally the third period started and it was that final 15 minute push on the toilet where the buzzer finally went and we just felt dirty and happy to go get in the shower.

[beedee]

Most of you know I took this season off, but I'm still on the email list. Looks like 8 games into the season our team hasn't ponied up for the entire league fee yet....and the league director has removed our team from the schedule. #goodolbeerleague (http://letsgokings.com/usertag.php?do=list&action=hash&hash=goodolbeerleague)

[IceWarrior]

When I do beer league things I ideally drink Budweiser it's good. Last time I played while drinking I scored 2 goals.

[jammer06]

It helps to calm the nerves, and to get you drunk

[xLAxKingsx]

Most of you know I took this season off, but I'm still on the email list. Looks like 8 games into the season our team hasn't ponied up for the entire league fee yet....and the league director has removed our team from the schedule. #goodolbeerleague (http://letsgokings.com/usertag.php?do=list&action=hash&hash=goodolbeerleague)

EL OH EL My team has 1 player that hasnt paid. But i got tired of asking him to pay or stop showing up. We just had our final reg season game which we won! 2-12 but i didnt want the Team to look bad spoke to Hockey Director about guy ducking paying. He has 2 other brothers on our team. Well they hit them yesterday with the your brother pays or all of you are banned from The Rinks facilities lol. I gave them plenty of time (whole ****ing season) Out of my hands now. They claimed they are paying before our what im sure will be our only playoff game haha.

[jammer06]

EL OH EL My team has 1 player that hasnt paid. But i got tired of asking him to pay or stop showing up. We just had our final reg season game which we won! 2-12 but i didnt want the Team to look bad spoke to Hockey Director about guy ducking paying. He has 2 other brothers on our team. Well they hit them yesterday with the your brother pays or all of you are banned from The Rinks facilities lol. I gave them plenty of time (whole ****ing season) Out of my hands now. They claimed they are paying before our what im sure will be our only playoff game haha.

Man I hated dealing with that crap. One good thing about Oakland was they only took a team fee. You didn't pay by the 2nd game, team forfeited. Lots of Captains turned Mafioso after that first week with players. Most captains ponied up for the early fee discount and then considered that their fee to collect from everyone else.

[xLAxKingsx]

Man I hated dealing with that crap. One good thing about Oakland was they only took a team fee. You didn't pay by the 2nd game, team forfeited. Lots of Captains turned Mafioso after that first week with players. Most captains ponied up for the early fee discount and then considered that their fee to collect from everyone else.

**** sucks i dont like chasing people for money should have cut dude off team earlier in the season. Ive learned my lesson next season everyone pays at first game if not no ice time. Also gonna cut back on subs. Subs play free if you paid team fee. We had some guys sub whole season just cause they where good players. Thinking about it that aint fair for everyone that pays. People arent here **** it more ice time for those that are. Or should i welcome help from outside players?

[jammer06]

Always make subs pay, 20 / game or something, buy picks or team beer

[beedee]

Yup, I agree with Jammer. Ass, grass or cash, no one rides for free.

[xLAxKingsx]

Yup, I agree with Jammer. Ass, grass or cash, no one rides for free.

Rookie move will make that adjustment next season.

[jammer06]

Ok this isn't even a humble brag more of a "birthing of an internet legend" post.

Been talking with minijammer about his mite team and how his teammates and he are doing and he's gushing about them getting better. So I ask him if he thinks he's getting better and he stares at me blankly, he genuinely has no idea if he is or isn't. So he asks me if he is and I tell him he should ask the coach about what he should work on when he gets a chance if he wants to get better. Fast forward to his last game which he really played well, got the team prize (WWE championship belt) for being the best player and so forth. I'm in front of him stuffing stuff in his bag helping him get undressed (yeah he's wearing the belt, its making it harder) when coach comes by to give his usual post game encouragements for each player and minijammer looks up and says "Coach what should I work on to get better?" Coach is floored, I'm head down trying not to giggle cuz I can tell mini has been worried about this conversation all game. Anyway pretty sure every parent in the room caught the exchange and minijammer is skyrocketing up the draft boards as we speak.

[King Smokey]

I know I'm coming in to the thread pretty late, but where does everyone play?

I play (until the season is over) Tuesday at HBInline (then will sub for them), Tuesday nights in Lakewood, Friday/Sat/Sun Lakewood, Fri/Sat sub in Artesia and Sunday night starting to sub 4v4 at TSC.

[Luc SkyBomba]

I know I'm coming in to the thread pretty late, but where does everyone play?

I play (until the season is over) Tuesday at HBInline (then will sub for them), Tuesday nights in Lakewood, Friday/Sat/Sun Lakewood, Fri/Sat sub in Artesia and Sunday night starting to sub 4v4 at TSC.

Burbank roller either Friday or Sunday. Wrecked my back again tho. Hopefully I'll be ready by the start of winter season.

[beedee]

I know I'm coming in to the thread pretty late, but where does everyone play?

I play (until the season is over) Tuesday at HBInline (then will sub for them), Tuesday nights in Lakewood, Friday/Sat/Sun Lakewood, Fri/Sat sub in Artesia and Sunday night starting to sub 4v4 at TSC.

I played ice at Lakewood on Sunday afternoons, but took a couple seasons off. I then played Monday nights at Artesia, that season just ended, team decided not to come back...classic beer league scenario. I also played a few seasons of roller-daddy at HB Inline, but the team went from Monday nights to Thursday nights, and I can't do Thursdays.

I'm just a has-been now.

[LetTigerIn]

I know I'm coming in to the thread pretty late, but where does everyone play?

I play (until the season is over) Tuesday at HBInline (then will sub for them), Tuesday nights in Lakewood, Friday/Sat/Sun Lakewood, Fri/Sat sub in Artesia and Sunday night starting to sub 4v4 at TSC.


Sundays at Bay Harbor for me.

[jammer06]

I play in Chicago and the North shore now. Was in Oakland.

[Luc SkyBomba]

So I kind of want to play for a different team next season... What's holding me back is kind of funny. We got custom jerseys last season and they're pretty sweet.



edit: just noticed my sig is back... weird

[notbob]

Burbank roller either Friday or Sunday. Wrecked my back again tho. Hopefully I'll be ready by the start of winter season.

Dats where i play

[jim1bo3]

Season just starting at the CSHA in West Covina. I thought I was gonna be ready this season but because of my back problem I need to improve on my backward skating technique. Other than that I can fly forward.:boogie:

[beedee]

I play in Chicago and the North shore now. Was in Oakland.

Is this guy on your team?

https://3.bp.blogspot.com/_-HckQhP6uGc/TOW5WKWTkBI/AAAAAAAAACg/cFqoQtUbPCs/s1600/Picture%2B7.png

[Luc SkyBomba]

Dats where i play

which division?

[notbob]

which division?

Begginer +

[jammer06]

They actually call a division beginners +?

[Luc SkyBomba]

There were too many beginner teams so they split it into two leagues. I'm on regular beginner. Hey Bob, you guys need a goon that plays hard in front of the goalie? Either position too.

[Nyssa42]

my division needs to be called "Never Going to Get Any Better" or "Not a Beginner, but Still Suck"

[notbob]

There were too many beginner teams so they split it into two leagues. I'm on regular beginner. Hey Bob, you guys need a goon that plays hard in front of the goalie? Either position too.

I think we filled the roster but if we do have an opening I will let you know

[LetTigerIn]

my division needs to be called "Never Going to Get Any Better" or "Not a Beginner, but Still Suck"

That's a division for me, too!

[Luc SkyBomba]

my division needs to be called "Never Going to Get Any Better" or "Not a Beginner, but Still Suck"

Our division should probably be "Half these douches think it's the NHL, the other half want the Friday slot"




I think we filled the roster but if we do have an opening I will let you know

What team if you don't mind me asking? I've played with a couple guys from Victorious and Danger Zone.

[notbob]

Our division should probably be "Half these douches think it's the NHL, the other half want the Friday slot"





What team if you don't mind me asking? I've played with a couple guys from Victorious and Danger Zone.

Victorious Secret

[King Smokey]

My ice team, Fri-Sat-occasional Sunday at Lakewood will be looking for players starting next year. I think it starts in February. We are one of the Bronze divisons (The Keagles)... so we have beginners and silver players in our division. We are ok and its not life and death for us, more about fun and getting better. If anyone is interested, let me know.

[beedee]

My ice team, Fri-Sat-occasional Sunday at Lakewood will be looking for players starting next year. I think it starts in February. We are one of the Bronze divisons (The Keagles)... so we have beginners and silver players in our division. We are ok and its not life and death for us, more about fun and getting better. If anyone is interested, let me know.

I used to play goalie for The Goonies in that division.

[Luc SkyBomba]

Ugh... got the worst email on New Years. City of Burbank is shutting down the rink. Now what, Covina maybe?

[notbob]

Ugh... got the worst email on New Years. City of Burbank is shutting down the rink. Now what, Covina maybe?

If I don't go back to Burbank then I will prolly play at calabasas

[mmoche]

Ugh... got the worst email on New Years. City of Burbank is shutting down the rink. Now what, Covina maybe?

The rink in Panorama City is taking over, so the city is ending their own operations and transferring them to the new owners. I'd be surprised if there was much of an impact.

[notbob]

The rink in Panorama City is taking over, so the city is ending their own operations and transferring them to the new owners. I'd be surprised if there was much of an impact.

They are bringing in other sports as well so that will mean few hockey divisions.

http://www.latimes.com/socal/burbank-leader/news/tn-blr-me-roller-rink-20171223-story.html

[Luc SkyBomba]

Well, I guess that gives me time to rehab my back...

[beedee]

well, i guess that gives me time to rehab my back...

ltir

[xLAxKingsx]

Im burnt out on copper. We have a few excellent players 3 and everyone else is on same boat as me. So we arent competitive at all. We all came up from Rookie so we dont really know any other players that have played anything higher than that. Im heading back to rookie next season if i decide to play. I also cant pull sunday and tuesday games at 1020pm when i gotta be up for work at 430am. Ive played only 2 games this season out of 6 now so its been a waste of money. We also had 2 players drop at last minute so we are still in the hole for a balance no one helping get some part time players on board. So im pretty much over it. I feel like a bitch venting here but o well lmao.

[beedee]

Im burnt out on copper. We have a few excellent players 3 and everyone else is on same boat as me. So we arent competitive at all. We all came up from Rookie so we dont really know any other players that have played anything higher than that. Im heading back to rookie next season if i decide to play. I also cant pull sunday and tuesday games at 1020pm when i gotta be up for work at 430am. Ive played only 2 games this season out of 6 now so its been a waste of money. We also had 2 players drop at last minute so we are still in the hole for a balance no one helping get some part time players on board. So im pretty much over it. I feel like a bitch venting here but o well lmao.

No need to feel like a Corey Perry for venting. The BHL is no joke man, and the scheduling sucks. That is why I took last season and this season off, its hard for me to get motivated for 10:30pm games on a Monday night, especially when I'm home from work at 6pm. Once I'm home, I'm in lounge mode and more times than not, I'm just not up to the task of leaving the house at 9:45pm to go play hockey....even though I don't have to be at work until 9am, lmfao!

Regarding you feeling out of place in Copper. It sounds like there are sandbaggers in Copper that aren't stepping up to Bronze or Silver possibly. It really is unfortunate how poorly the leagues are ran, pretty much same crap different rink. Most rinks will allow you to play one league higher than the one you signed up for (if you are playing on two teams). So the loophole is, someone signs up for Copper, but they really are a Bronze (or higher) player and this allows them to play on the "lower" level team since they signed up for that one first, it is really lame.

Correct me if I'm wrong, you are at Anaheim Ice? Do they have a "Tin" division? I believe Lakewood does, its basically the league after Rookie, but before Copper. Sounds like that would be a good fit for you possibly if Anaheim offers that division...then again, I'm sure Tin will be full of Copper players, meh.

The last team I played for at EastWest (artesia) had a dropper outer too, douche canoe played 3 games, never paid, never showed up again. So we all had to front extra funds for him.

Lastly, if you are feeling the BHL burnout, maybe try playing some Pick-Up, or see if you can get in on a recurring Private Pick-Up skate, those tend to be way more relaxed, the times may suck, but at least there is no commitment other than replying to the weekly email if you are "in" or "out".

Does Captain Wild Bill still play with you? That guy rules!

[xLAxKingsx]

No need to feel like a Corey Perry for venting. The BHL is no joke man, and the scheduling sucks. That is why I took last season and this season off, its hard for me to get motivated for 10:30pm games on a Monday night, especially when I'm home from work at 6pm. Once I'm home, I'm in lounge mode and more times than not, I'm just not up to the task of leaving the house at 9:45pm to go play hockey....even though I don't have to be at work until 9am, lmfao!

Regarding you feeling out of place in Copper. It sounds like there are sandbaggers in Copper that aren't stepping up to Bronze or Silver possibly. It really is unfortunate how poorly the leagues are ran, pretty much same crap different rink. Most rinks will allow you to play one league higher than the one you signed up for (if you are playing on two teams). So the loophole is, someone signs up for Copper, but they really are a Bronze (or higher) player and this allows them to play on the "lower" level team since they signed up for that one first, it is really lame.

Correct me if I'm wrong, you are at Anaheim Ice? Do they have a "Tin" division? I believe Lakewood does, its basically the league after Rookie, but before Copper. Sounds like that would be a good fit for you possibly if Anaheim offers that division...then again, I'm sure Tin will be full of Copper players, meh.

The last team I played for at EastWest (artesia) had a dropper outer too, douche canoe played 3 games, never paid, never showed up again. So we all had to front extra funds for him.

Lastly, if you are feeling the BHL burnout, maybe try playing some Pick-Up, or see if you can get in on a recurring Private Pick-Up skate, those tend to be way more relaxed, the times may suck, but at least there is no commitment other than replying to the weekly email if you are "in" or "out".

Does Captain Wild Bill still play with you? That guy rules!


I hate being a corey perry!

There is plenty of sandbaggers in Copper most teams maybe have 2-3 legit copper guys and its evident because they are rarely on the ice. It kills the game and fun for anyone looking for a challenge though. I didnt play Sunday and team got blown out 12-1.

I wish we had a Tin Division. I moved up cause i felt i needed to let real new people enjoy it. My last season in rookie team was running thru everyone. I dont enjoy beating lowly teams. But i think i have to go back to that and just have fun. I will be doing pick up next season to play in a more chill environment.

Btw our goalie also quit today! :awesome: Atleast he paid his part. Now time to find another goalie! beedee get your gear!

[beedee]

Btw our goalie also quit today! :awesome: Atleast he paid his part. Now time to find another goalie! beedee get your gear!

Your former goalie was a smart man, I don't think I'd play goalie ever again, even if I didn't have to pay for my gear or league fees.

That being said, everyone should try it at least once in their life, especially at the beer league level. It was the most eye opening experience ever. After you quit playing goalie, you tell yourself you will never sandbag again on the back check, and that lasts for about 3 games or so, and then everything you learned about how you could help your goalie out better goes out the window into zero F's given.

[xLAxKingsx]

Your former goalie was a smart man, I don't think I'd play goalie ever again, even if I didn't have to pay for my gear or league fees.

That being said, everyone should try it at least once in their life, especially at the beer league level. It was the most eye opening experience ever. After you quit playing goalie, you tell yourself you will never sandbag again on the back check, and that lasts for about 3 games or so, and then everything you learned about how you could help your goalie out better goes out the window into zero F's given.

Lowkey our goalie was worse than Zatkoff. He could barely stand in the crease and move side without falling. We only took him on cause 1. we needed a goalie bad. 2. he would pay fee. 3.he had 10 years experience playing roller goalie. We actually let in less goals in those 2 games we had with no goalie. Lulz

[notbob]

Looks like someone took exception to the city of Burbank throwing Frank out.

https://www.lakingsburbanksportscenter.com/blank-3/2018/01/24/Sad-News-to-Report

[Luc SkyBomba]

Looks like someone took exception to the city of Burbank throwing Frank out.

https://www.lakingsburbanksportscenter.com/blank-3/2018/01/24/Sad-News-to-Report


That's ****ed up... Hey btw how'd you find that site? My team has been useless with information.

[notbob]

Teammate linked it in group chat. Frank is taking over the noho rink starting in a month or so.

[Luc SkyBomba]

Teammate linked it in group chat. Frank is taking over the noho rink starting in a month or so.

Nice! I used to play there with Eric and Steve (crap think that's his name). Oh and the Boston brothers!

[beedee]

My ice team, Fri-Sat-occasional Sunday at Lakewood will be looking for players starting next year. I think it starts in February. We are one of the Bronze divisons (The Keagles)... so we have beginners and silver players in our division. We are ok and its not life and death for us, more about fun and getting better. If anyone is interested, let me know.

King Smokey i tried PM'ing you but your inbox is full. was interested in seeing if you guys needed a skater for this new season at Lakewood.

[xLAxKingsx]

2 game win streak https://media3.giphy.com/media/DowKEtWnLZcru/200w.gif#21-grid1 now 2-11 4 more games to go.

[notbob]

Ice skating and roller hockey facility coming to Reseda land that city of LA is buying (https://www.dailynews.com/2018/04/20/ice-skating-and-roller-hockey-facility-coming-to-reseda-land-that-city-of-la-is-buying/)

[xLAxKingsx]

Taking this season off. Got burned out wasnt fun anymore. Ive been occupied with my new toy (motorcycle) but ive started to miss it again.

[beedee]

Taking this season off. Got burned out wasnt fun anymore. Ive been occupied with my new toy (motorcycle) but ive started to miss it again.

Ironic that you just posted this. I was missing it since I haven't played in almost two seasons. I emailed the league director last season and he gave my name to some captains. On Friday night a captain hit me up at 7pm to play in a game at 9pm...which I cordially declined, but said I was open to play with them for the season. The games are Fridays and Saturdays at 9:10pm and 10:30pm. Over the last couple of days the reality set in for me of not wanting to play at those awful times (even though they were on the weekend) and I literally just texted the captain a few minutes ago saying that I won't be able to commit to a full season. While it is fun (for the most part) once you are there, I just have a hard time these days digesting the cost of the league ($350) plus that lame annual USA Hockey fee which is what, $45 or so these days? That thing always creeps up a few bucks a season as well.

As much as I do miss playing, I don't miss the cost, I don't miss the late game times, I don't miss the a'hole game 7 stanley cup players on the other teams. Like xLAxKingsx said, it stopped being fun. Having that late game linger in your head all day the day of the game sucked, I wasn't excited to go play and it became more of a chore to go do. The last few seasons I played I had gone into them with the mindset of not letting **** get to me out there, but usually about halfway through the season I start to slip and I get pissed off at the stick work in front of the net and all the other crap that goes on. I can think of far better things to spend $400 or so on rather than crappy beer league hockey game times and poorly ran leagues with ringers in abundance no matter what rink you play at.

Man, that was cathartic!

[xLAxKingsx]

beedee Its gonne be ok. https://i.gifer.com/JVO.gif

But you got my feelings down to a T. Except our fees avg $520 last season team dicked around helping find replacements and we got tacked on another $500 so now we owed $1500. Had 3 players quit after paying their fee so in the end i had to spread 1500 across only 8 players. I said **** it im not paying this and took the 1 year ban at Rinks Anaheim. https://media2.giphy.com/media/2tXnypGcuJcfS/200w.gif Rinks didnt notify us of fee just said **** you and tacked it on cause we didnt pay in time.

[Luc SkyBomba]

This is why I play roller. $150 season fee!

[jammer06]

I'm taking the summer off myself. Looking to find a drop in thats friendly at this point. The game times are killing me. I like my locker room and my league. Hell my team got invited to spend money on a Toronto tournament. I'd rather do the fantasy camp and some lunch drop in.

[nosoupforyou]

that's why private pickup is so much better. better times, no game 7 heroes, good times and beer.

[Nyssa42]

well, D7 4-on-4 at Pano has been "evened out" very nicely....they got rid of all the players who also play 3 levels up. My team has played all 4 of the other teams now, and we're 1-0-3 (ties go straight to a 4 round shootout).

Also...can I just mention that the group chat for a mostly men's team is vastly different from an all-women's team group chat. All women = a bunch of emojis that I can't understand and mostly "you can do it" type text. Dudes=making fun of each other's "manhood", we're gonna kick the other team's ass, and old age jokes. So much more fun.

(I had to drop one of my teams for the summer due to time constraints....I chose the "mostly dudes" over the women)

[Luc SkyBomba]

New season started last friday. The commish called me up on THURSDAY and asked if I was ready to go... Um no but ok. At least I had the right color jersey, but no number. (I just used fabric spray and a stencil. It's drying now... Hope it doesn't suck!) Anyways only 3 dudes and the goalie showed up. It was hell. I also pulled something in my side. Other than all that it was nice to skate again.

[jammer06]

We start in a week or so. Can't wait to get back on the ice

[Luc SkyBomba]

Hey came out pretty good!

https://twitter.com/Qmungous/status/1044366418009944064

[jammer06]

Finally pocketed a goal this season, should have had the hatty but we lost 2-1. Just terrible puck control all night

[Luc SkyBomba]

Finally pocketed a goal this season, should have had the hatty but we lost 2-1. Just terrible puck control all night

Awesome jammy! Hope you get tons more.

My season is done. The goalie never helped us stay in a game. How do you score 7 goals and lose? Oh right... Happened at least twice. We also had the problem of only having five players show up each week, which actually helped my stamina in the long run. Near the end of the season I didn't feel like dying at the end of every game so that was good. Anybody know a roller goalie in the North Hollywood area?...

[jammer06]

Well I'm officially on a streak, scored again. Rebound shot straight up the middle to me, didn't do anything fancy just put it back home. We won 6-2 finally having an easy time of it. Almost had another when I was about to tap in a great centering pass and the dman on me kicked the puck into the net. The ref kept trying to give me the goal but I corrected him... So he gave me the assist. I guess that's the way the cookie crumbles sometimes. Anyway now we get the Xmas break so we can all forget how to hockey

[beedee]

...Almost had another when I was about to tap in a great centering pass and the dman on me kicked the puck into the net. The ref kept trying to give me the goal but I corrected him...

You get my vote for the Lady Byng based off that!

I decided to buy a mountain bike instead of playing hockey this/next season, its just too damn expensive around here (So. Cal). Felt I'd get more from my money that way. I will continue to live vicariously through your guys/gals updates here.

[Luc SkyBomba]

You get my vote for the Lady Byng based off that!

I decided to buy a mountain bike instead of playing hockey this/next season, its just too damn expensive around here (So. Cal). Felt I'd get more from my money that way. I will continue to live vicariously through your guys/gals updates here.

*cough* goalies are free in the Noho roller league!

[beedee]

*cough* goalies are free in the Noho roller league!

Long Beach to NoHo is a NoGo for me. (good looking out though)

[jammer06]

So last night's game I had the opposite wing that I posted about last time i was in here. This time he got me two apples and almost got himself the Hattie when another centering pass by myself got kicked into the net by the dman. I'm not sure why it's taken us four seasons to realize that we are good pairs for each other but the bromance is on.

[beedee]

So last night's game I had the opposite wing that I posted about last time i was in here. This time he got me two apples and almost got himself the Hattie when another centering pass by myself got kicked into the net by the dman. I'm not sure why it's taken us four seasons to realize that we are good pairs for each other but the bromance is on.
http://www.thxbud.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/ToffoliPearson-PiggyBack500-200x200.png

[jammer06]

Season ended for me last night, we will miss the playoffs. We have one more game but I'll be travelling. 7 skaters was not how I wanted to go out but we made the best of it. Tied 1-1 at the end of the first. Then they skated us into the ground. Still a final of 7-1 wasnt as bad as the 49-19 shot discrepancy. In any case it was a fun season even if I missed half of it due to travel. Feeling the game this morning though, havent skated in almost a month and jumping into that was a touch much.

[Luc SkyBomba]

Deng I haven't skated in a month either and I got game 1 of playoffs this week...

[jammer06]

I'll pour a 40 on the kerb for your stamina....

[Luc SkyBomba]

RIP legs

[jammer06]

So I've gotta ask, what's the record for own goals that anyone knows of? We've got a guy who has potted five in the last two seasons alone. It's amazing watching him work. Two have been impossible angle goal line shots, picked a top corner, from behind the goal line off the back of the goalie and of course off his d partners ass and in.

[Luc SkyBomba]

So I've gotta ask, what's the record for own goals that anyone knows of? We've got a guy who has potted five in the last two seasons alone. It's amazing watching him work. Two have been impossible angle goal line shots, picked a top corner, from behind the goal line off the back of the goalie and of course off his d partners ass and in.

Oh man... never done it but there was one time when my team was scrambling and couldn't break into the offensive zone. I yelled RESET and shot it back to the defensive zone so we could regroup. Went straight at the net... Luckily the goalie was paying attention haha.

"Everybody heard me say 'reset button' right?"

[Luc SkyBomba]

btw, forgot about this thread so here you go...

https://twitter.com/Qmungous/status/1208264981927489536

[jammer06]

btw, forgot about this thread so here you go...

https://twitter.com/Qmungous/status/1208264981927489536

Congratulations!!!!!

[notbob]

Looks like my first game with my new team is against Luc

[Luc SkyBomba]

Looks like my first game with my new team is against Luc

aw damn! I'm taking this season off for my back (again)... What team are you on?

[notbob]

aw damn! I'm taking this season off for my back (again)... What team are you on?

Thats a good question. We are blue

[Luc SkyBomba]

well the best part of the pandemic is my team hasn't been able to defend the title!

STILL THE CHAMPS BITCH!! hahahahah

[jammer06]

The ******* who runs our league was on the second place team behind ours, says the games will continue after the pandemic. We want our trophy

[Luc SkyBomba]

The ******* who runs our league was on the second place team behind ours, says the games will continue after the pandemic. We want our trophy

sounds familiar haha

[Nyssa42]

The ******* who runs our league was on the second place team behind ours, says the games will continue after the pandemic. We want our trophy

my team was in 1st after 4 games (of a 15 game season). But now I think some of our players don't even live in LA any more.

[Nyssa42]

so....Hockey Monkey in Northridge is now completely out of business, leaving us Valley-ites with nowhere to go in-person for gear. I am not a fan of buying online. I know there is the store at TPSC, but I don't know how extensive their inventory is - also don't think it's open right now, but I could be wrong about that. So, that leaves Pure Hockey in Anaheim and Monkey Sports in Irvine as our main options for trying on gear before buying. Just when I was planning to buy a bunch of new gear whenever league play starts up again, of course. The velcro on my elbows is pretty much useless these days, and my pants were purchased in 1998, although they had a hiatus of about 11 years from 2001-2012.

[beedee]

^Thats a bummer Nyssa! Lucky for me, Monkey Sports and Pure Hockey are only about 25 minutes away from Long Beach. I recently purchased some new hockey pants from Pure Hockey since my old Easton pants were over 10 years old, still offered a lot of protection, but they were heavy!

For the first time in nearly 2.5 years Im playing beer league hockey again! Our league at East West Ice Palace in Artesia started up two weeks ago. I hadn't been on the since late 2018 I think? I got in a couple of stick-times at KHS so I would suck less when returning to league play. Those sessions definitely helped me out, but my cardio is lacking, but getting better. Thus far we are 2-0 and have this weekend off since it is Memorial Day. I'm debating getting on a team at Lakewood Ice (part of The Rinks network) that plays mid-week, I've never done the two teams at once thing, seems like it could do wonders for my cardio and get my skills back up to par sooner. Their leagues start back up on June 13.

[Luc SkyBomba]

I been getting texts from my captain to come back since the league has reopened. But not only am I not ready to share sweat with all them, I'm hella out of shape hahaha. I better start walking after work or something. Or skating even... they made my street one of them "Slow Streets"

[jammer06]

Been doing limited group skates and thanks to Nana Jammer I am sporting new skates. The breakin was way easy considering every other part of me hurt too. Finally getting to the point where I can play forward with less than three lines. Hands and shot aren't back yet but then they never really were. The legs are getting there though.
The locker room has been recently reopened, but the showers are still locked up. I'm hoping by mid summer we are back to full on beers in the room status.

[beedee]

Welp, signed up as a Free Agent at Lakewood! Wonder if I'll get a signing bonus? :yahoo:

[xLAxKingsx]

Welp, signed up as a Free Agent at Lakewood! Wonder if I'll get a signing bonus? :yahoo:

smh im back on my BS but dropped back to Rookie. Want to play at Lakewood closer to me but Analhiem Ice has all games strictly on Sat for rookie. I miss this thread.

[Nyssa42]

Scored the 1st goal for my team's new season at Pano last night! Unfortunately, we lost 3-2. And I made a defensive mistake on the other team's 2nd goal, so took away from the lustre of my own goal. Since I usually score about 1 goal per season, I hope I haven't reached my goal-limit already. I did make a really sweet defensive move against the other team's best player to stop a goal at the end of the game, too.
It was great to be back in a real game. I thought I had actually gotten worse over the long break even though I have been playing at least once or twice a week....I'm getting old....BUT, it turns out that I have just been playing with and against players who are so much better than Bronze division that I don't actually suck after all! The game felt like it was in slow motion at the beginning compared to the pace I've been used to. I still ran out of gas a bit towards the end since I had also played a pretty tough pickup on Sunday night, which was not a good idea for my getting-old, lots-of-back-troubles body.

I hope everyone's new seasons get off to as good a start as mine!

[beedee]

Way to go Nyssa! Congrats on getting that first goal of the season! I'm 3 games in, and have one assist, lol! Sounds like skating with the better players has paid off for you. I'm sure you'll be racking up the points all season long!

We lost on Saturday night, 3-2. It was back and forth all night, we just couldn't get offense going. Usually I get 3-5 shots on goal from the point, but I think I was able to set up at the blue line only ONCE all game....meh!

Nothing to report on my 2nd team yet (Lakewood), but I'm stoked that I was able to get on a team at Lakewood with a great guy I used to play with there years ago, our first game there isn't until 6/23.

[jammer06]

No official games yet but the showers were open. Never thought I'd be so happy to get naked with a bunch of sweaty dudes.

[beedee]

So this isn't BHL related, but our 5 year old daughter had her first ice skating lesson at The Rinks Lakewood on Wednesday night, the First Strides program. She did amazing! Of course I had her use hockey skates (since she will be doing their Learn To Play program next) and our friend lent us their sons helmet/cage combo, and she has some great knees/elbows pads that she uses when she rollerblades. They had them use the plastic seal/sled things when they first got on the ice. They went over some basic techniques and then away they went, across the ice. They did that back and forth twice. Then they had the seals placed about 10 yards away and had the kids skate to them, and wow, she blew my mind. Didn't fall at all on the first seal-less skate! They repeated that a few more times and then played follow the leader around the ice, following their instructors. Then the last 10 minutes was basically "Free Skate", where they just got do explore the ice and interact with games of "tag" with the instructors. All of which were so good with the kids! I'm so proud of her, I got a bit choked up watching her out there! Best part was, she is so pumped on it and was already asking when her next session is, which is next Wednesday!

A couple kids had full hockey get-ups, and I kind of wanted our daughter to be laced up by her next session...after all, she did fall on her butt a few times. Plus, she was using rental skates which have the ankle support of a wet bag. So off to OfferUp, FaceBook Marketplace and CraigsList I went. I really only wanted to find skates for her since they loan them gear for the Learn To Play program, and then after that she will go into the Lil Ducks program, where for $180 they get all brand new gear and 6 sessions. Welp, I found someone on OfferUp that had a slew of gear, and they were only 10 minutes away from me!

I present, my $30 haul, yes, only $30!!! The two smaller Bauer 140 skates are like new, sized 9 and 10 (which fit her), the larger Vapors are also in great shape. The Bauer Prodigy helmet/cage combo is also like-new. We tried it all on last night and it all fit really good. I'm so pumped to score all that for peanuts! I don't mind the Ducks socks, as she was excited for them because her classmate played on the Ducks.

https://i.imgur.com/gaQnbTF.jpg

[beedee]

We lost 4-3 on Saturday night. The game was back and forth all night and tied up at 3-3 until they scored with about 6 minutes to go in the third. I got off 3 or 4 shots from the point, which is always a great feeling. I love getting them through and into traffic and hoping for a deflection or something! Lowlight of the night came late in the third for me as I was heading across to the ice to set up on the left point and some how caught an edge on my heel. Which then put me into that awful feeling of like when Luke let go and fell backwards in The Empire Strikes Back...luckily I wasn't too sore the next morning, but man that was jarring. :/ Next game is Saturday at 10:15pm, thank goodness the following Saturdays game is at 7:30pm, our last 3 have been at 10:15pm or 10:40pm.

[beedee]

We are back in the W column! In another one goal, nail-biter game, we won in OT on Saturday night, 5-4! It was another back and forth affair against the last place team, lol. However they had recruited some guys that were still in the parking lot drinking from their game before ours, I guess they needed 4 or 5 players, yikes! I was excited for this game because my new stick arrived that afternoon, a CCM JETSPEED FT3, 65flex, P90TM curve. It came highly recommended on ModSquadHockey. This was the first brand new stick I had purchased in nearly 5 years. Prior to this one I was using a Bauer VAPOR APX2, 67flex, and a Warrior Covert DT1, 85flex (closer to 100 after cutting). Anyhow, the stick served me well as I potted my first goal of the season! It came midway through the third period, I had a great look from the point and let a snap shot rip about 3 inches off the ice, it went in between 3 sets of legs, one in which was the goalie! It felt great, and even better since it put us up 4-3. Not much longer after that we gave up the tying goal, blah! But then it went to 3 on 3 OT, and we won!

We are now 3-2 on the season. 13 more games to go. Our Lakewood league starts up this Wednesday.

[jammer06]

67 flex? Who are you, Phil Kessel?

[beedee]

67 flex? Who are you, Phil Kessel?

LMAO!

The problem I run into when buying a senior 70 or 75 flex is when I cut it down (around 3"), it becomes nearly a 100 flex. So I just go with an Intermediate in their highest flex and depending on the brand only have to cut it an inch or so. :nerd:

[Luc SkyBomba]

LMAO!

The problem I run into when buying a senior 70 or 75 flex is when I cut it down (around 3"), it becomes nearly a 100 flex. So I just go with an Intermediate in their highest flex and depending on the brand only have to cut it an inch or so. :nerd:

Good tip for shorter people! So cutting a 67 will make it more like a 75 probably? That'd be perfect for me.

[beedee]

Last night our daughter had her 3rd skating class, (she did great) and I had my first game of the season (for my second team) right after, both at Lakewood.

Not much to report other than we got absolutely destroyed, 9-0. We had 9 guys, so we played 3 D, 6 F. Luckily I wasn't too gassed since I've already played 5 games on my other team, but it didn't help that one of the other D was in his 60's. Hey, I'm not knocking him, just stating that it made it a little extra tough for all of us. I think I had one SOG all game, and it was off a rush that I started in our own end. No shots from the point for me, I think I was able to set up once or twice on the point, that is it. In the 3rd period our Captain decided to move a F back to D, so that did help a little bit. Our goalie was awesome, and she was a trooper. She played her ass off from all game! I recognized a handful of their players from my other league, in fact I played against some of them the past Saturday night. Word has it these guys dropped down from Silver, at this rate it seems like they should be moved back up...it wasn't even close. The game wasn't chippy at all, I believe each team took a minor penalty for a hook and interference.

Next game with my other team is this Saturday at 7:30pm, hoping it goes better.

[jammer06]

So I haven't actually posted any of my goings ons. Our 2019 season resumed this past sunday with a 1-0 forfeit victory due to the other team not having enough players. Our side took the ice for some stick time. I had to tap out due to Fathers day obligations. Last Friday I did get to do my first double header with our usual Friday night skate followed by the local youth coaches skate and they needed some guys. Not going to lie, I could only play forward the second session. My knee couldn't take getting low to skate backwards. Still some goals and assists happened so that was fun. This Friday we are looking a little short and I'm going to try and talk mini into coming out to skate with us. He's probably a better skater than most of us and he's getting big enough that I don't think he'll get pushed around too much. Will report soon.

[beedee]

I feel like a broken record, but we won in another one goal affair on Saturday, and in OT again. The team we were playing was undefeated and their goalie is our go-to sub goalie…he has subbed for three out of our six games thus far. We jumped out to a two goal lead quickly in the first, and then it was 3-1 at the end of the 1st. The game was getting chippy and many penalties were taken by both teams, including myself; interference. It was in retaliation to me being checked more or less during a board battle. The refs seemed to let a lot go for the other team, many roughing and slashes were simply not called. Anyhow, we maintained the lead and were up 5-3 late in the third when a terrible call put them on the PP with 4 minutes to go. They managed to score and time was on our side, or so we thought. I kid you not, they scored with maybe 1 second left in the clock, soooooo frustrating!!! Off to OT we went and we had our youth line out there and they managed to score about one
minute in! This puts us at 4-2 on the season, and tied for third.

I’m finding I’m just about up to speed regarding my game and where I left off before my hockey hiatus. I’m feeling comfortable in most aspects again. This game I had a couple rushes I lead from our zone and carried it deep to their slot to get a shot on goal each time. Also feeling better taking that extra second to let traffic develop before firing from the point. Same with my passing, when I first came back I always felt so rushed to get rid of the puck, but now I’m more relaxed. Always taking the time to look once or twice over my shoulders when skating back to retrieve the puck to know where I can make a breakout pass.

Next game is with my other team on Thursday.

[xLAxKingsx]

So after a cuppa years not playing i had my first rookie skate Saturday. It was a clinic for Rookies and SMDH did it seemed like this was copper play. There was a few "rookies" with exceptional skating https://media4.giphy.com/media/p539olqXOLJYZVA7CP/200w.webp?cid=ecf05e472vr5qurg81qjkms3fz41z88hcfk8 r6d3pn9dceto&rid=200w.webp&ct=g Which they all seemed to be friends so here comes the "we dont allow pre made teams but let us know who you want to play with charade" So 1 team is gonna be lopsided with talent. Oh well i guess its better to play against better players than all sucky ones. Also i felt old AF and tired after it made me contemplate saying i have covid and i want my money back. https://media0.giphy.com/media/ehJimhnxSqWP2vmA6d/200.webp?cid=ecf05e47tui6atxcocw1z3ld651gnqdro6zje ym453fob2on&rid=200.webp&ct=g But i guess ill stop being a bum and try it out.

[beedee]

Thank you Sir, May I have another....9-1 loss.

For the second game in a row (Lakewood team), we have been shellacked. :rip_1:

Once again, we had 9 skaters, 6f, 3d. My stamina was holding up pretty good until the 3rd period. The other two D consisted of our older teammate, and a new guy that hasn't skated since the shut-down, so he was hurting...but definitely was solid. I skated most of the 1st period, with only two line changes, with maybe 30 seconds to 1 minute of rest. We held them to only two goals in the first period, but the second period is when the flood gates opened. They had 13 skaters, and I finally figured out why they were able to consistently get behind me, their legs were fresh! So many goals we gave up were a result of us turning it over on the breakout as we entered the neutral zone and then they would just beat us around the outside. I was starting to get frustrated at myself, because I thought I was playing good D, forcing them wide, and/or knocking the puck off their sticks, but they just seemed to come in waves. Picking up the loose puck and then getting a shot, with a rebound, and then knocking the rebounds in. I just didn't have the extra bursts that were needed to get to those loose pucks around the net more times than not.

A highlight was in the second period where I told our right winger that if our center won the draw back to me (our zone, left face-off dot) I would rim it around behind our net to him. Well, the planets aligned, we won the draw and I rimmed the puck around to him, in which he picked it up right before our blue line, proceeded to dipsy-doodle his way into their zone and scored! Woohoo! I also had a few rushes that led to some good looks for me, as well as a bunch of shots from our point. I also felt more comfortable pinching since we were playing on the smaller rink, and that allowed me to intercept some breakout passes because their wingers were looking back at their D (for the pass) and not seeing where I was. This happened a few times and I was able to get some great shots off, but their Ben Bishop'esque goalie was on fire, and huge!

All in all, it sucked getting blown out. But we all felt better about how the game went. I was happy with how much offense I was able to contribute this time around. Hoping next game we have a full 10, and can get proper rest in between shifts!

No game this weekend for my EastWest team.

[SirJW]

I love when that face off works! So simple yet so hard to to in beer league....

[jammer06]

Our league team dropped our 2019 season finale. It probably didn't help that we were guaranteed first place, playing a team from a division up, and that two of our wingers were fall down drunk. At the end of the first it was 2-1 but they had a 18-4 lead on the shot board. We tied it up with our fifth shot but then the refs decided to get involved.....Four straight penalties later, (the other team was full of saints) it was 5-2 and we were a tad frustrated. Finished 6-2 and I'm feeling it today. Friday night skates were good to get my legs back, but this was the first time I'd had to really move people out of the front and battle for pucks in a loooong time. Next time we see those guys we'll be a little more together I hope.

[notbob]

https://i.imgflip.com/1gdhpo.jpg

[Nyssa42]

people do set plays in beer league?? I'm just excited when anyone on my team actually touches the puck.

My team finally got a nice 6-4 win on Tuesday after 2 fairly brutal losses. (0-7, to the team that has won the division the last 3 seasons, and then 3-1 in which no one was on their game, especially me, due to the ice not being able to be zambonied since the door was broken). Getting some of our regular teammates back and adding a couple of better new players helped this week.

I have somehow managed to mess up my right shoulder, which was pretty much the only pain-free thing on my body....

[xLAxKingsx]

OHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH man. We finally have our first game this Friday. Cant believe its been 5 years but im excited as hell to play.

The teams are short as ****. 10 players so i know I'm gonna be gassed but i hope its fun. We at least have a goalie this season... She may be in her 60s but at least we have a goalie. I'm hoping for a good season my last team in copper wasn't the best experience but! Im not gonna let it get me down. I suck and thats ok. I really need to get my skating down. I want to try playing D but my skating ability is terrible. (cant skate backwards) Go ahead and laugh :cry: Anyone have any pointers? I struggle to get my feet moving in any "C" stride as my mobility isn't good i end up pushing my legs out but cant bring em back in to complete the stride.

I should do some yoga.

[beedee]

OHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH man. We finally have our first game this Friday. Cant believe its been 5 years but im excited as hell to play.

The teams are short as ****. 10 players so i know I'm gonna be gassed but i hope its fun. We at least have a goalie this season... She may be in her 60s but at least we have a goalie. I'm hoping for a good season my last team in copper wasn't the best experience but! Im not gonna let it get me down. I suck and thats ok. I really need to get my skating down. I want to try playing D but my skating ability is terrible. (cant skate backwards) Go ahead and laugh :cry: Anyone have any pointers? I struggle to get my feet moving in any "C" stride as my mobility isn't good i end up pushing my legs out but cant bring em back in to complete the stride.

I should do some yoga.
I'm looking forward to your gif filled game report on Saturday! Don't worry about sucking, a lot of people will be in the same boat. Try not to be too hard on yourself!

Regarding backwards skating, I'm not expert however I do play a lot of defense. In my experience bend your knees more than you think you need to, keeping your back fairly straight up. Almost like you are getting out of a chair, the halfway point between sitting and standing. It will help keep your COG in check, and also try to keep your weight on the balls of your feet, while keeping your feet at least shoulder width apart. That should help you with your C-cuts, really drive the ball of your foot into the ice as you are making the outward arch/cut of the "C". Keep your head up too, don't stare down at your feet, stick out in front of you, with one hand. See if you can get out on the ice early and give it a shot for a couple minutes during warmies.

Good luck!

[Luc SkyBomba]

OHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH man. We finally have our first game this Friday. Cant believe its been 5 years but im excited as hell to play.

The teams are short as ****. 10 players so i know I'm gonna be gassed but i hope its fun. We at least have a goalie this season... She may be in her 60s but at least we have a goalie. I'm hoping for a good season my last team in copper wasn't the best experience but! Im not gonna let it get me down. I suck and thats ok. I really need to get my skating down. I want to try playing D but my skating ability is terrible. (cant skate backwards) Go ahead and laugh :cry: Anyone have any pointers? I struggle to get my feet moving in any "C" stride as my mobility isn't good i end up pushing my legs out but cant bring em back in to complete the stride.

I should do some yoga.

Man I still can't go from forwards to backwards haha. I can go backwards to forwards tho! The one season I played D, I just stayed back so I wouldn't have to turn around so much.

[jammer06]

Adding on to beedee, they teach the mites to put a hand up, it helps them to keep their head up and looking at their hand instead of their feet. Just remember ass low, hand up and you should find it.

I remember skating with you at an lgk midnight game once I think, you'll be fine. Just remember that the harder you work on it now the harder you can work on other stuff later.

[xLAxKingsx]

Man I still can't go from forwards to backwards haha. I can go backwards to forwards tho! The one season I played D, I just stayed back so I wouldn't have to turn around so much.

I struggle doing that and low key its cause im a big scared baby that im gonna fall even though we covered in pads. https://media4.giphy.com/media/3orieYJ5E6MBrv0YSI/200.webp?cid=ecf05e47ubvybhb0bm924sxdac3hgjmkkeqge b3gcwl7eire&rid=200.webp&ct=g ha! If i stay back I might aswell be goalie number 2. Me trying to get the puck out the crease... https://media3.giphy.com/media/ReDsMKpGfBkc0/200w.webp?cid=ecf05e47zrapuo2gw1okv4gq07iljod1ax0r k5tnqy77e65v&rid=200w.webp&ct=g

[xLAxKingsx]

Adding on to beedee, they teach the mites to put a hand up, it helps them to keep their head up and looking at their hand instead of their feet. Just remember ass low, hand up and you should find it.

I remember skating with you at an lgk midnight game once I think, you'll be fine. Just remember that the harder you work on it now the harder you can work on other stuff later.

Yup went to a couple those games! They were some fun times. I was green as **** too those were my first ever games. Haha i literally had maybe 1-2 months of skating and never playing before.

But thats a helpful tip. I realize i dont get low enough and stare down at my skates trying to figure out my c cuts. Seems like ive been doing it wrong from these pointers thanks yall!

Might just give playing D a shot this season.

[Luc SkyBomba]

I struggle doing that and low key its cause im a big scared baby that im gonna fall even though we covered in pads. https://media4.giphy.com/media/3orieYJ5E6MBrv0YSI/200.webp?cid=ecf05e47ubvybhb0bm924sxdac3hgjmkkeqge b3gcwl7eire&rid=200.webp&ct=g ha! If i stay back I might aswell be goalie number 2. Me trying to get the puck out the crease... https://media3.giphy.com/media/ReDsMKpGfBkc0/200w.webp?cid=ecf05e47zrapuo2gw1okv4gq07iljod1ax0r k5tnqy77e65v&rid=200w.webp&ct=g

crease battles are the best!

[beedee]

crease battles are the best!

I have some good tips for those too!

[jammer06]

I have some good tips for those too!

Just give him the tip?

[Nyssa42]

Man I still can't go from forwards to backwards haha. I can go backwards to forwards tho! The one season I played D, I just stayed back so I wouldn't have to turn around so much.

Have you ever seen Toffoli try to do this? He is TERRIBLE. He is a terrible backwards skater overall. But, he will do pretty much any move to not have to turn quickly from forwards to backwards.

[jammer06]

Definitely getting back into the thing, just changed a flight so I could make my playoff game... Now I gotta hope I'm not too wrecked from the flight

[xLAxKingsx]

Just give him the tip?

https://media0.giphy.com/media/3gNotAoIRZsb9UHPnj/200w.webp?cid=ecf05e47tt4n1l056ycxgwt10fs8ndh4r4sz s2jpall2are8&rid=200w.webp&ct=g

[beedee]

Another game down, and another
https://i.imgur.com/dU70A2x.jpg

10-2.

Yet another team that should be in the SILVER division was allowed to drop down because "they didn't want to play Sunday nights". Thus far, each team we have played has been a Silver level drop down. Pretty F'ed up if you ask me, and our goalie played with some of these guys before and said more than half of them played some advanced level of elite hockey...

On to the game, we actually got out to a 1-0 lead, we could hardly believe it. It was short lived though. The first period was close, and in typical fashion it got blown wide open in the 2nd and 3rd. We actually had 10 skaters this time, but 4 were subs. One was really good, so that was cool. We were outshot something like 34-10 (we all know how accurate the SOG stats are in the BHL), but it definitely was lopsided! I had some decent shots from the point, and also intercepted a couple breakout passes just inside the blue line in which I skated into the high slot area and got a couple shots off, nothing got by the tendie though. I felt great all game, considering how fast some of these guys were, I was still able to force them wide and get quite a few poke-checks when they tried to dipsy-doodle around me. Even though we keep getting blown out, I haven't let it get me down at all. Sure its frustrating that teams are allowed to sandbag it in levels they shouldn't be in, but whatever. I'm getting good exercise out there.

Oh yeah, they moved us down from Bronze North to Bronze South, we'll see how that plays out.

Next game, my other team on Saturday night at 10:15pm.

[beedee]

We won last night, 9-8. (EastWest team) I can’t believe how close all of our games have been, so many have been decided by one goal!

Unfortunately I sustained an Upper Body Injury on my first shift of the game. :( I was going to the corner to retrieve a puck and their forward also was. I decided to hold up a bit to avoid a checking/roughing penalty and we collided. He was about my size and I’m not sure if it was his shoulder or elbow, but at the point of impact my ribs on my right side felt a pretty sharp pain. I fell to the ice on my knees to gather myself. After a few seconds I got up and headed to the bench. The pain kind of subsided initially but remained constant for the rest of the game. This caused me to play much more conservative, I was sure to avoid any body contact at all costs. It hurt ti reach for the puck with my top hand (I’m a lefty, so my right hand). However it didn’t hurt too bad when taking SOG, so that was good.

The game was back and forth all night, we scored, they scored, all the way til the end, except we got the last goal. My D partner and I were feeding each other across the blue line all game and we both got quite a few shots through. No rushes for me though, I hung back all game. This W puts us at 5-2 on the season and in a three-way tie for second. There are still 11 games remaining in the season.

I’m for sure watching from the Press Box for both games this upcoming week to let the ribs heal.

This morning my daughter had her first Learn To Play lesson at Lakewood, it was so cool to see her geared up AND WITH a hockey stick in her hands. She did great, brought a lump to my throat as I watched her skate off on to the ice.

[jammer06]

We won 8-2 last night, in no large part due to them only having 7 guys to our 11. We emphatically skated them into the ground. Still game was clost through two, we just blew it open in the third. Played with the knee brace for the first time and that was better for me so I know I've gotta get to work rehabbing this thing.
Best part of the game was we show up for the 7:30pm game slot (sweet) and the rink is closed. Kid who was supposed to be there never showed. So we didn't get on the ice til 830 as we waitrd for someone to open the rink up for us. Even when we get a great slot, we can't get outta the rink before 10.
After the two teams that play us next in the playoffs went at it, and they actually had a fight. So that helps that they both gonna be down a man. Started with stick work earlier in the game and we could all see it coming except the refs. One day they will call the penalties first.

[xLAxKingsx]

https://media1.giphy.com/media/l0HlvB3KUh8qn0vZe/200w.webp?cid=ecf05e47003n44n6306vtnnc59yvs2fm08mu a1adfw5asdmm&rid=200w.webp&ct=g

So we had our first game. Its also the first time i get to meet the rest of the team and id say its a pretty decent bunch. Had a short bench 9 players so i already had flashes of being burnt out and tired. But we managed shifts pretty good and everyone got a workout. https://media1.giphy.com/media/PeuCteHPL3jPP7psAE/200w.webp?cid=ecf05e47ibdulaypv3p7e5uxekdy8o146gve ka6ks1vn7kak&rid=200w.webp&ct=g

Now the game itself wasnt so bad. We went down 2 goals within the first 3 mins https://media0.giphy.com/media/ncbdoCpKerEbK/200w.webp?cid=ecf05e476sn2hbsib39okzwf5cvs8clyw7w3 ez3bu2e3ip5v&rid=200w.webp&ct=g but we managed to pot 1 in before the end of the first so we thought hey we got some life. I skated on my off wing left side even though im right handed. Is it weird that i like playing on my off side? I feel more comfortable when shooting. Im ok at catching passes on my backhand so i like it. I had a few race to the puck scenarios and i felt confident getting to the puck and not worrying about my stopping.

2nd period we went down 1-4 they had some decent skaters but i didnt feel we were outmatched. Our goalie may be in her 60s and about 5 feet but she is great and really tries so we all kept her in the game making sure she didnt get bummed out. That worked though cause she shut everything down after the 4th goal. https://media2.giphy.com/media/26ybwvTX4DTkwst6U/giphy.webp?cid=ecf05e47x8qmmkrrbmfttdqpbtx15ae2hoz c572qo4ay74r1&rid=giphy.webp&ct=g We got a minor roughing penalty that we managed to shut down even though we spent the whole time in our zone. Lol all our players just chased the puck around and any clearing attempt was stopped by the D hanging at the line alone.

3rd period we mounted a comeback. We got better shifts they became shorter but we actually changed on the fly this time. Before everyone was waiting for the whistle so people got stuck out there for 3 min shifts. https://media3.giphy.com/media/mmRmDX9Y3Q7NS/200.webp?cid=ecf05e47d4da776pwuxz1p5z4ilu3z101awoi cajvert5c8n&rid=200.webp&ct=g The other team had 13 guys but by 3rd period we got in a groove. I recorded an assist to tie the game. Felt good to contribute and not go a season without any contributions haha! https://media4.giphy.com/media/83KwVeVjCtBfTz4nib/200w.webp?cid=ecf05e47fsva60g9yi7owoxqk37gjjumu7bq xj3sejhbubzv&rid=200w.webp&ct=g

We just couldn't complete the comeback. We failed in the shootout. I actually took the 5th shot (rare) Im usually scared to try it but said **** it this time. Tried to go 5 hole goalie got this stick down just enough to deflect into his pads and it didn't squeak thru. wahhhhh. We lost on the next goal they made it and we didnt.

Overall solid team and comeback. Someone actually brought some beers and everyone was in good spirits. We stuck around to check out the pre made team that wasnt suppose to happen. They skate really good 5 of them are figure skating coaches... But on the ice with a puck and stick meh they didnt look so dangerous. They can skate but put pressure and they couldnt control the puck. Overall i hope its a good season. I didnt try D cause i chickened out haha.

[jammer06]

BTW beedee, just so you know them throat lumps gonna keep coming. Just try to manage the emotions cuz you're gonna want to not at some point.

[xLAxKingsx]

BTW beedee, just so you know them throat lumps gonna keep coming. Just try to manage the emotions cuz you're gonna want to not at some point.


My throat lumps never came back. Lol my daughter hated hockey :cry: Never to hit the ice again... le Sigh

[beedee]

I didn't play in either of my games this week due to my upper body injury, but they went as follows:

Wednesday night, Lakewood: 5-3 loss
Saturday night, Artesia: 2-1, loss

Daughter had her second Learn To Play on Sunday though. This time around there were maybe half as many kids (21 opposed to the 43 last week). They split the group up in half, basically had the bigger kids at one end, and the smaller at the other. She is still enjoying it and they got to use some pucks during the clinic, was rad to see her stick-handle and shoot the puck (we practice that a bit in our garage)! They usually get 5-10 minutes at the beginning of the skate to play around with pucks also, hoping this next session they get to see more pucks during the drills.

[Luc SkyBomba]

Been taking the little one ice skating the last two weeks. She's loving it! Starting to think about getting us our own pair so we don't need to use those nasty ass toe pick rentals anymore. I'm sure I can find her size easy, but any budget skates come in wide sizes? I'm not likely to be playing hockey on em. Sticking with roller for now.

https://twitter.com/Qmungous/status/1416900654220529665

[jammer06]

Sitting at home with a cold wishing I was playing tonight. Normally I would but I can't go getting everyone sick.

Great vid Luc, just gotta keep at it with her.

[beedee]

Been taking the little one ice skating the last two weeks. She's loving it! Starting to think about getting us our own pair so we don't need to use those nasty ass toe pick rentals anymore. I'm sure I can find her size easy, but any budget skates come in wide sizes? I'm not likely to be playing hockey on em. Sticking with roller for now.

https://twitter.com/Qmungous/status/1416900654220529665

Nice!

Regarding skates, you can find some at Play It Again Sports, the one in Torrance has tons. My wife got a pair of like-new mid level Bauer Nexus for $60! Nexus is Bauers most "volume" skate, so if you have wide feet, that is a good one to look at. They have discontinued Nexus for this year, and everything is now a Vapor or Supreme boot. (I wear Vapors, narrow heel, wider mid and fore foot) Best thing to do is try a bunch on and see what feels best. Not sure what your budget is, but you can go to any big-box hockey retailer and they should have a Bauer Fit Foot Scanner machine there. They scan your foot and it spits out what "Fit" you should be in Fit 1, Fit 2 or Fit 3 (for Bauer skates). CCM also has a new fit system for this year. But there are a ton of options out there. I used to wear Graf for a few years, but went back to Bauer a few years ago.

[beedee]

Sitting at home with a cold wishing I was playing tonight. Normally I would but I can't go getting everyone sick.

Great vid Luc, just gotta keep at it with her.

Hope ya feel better JamDawg! I totally can relate! These sore ribs of mine are going to sideline me for sure this week again, and maybe next week. Last thing I want to do is take a hit to them and be out even longer. :(

[Luc SkyBomba]

Nice!

Regarding skates, you can find some at Play It Again Sports, the one in Torrance has tons. My wife got a pair of like-new mid level Bauer Nexus for $60! Nexus is Bauers most "volume" skate, so if you have wide feet, that is a good one to look at. They have discontinued Nexus for this year, and everything is now a Vapor or Supreme boot. (I wear Vapors, narrow heel, wider mid and fore foot) Best thing to do is try a bunch on and see what feels best. Not sure what your budget is, but you can go to any big-box hockey retailer and they should have a Bauer Fit Foot Scanner machine there. They scan your foot and it spits out what "Fit" you should be in Fit 1, Fit 2 or Fit 3 (for Bauer skates). CCM also has a new fit system for this year. But there are a ton of options out there. I used to wear Graf for a few years, but went back to Bauer a few years ago.


Thanks! I'll keep an eye out for Nexus

[beedee]

6-3 loss last night for my Lakewood team, I didn't play. Now 0-5 on the season.

[jammer06]

Puck Norris academy skate tonight. Work has gone off the rails so I'm already popping a coors. Gonna be a fun skate.

[jammer06]

Monday night was our playoff game, win and into the championships, lose and out (it's a weird round robin so we actually would have forced a tiebreaker final playoff if we won this and then the next). Anyway it was a tightly contested game, we took the lead 1-0 after getting outplayed through most of the first on a great individual effort by our top scorer. That shook em up and we tilted the ice back to even. We got into the second and killed a couple of penalties which had us back on our heels. unfortunately I was out on D and they'd double stacked the front of the net with the puck in the corner. I fronted both of them and their guy in the corner got a pass just past my skate to a wide open back door. I was pretty upset about it but there wasn't much I could do otherwise with two guys on my backside and no help. Two shifts later they hit basically the exact same play but from higher in the slot so I had no chance to block the pass. The front man tied me up as I tried to get to the shooter, I did knock him over into him but not til after he got the shot off past the goalie.
Heading to the third down 2-1 we put as much pressure on as we could and got rewarded with a really nice goal from the dot that was immediately waived off for a skater in the crease. The ref was quick and adamant about it so it was probably legit but we still grumbled pretty hard about it. We did get the goalie off and I had a chance to sneak to a puck that bounced just off the backside of the crease but one of their D on the ground got their stick on it right as I tried to shovel it. It was a draining game in that both sides were going harder and harder with less as the game went on but still really a clean game. Credit to them though they were laying out blocking shots like mad, I had a one timer from the slot that a guy took off his gut and I know I got all of it.
Anyway thus concludes our winter 2019 season, ready for winter 2021 to begin in October. Going to skate in a few more friday night skates in the meantime but looking forward to the new season to start.

[beedee]

Hell has frozen over, pigs are flying, our Lakewood team finally won our first game of the season, 5-3!!! (now 1-5 on the season)

https://i.pinimg.com/originals/55/d3/a9/55d3a91ed0b82b707fb28a9d373587e5.gif

Ironically, this team beat us two weeks ago by the same score. I was on the fence about playing since my ribs were still a tad sore, but our Captain said he needed bodies, and I'd be our 9th skater. So I decided I would give it a shot, and I could always leave if I needed to. Also, my goalie from my Artesia team was subbing for us, so that was kind of cool. I told myself that I'd have to play very conservative and I did. Usually I'll pinch and take a couple end-to-end rushes, but not last night. However I did have the most SOG I probably ever have had in a game, it was glorious!

The other team got off two a quick 2-0 lead in the first, but then we scored to cut their lead in half. Our team was clicking for whatever reason, great breakouts from our end and equally good offensive zone entry. Passes were being connected, sometimes three in a row! (a BHL miracle). The score was 3-1 at the end of the first, with them on top.

Second periods typically haven't been our strong point, however last night was different. We were on fire! We scored 4 goals and completely dominated them. At one point there was a delayed penalty on them, and I kid you not, we had possession for over two minutes before it came to an end because we scored!!! I think I got at least 3 SOG from the point during that possession, it seriously was amazing! The goal on that possession came off a rebound from my point shot, so I got my first point of the game. On the ensuing Power Play we again set up in their zone and I was being fed at the point from our left winger throughout the PP, welp about a minute into it I let a clapper fly from just inside the blue line, I really got a hold of it and it went high-blocker and in!
https://thumbs.gfycat.com/EmbarrassedScrawnyBufeo-size_restricted.gif

The third period was uneventful, no goals by any team. There were a couple penalties, including an "interference" on me, but it was our other D'man, but for some reason the ref said it was me? It was so wrong that my D partner actually went and sat in the box because he was so sure it was on him, lmfao! Oh well, it was a bad call, but I didn't argue it, just laughed it off. It felt really good to finally get a win, and get a goal and an assist! My ribs didn't hurt too bad, just felt like a nagging bruise, so I guess that is good?

Next game is in Artesia on Saturday night, I'm going to play it by ear regarding playing, hoping to ice the ribs a bit more between now and then.

[beedee]

We won last night, 5-2. (Artesia league)

This moves us into sole possession of second place now, as we were tied with the team we played last night. We are 7-3, with 8 games remaining. Top 4 teams will enter the playoffs.

The game went well, ribs didn’t bother me much at all. That being said I still played a bit more conservative and did my best to avoid any contact. Had a few SOG, and got one assist from a stretch pass I made to one of our zippier Centers whom received it around center ice and then had a beautiful dangle to put the biscuit in the basket. Oh yeah, we had 8 skaters, so that was fun, but by now I’m used to being one of three defensemen so it’s not too taxing anymore.

[Luc SkyBomba]

Man I'm gettin an itch to play...

[beedee]

8-4 loss last night in Lakewood, somehow we scored two goals in the last two minutes, so it was 8-2 for most of the 3rd. I had two apples, and a handful of SOG. One of our defensemen reaggravated his groin, and left 2 minutes into the third, so we were back to our usual 3 D. Nothing else to really report other than they were simply better than us, connecting passes on the fly with centers and wingers moving up through the middle of the ice, something that has been tough for us to do. I'd say many of their goals came on 2nd chances, rebounds that we couldn't clear. Including one that I somehow whiffed on at the top of our crease and their player was right behind me to knock it in. :sigh:

Next game, 10:30pm on Saturday, can't wait for that one. lol.

Lil beedee completed her Learn to Play classes (4) last Sunday, got her certificate and starts her first day of Little Ducks this Sunday, we are pumped for that!

[jammer06]

Lets go Lil beedee, make sure you tell her to fall over when they ask who can skate backwards

[SloMo26]

Make sure she wears her Kings jersey to the Lil Ducks class. mhihi: When Jr was taking hockey lessons at Lakewood Ice I made sure he wore his Kings jersey every lesson.....mhihi:

[beedee]

4-4 tie last night in Artesia. After being down 4-1, we scored three in the third to tie it! Went to a 3v3 5 minute OT and both teams had some chances but couldn’t convert. I got out there for the second half of the OT and had a rush from our blue line, cut inside at their blue line, then toe-dragged back outside through their lone D-man. Got off a wristlet from inside the dot, trying to high glove as I was cutting across the slot. Got the goalie moving to his right but he managed to get a piece of it with his glove and it went over the crossbar. :(

Oh yeah, had 8 skaters, 10:30pm start, it was a bit rough. I think there are four teams tied for 2nd place now with 15 points. Talk about parity!

Next game, Wednesday night at Lakewood.

Lil beedee had her first Little Ducks session today and did great. They did a lot of similar drills as last weeks Learn to Olay session, so that was cool. I counted and it looked like 23 kids were out on the ice. Pretty cool because they divide them up into groups of 6, and they went to 4 different “stations” on the ice, each doing different stuff. It’s neat watching her skate now as she seems to pretty much have it down without looking like she is thinking about it.

[Luc SkyBomba]

Wife got me a pair of hockey skates for my birthday! But she bought em in my shoe size and not skate size haha. They were way too big. So I went down to Pure Hockey this weekend to get fitted and turns out... my feet have shrunk a size and a half since the last time I measured my feet, which has been a couple years ago now. Still got the super width tho so they got me in a Vapor x2.9 Fit 3. I remember Beedizzle, you were saying Vapor is a narrower boot, but in Fit 3 it's actually perfect. Can't wait to get out there! The little one wants to stick with figure skates for now though. *toe pick!*

[beedee]

Wife got me a pair of hockey skates for my birthday! But she bought em in my shoe size and not skate size haha. They were way too big. So I went down to Pure Hockey this weekend to get fitted and turns out... my feet have shrunk a size and a half since the last time I measured my feet, which has been a couple years ago now. Still got the super width tho so they got me in a Vapor x2.9 Fit 3. I remember Beedizzle, you were saying Vapor is a narrower boot, but in Fit 3 it's actually perfect. Can't wait to get out there! The little one wants to stick with figure skates for now though. *toe pick!*

Thats great, glad you got some new skates! FIT 3 is actually the widest/most volume fit, and is supposed to mimic a "Nexus" like fit, but in a Vapor and/or Supreme boot. So they kind of did a mash-up of "fits" if that makes sense. I have been looking at picking up a pair of the Vapor x2.9 since they are clearing them out now. But I still have plenty of life left in my current Vapor X500's.

https://centreice.co.nz/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/New-Bauer-Skate-Sizing_Version1.jpg

[beedee]

Forgot to update the thread last week, got spanked 10-4 in Lakewood on Wednesday night, one assist for me. Lost in OT on Saturday night in Artesia, 9-8....1 goal (clapper from the blue line), two assists. Other team had two young ringers that were hot-dogging in the first period, but we bodied them up (as legally as possible) to shut them down a bit for the rest of the game. Of course one of them scored the GWG in OT. :/

[jammer06]

Our Friday nigjt academy had a good skate. Got to play forward which was good since my knee was in terrible shape after being at the beach all week before. Something about flip flops and beach sand which just was not a good combo. Anyway the first few shifts we sucked and I was having a heck of a time. But then the floodgates opened for us. Got my far side winger a natural hatty and I collected the three primary apples. Then I got on the board with a backhand tip from an across the crease pass top corner. Finished the night with a partial break goal where the blue line jumped up and bit the dman in front of me and sent him flying. The rink let us go long so I was out there for almost two hours and after I got home I regretted it immediately. Knee was throbbing tired. Still was a lot of fun.
..

[Luc SkyBomba]

Thats great, glad you got some new skates! FIT 3 is actually the widest/most volume fit, and is supposed to mimic a "Nexus" like fit, but in a Vapor and/or Supreme boot. So they kind of did a mash-up of "fits" if that makes sense. I have been looking at picking up a pair of the Vapor x2.9 since they are clearing them out now. But I still have plenty of life left in my current Vapor X500's.

https://centreice.co.nz/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/New-Bauer-Skate-Sizing_Version1.jpg


Yeah the x2.9 Fit 3 actually fit better than the x2.7 EE in the same size. Pretty gooooooooooooooooood

[beedee]

10-7 loss last night in Lakewood. We were down 8-2 going into the third, and we scored 5 goals in the third, pretty crazy! I scored a "Jim Fox" on a slap shot from the point in the third (over the pad, under the blocker), and assisted two of the goals, one being a redirect off my snap shot from the top of the circles. Can't wait for this season to be done at this point, we are 1-7. I think there are 12 games in this season?

[beedee]

And two more Lakewood losses to report, 7-0 last week, and 6-0 last night. One game remaining. (1-9 on the season)

And two more Artesia wins to report, 5-3 two Fridays ago, and 8-3 this past Friday. Two games remaining, one point out of first place. (9-3-1-1 on the season)

[jammer06]

One day beedee will know victory again

[Luc SkyBomba]

finally got to try out my new skates... holy crap I can fly on these! (still can't stop haha)

[beedee]

One day beedee will know victory again

Not at this rate.....we were up 5-4 going into the 3rd last Wednesday at Lakewood, gave up 6 unanswered goals for a 10-5 loss. That season is done.

[Nyssa42]

Last game of my miserable, zero-wins season tonight at 10:15. Will the Riptide actually win a game this season?? We have a couple of subs coming who should be helpful. We have a chance....only lost 5-4 to this team last time we played them....I'll post the update later!
Astoundingly, my team seems like it wants to stay together for more brutalization in the future. (hopefully the league will get a bit more balanced)

[Nyssa42]

We won!! 5-1! No goals or assists for me, but a pretty good game for me at forward. I've been playing D all season. (Which is part of why we lost all those games, lol). The subs we brought in were definitely ringers, but we deserved a win!
Also, my teammates informed me we actually won another game way back the 2nd game of the season. That's like a lifetime ago to me, as I have become a grandma in that time span and have no memory of pre-grandma life.

Last game of my miserable, zero-wins season tonight at 10:15. Will the Riptide actually win a game this season?? We have a couple of subs coming who should be helpful. We have a chance....only lost 5-4 to this team last time we played them....I'll post the update later!
Astoundingly, my team seems like it wants to stay together for more brutalization in the future. (hopefully the league will get a bit more balanced)

[beedee]

1-1 tie on Saturday night, the team we played had played right before us too, d'oh! Nothing notable to report. We are still in 4th, and they are still in 3rd after the game (we both have 21 points). One more game remains, then the top 4 will have playoffs.

[jammer06]

The Friday night edition of our skate was a rough one for me. First week without the knee brace, but I wore it on the ice. Felt relatively comfortable although I had two moments where I blew out and went down, but in a good pushing the edge way not a hurting myself way. Still it was the first skate in a long time where I felt like I wasn't driving any offense. Hit a couple stretch passes but that was about it. Defensively had a couple one on one moments where I felt proud but there were more moments where I lost a dude behind me in coverage than I care to admit. Tough skate overall. Now I'm off the ice after Wednesday for two weeks. Hope I remember how to hockey

[xLAxKingsx]

My Login finally worked!

Season was decent but terrible.

I played better felt better and played D for most games! Holy **** do i love playing that position more than winger. Went 1-10 lol our goalie which is an awesome lady! Just couldn't keep up even though she plays rookie cause of her age 65! It really made it hard to win when she couldn't get up.

Starting new season this week and finally got this thing working.

[xLAxKingsx]

Fall season about to start...

So for rookie they have a Draft clinic instead of a scrimmage to gauge peoples playing level. Its kinda fun not required but I usually go since its a clinic and they have coaching going on.

Anaheim Ice has usually had a decent turn out of players but it being rookie league they limit it to 4 teams. Explanation we got was because they only want to limit 2 time slots for Rookie League. Usually dont mind it cause it averages to about 12 players max. Still plenty of ice time...

Not this season we have 74 players and 4 teams! When they told us it was about 18 players per team! https://media1.giphy.com/media/H4zeDO4ocDYqY/200.webp?cid=ecf05e47walgrta8vx8igoapvi9sv8hibgkmc pvq0s9l677k&rid=200.webp&ct=g
i couldn't believe it. They ended up offering people refunds after the clinic since people complained. I might have to take that refund an look for a new home. But we'll see how man players dropped whenever they send out teams. No way am i getting decent ice time playing with 3 lines.

Im sad.

https://media3.giphy.com/media/PhNyx0KawRIGq29UlQ/giphy.gif?cid=ecf05e47tjrd1ywpt937xmwhxbk1gheg9mvl 94xgvgmgnu9l&rid=giphy.gif&ct=g

[notbob]

Fall season about to start...

So for rookie they have a Draft clinic instead of a scrimmage to gauge peoples playing level. Its kinda fun not required but I usually go since its a clinic and they have coaching going on.

Anaheim Ice has usually had a decent turn out of players but it being rookie league they limit it to 4 teams. Explanation we got was because they only want to limit 2 time slots for Rookie League. Usually dont mind it cause it averages to about 12 players max. Still plenty of ice time...

Not this season we have 74 players and 4 teams! When they told us it was about 18 players per team! https://media1.giphy.com/media/H4zeDO4ocDYqY/200.webp?cid=ecf05e47walgrta8vx8igoapvi9sv8hibgkmc pvq0s9l677k&rid=200.webp&ct=g
i couldn't believe it. They ended up offering people refunds after the clinic since people complained. I might have to take that refund an look for a new home. But we'll see how man players dropped whenever they send out teams. No way am i getting decent ice time playing with 3 lines.

Im sad.

https://media3.giphy.com/media/PhNyx0KawRIGq29UlQ/giphy.gif?cid=ecf05e47tjrd1ywpt937xmwhxbk1gheg9mvl 94xgvgmgnu9l&rid=giphy.gif&ct=g

People must be itching to play. My roller league has 9 teams in the lower division.

[xLAxKingsx]

People must be itching to play. My roller league has 9 teams in the lower division.

Wish people had the itch to be goalie. So far 1 team will have to sub a goalie as only 3 signed up this season.

Hope im not on that team.

https://media4.giphy.com/media/SVa76VejjGwyoppJC8/giphy.gif?cid=ecf05e478m83mhjcjkov9z6mph68rygsuenn rn7fg5z6b9lu&rid=giphy.gif&ct=g

My wife has me on a 90 day fiance binge so excuse my current gifs. :taunt:

[beedee]

So I went from playing full-time on two teams last season, to only subbing this season....but my wife is playing Rookie League this season, Lil Beedee is in Hockey Initiation l, and beedee's wallet is like WTF?!?!

https://c.tenor.com/FQHKew3K9jcAAAAM/no-money-wallet.gif

[Nyssa42]

So I went from playing full-time on two teams last season, to only subbing this season....but my wife is playing Rookie League this season, Lil Beedee is in Hockey Initiation l, and beedee's wallet is like WTF?!?!

https://c.tenor.com/FQHKew3K9jcAAAAM/no-money-wallet.gif
Come sub for my team! I know it's a long drive for you, and our new sub fee is $45(!!) but I promise you'll have fun!

[notbob]

Come sub for my team! I know it's a long drive for you, and our new sub fee is $45(!!) but I promise you'll have fun!

I hope that price includes beer

[beedee]

I hope that price includes beer

I was about to say the same thing, in my head I'm thinking $25-$30.

[xLAxKingsx]

Anaheim Ice went from $35 to $45 this year also.

[beedee]

Anaheim Ice went from $35 to $45 this year also.

https://media0.giphy.com/media/OEiQSJb0Qi8Rq/giphy.gif

[jammer06]

Wtf $40 sub fee, better come with a lap dance

[jammer06]

Skated in our drop in last weds, first time on ice in three weeks. Knee was not pleased. Thought all the walking and biking I was doing was going to get it there. Seems ill need more drugs when I play.
Pickup was fun, there were a couple of really decent skaters and the tempo got kicked up due to it. Managed to make some nice passing plays, even had some decent point shots. Highlight of the night though was chunking a one timer that fluttered weakly to the goalie... I took a bit of razzing for that one.

[beedee]

I was back at it last night! Decided to play full time with my team that came to Lakewood from Artesia, we are in Bronze North (upper Bronze division). It felt great to be back on the ice after 3 weeks of not playing. The game was closer than what the score dictated. We have a new goalie this season, whom subbed for us a bunch last season, so that is a good thing. And it was cool to see everyone on our team wearing our jerseys. I don't think that ever happened last season, so that was kind of cool.

We lost 6-2, but out shot them 36-26. As Foxy would say, the puck-luck just wasn't going our way. Their first goal was a fluke, a deflection off our defenseman's leg in the low slot. But then they were able to capitalize a few goals off rebounds, and a few coming in our zone, cutting to the middle and shooting from there. Opportunities were abound for us, but the puck just wouldn't go in. Their goalie was big, not too mobile, but we couldn't seem to get him moving from side to side to exploit his lack of mobility. I had a plethora of shots from the point, a couple one-timers included. Most got all the way through, but none went in. I also had a couple chances where I was able to skate the puck in from the blue line, make a couple moves to get by their players and get a shot off, again denied on both of those attempts.


Lil Beedee has been doing great and is in her third week of Hockey Initiation 1, and my wife is now playing Rookie League. So our Sundays are now doubled-down with hockey at Lakewood. My games are on Tues/Weds this season, and so far the time slots on the schedule are favorable. Games are at 6:45, 8:00, and 9:30, not too shabby! I'm stoked the girls will be able to come watch their old man suck some wind at the 6:45 games!

[xLAxKingsx]

So we finally have teams...

Our team name (rinks provided) is ****ing hilarious. Yall ready... This upcoming season im on the...

https://media3.giphy.com/media/D9GHQVdHHL8moLozJr/giphy.gif?cid=ecf05e47tc321mso5i8213ps2exiwop72w6q sl43vctcrvj6&rid=giphy.gif&ct=g

Yes the reincarnation of the Ducks.

But that wasn't the worst part. As I mentioned about rookie being over filled. We have 16 skaters and 2 goalies!!!

So we are either running 3 lines all across or 4 forwards and 2 D. No way is this gonna work. People dont take short shifts and everyone is going to want to feel like they got their monies worth. Im giving it 1 game before people start to request refunds.

[beedee]

^ Thanks for the update man, I was trying to PM you but your inbox is full xLAxKingsx My wife just got her schedule, looks like they were able to put 4 teams together in Rookie at Lakewood.

As for my team, we won last night, 5-2. No points for me, but it was a solid team effort. We are now 2-2 after 4 games. This team we played won Bronze South last season (got bumped to Bronze North this season), so it was great to beat them with my current team (because they smoked us last season on my other team). Our game was on the Olympic rink, it is huuuumongus big compared to the NHL rink, that extra width really sucks when you are playing on the far side and are trying to get off for a change. I had a few SOG, including a couple shot-passes, but nothing went in. Next week we have the early game, which is a miracle, I hope everyone can make it since it starts at 6:45pm, yes you read that right, 6:45pm!

[xLAxKingsx]

^ Thanks for the update man, I was trying to PM you but your inbox is full xLAxKingsx My wife just got her schedule, looks like they were able to put 4 teams together in Rookie at Lakewood.

As for my team, we won last night, 5-2. No points for me, but it was a solid team effort. We are now 2-2 after 4 games. This team we played won Bronze South last season (got bumped to Bronze North this season), so it was great to beat them with my current team (because they smoked us last season on my other team). Our game was on the Olympic rink, it is huuuumongus big compared to the NHL rink, that extra width really sucks when you are playing on the far side and are trying to get off for a change. I had a few SOG, including a couple shot-passes, but nothing went in. Next week we have the early game, which is a miracle, I hope everyone can make it since it starts at 6:45pm, yes you read that right, 6:45pm!

I cleared my PMs for you.
https://media0.giphy.com/media/j2Z8ktYcHlTplAuIQf/200.webp?cid=ecf05e47uaf087gvxvy6jhwxyb566s4bevljt 7uxdhu9jk64&rid=200.webp&ct=g

My first game is this Saturday 6:15pm only thing i cant complain is all my games are on Saturday. I will be playing D all season lets see how it goes. Beedee glad they put teams together for your wifey! Give some updates how the season is going over there. I saw its on Sundays and that might be doable for me. Especially if AI turns into a crapfest.

[xLAxKingsx]

First game in the books!

and...

https://media4.giphy.com/media/to6DmqVMLAQ9Ni4aza/200w.webp?cid=ecf05e47wv4411mxui0hsb9tfvg2cxtnngi9 jpxy0jy2nc1a&rid=200w.webp&ct=g

What is this feeling? a W?

So it didnt go as bad as i thought yall. Well mostly because no one wanted to play D so they decided to run with 4 lines at forward.

https://media3.giphy.com/media/Qaoh3qmKzOFVK/giphy.webp?cid=ecf05e47t2km5bsh8o69humt2s1hhqq4eaj hiadwh5wrt9v4&rid=giphy.webp&ct=g

How I felt inside since im the one that brought the line combinations up knowing damn well I wanted to play D.

Game went smooth! Played D still cant skate backwards for **** or turn around on my left side. But i did make little changes to how i play to help with that. Will play D all season so hope to improve. Had a few bad passes expecting my D partner to be somewhere he wasnt but luckily hes a buddy of mine. So after the game we started to work on some strategy.

Team overall is finally a good combo. Our goalies are pretty good and we had some forwards that def back checked and helped out on D. We won 6-3. I had a few shots but i really need to work on my shooting from so far out. I have no clapper so most shots were weak and i didnt do so well with getting them thru traffic. I couldnt find a lane and felt it was because id take to long to let go of the shot. With it being a weak wrist shot i didnt create much rebounds for team to score on. I do play on my offside (left) being RH i had to catch pucks from boards on my back hand which caused me some problems.

I really need to work on my shot any tips? Also any tips for finding lanes?

[beedee]

First game in the books!

and...

https://media4.giphy.com/media/to6DmqVMLAQ9Ni4aza/200w.webp?cid=ecf05e47wv4411mxui0hsb9tfvg2cxtnngi9 jpxy0jy2nc1a&rid=200w.webp&ct=g

What is this feeling? a W?

So it didnt go as bad as i thought yall. Well mostly because no one wanted to play D so they decided to run with 4 lines at forward.

https://media3.giphy.com/media/Qaoh3qmKzOFVK/giphy.webp?cid=ecf05e47t2km5bsh8o69humt2s1hhqq4eaj hiadwh5wrt9v4&rid=giphy.webp&ct=g

How I felt inside since im the one that brought the line combinations up knowing damn well I wanted to play D.

Game went smooth! Played D still cant skate backwards for **** or turn around on my left side. But i did make little changes to how i play to help with that. Will play D all season so hope to improve. Had a few bad passes expecting my D partner to be somewhere he wasnt but luckily hes a buddy of mine. So after the game we started to work on some strategy.

Team overall is finally a good combo. Our goalies are pretty good and we had some forwards that def back checked and helped out on D. We won 6-3. I had a few shots but i really need to work on my shooting from so far out. I have no clapper so most shots were weak and i didnt do so well with getting them thru traffic. I couldnt find a lane and felt it was because id take to long to let go of the shot. With it being a weak wrist shot i didnt create much rebounds for team to score on. I do play on my offside (left) being RH i had to catch pucks from boards on my back hand which caused me some problems.

I really need to work on my shot any tips? Also any tips for finding lanes?

Congrats on the W!

Regarding your shots, without seeing you play, its hard to recommend/suggest things. But, if you are able to practice at home, that would help. You can watch YouTube videos as well, and during warmies, apply what you watched against the boards and eventually your goalie(s).

Take this advice with a grain of salt, but here is what I have done over the years.

Besides using your backhand side of your stick to retrieve the puck off a rim-around on the boards, get your butt against the boards, with the heels of your skates flush to the boards too, I do that from time to time when playing my off side and it works to keep the puck in the zone and usually it will carom towards the middle of the ice (depending on the angle of your skate).

Shooting lanes, this might be a little tricky since you are playing on your off hand, and can't really "walk the blue line".
• I'm LH, and play the left side, so I'm able to receive a pass off the boards and skate backwards towards the center of the ice a bit and shoot when ready.
• Another thing I like to do is wait for traffic to develop (if time permits) and then let the shot fly. You can change your angle of attack by moving towards the center of the ice, or away from the center.
• Most times you'll have an opposing forward in front of you, if you can do a small dangle around him and then take a couple strides closer to the goal, that is another strategy.
• Another thing to try is, you can wind up like you are going to take a slap shot, and watch if the forward kind of tenses up/freezes with their stick in front of them perpendicular to their skates, if they do, either toe drag the puck back towards you and take a stride or two forward, or simply just push the puck right at and through their feet and get by them that way.
• I've also been doing a lot of shot-passes recently, often times you'll see a forward on your team just off to the side of the net, get the puck in there and hope they can deflect it in.

Bottom line is, keep thorwing the puck at the net and weird stuff will happen, and sometimes it will go in!

[xLAxKingsx]

Congrats on the W!

Regarding your shots, without seeing you play, its hard to recommend/suggest things. But, if you are able to practice at home, that would help. You can watch YouTube videos as well, and during warmies, apply what you watched against the boards and eventually your goalie(s).

Take this advice with a grain of salt, but here is what I have done over the years.

Besides using your backhand side of your stick to retrieve the puck off a rim-around on the boards, get your butt against the boards, with the heels of your skates flush to the boards too, I do that from time to time when playing my off side and it works to keep the puck in the zone and usually it will carom towards the middle of the ice (depending on the angle of your skate).

Shooting lanes, this might be a little tricky since you are playing on your off hand, and can't really "walk the blue line".
• I'm LH, and play the left side, so I'm able to receive a pass off the boards and skate backwards towards the center of the ice a bit and shoot when ready.
• Another thing I like to do is wait for traffic to develop (if time permits) and then let the shot fly. You can change your angle of attack by moving towards the center of the ice, or away from the center.
• Most times you'll have an opposing forward in front of you, if you can do a small dangle around him and then take a couple strides closer to the goal, that is another strategy.
• Another thing to try is, you can wind up like you are going to take a slap shot, and watch if the forward kind of tenses up/freezes with their stick in front of them perpendicular to their skates, if they do, either toe drag the puck back towards you and take a stride or two forward, or simply just push the puck right at and through their feet and get by them that way.
• I've also been doing a lot of shot-passes recently, often times you'll see a forward on your team just off to the side of the net, get the puck in there and hope they can deflect it in.

Bottom line is, keep thorwing the puck at the net and weird stuff will happen, and sometimes it will go in!

Thanks for the Tips Beedee!

I did buy a shooting surface for home to practice my shots! It'll be here soon and hope it helps!

I will try the skate thing though that seems smart I tried doing the same concept with my stick but the puck would follow the curve of blade and get out of the zone :facepalm: did that twice haha.

Dangles i need to practice when i have someone coming towards me. A few possessions i did take a few strides towards the net to try and get a better shot. But that is where i felt i froze up and let the other player get to close and my shots got blocked (twice) Ill make a mental note about walking the blue line. I guess playing on my off side it allows me to take forward strides and get to the middle.

Playing D for sure feels like theres more thinking involved. :laugh: I hope to improve a lot more over the season. Playing forward seems much easier and i def thought about going back to it cause i feel more comfortable and less responsibility. But honestly i dont think ive ever had this much fun playing.

I love playing D...

https://media3.giphy.com/media/6ra84Uso2hoir3YCgb/200w.webp?cid=ecf05e47nqta8pdeq1h6mdraq8dcbkh69cfm 527b6sa51ak3&rid=200w.webp&ct=g

[Luc SkyBomba]

Thanks for the Tips Beedee!

I did buy a shooting surface for home to practice my shots! It'll be here soon and hope it helps!

I will try the skate thing though that seems smart I tried doing the same concept with my stick but the puck would follow the curve of blade and get out of the zone :facepalm: did that twice haha.

Dangles i need to practice when i have someone coming towards me. A few possessions i did take a few strides towards the net to try and get a better shot. But that is where i felt i froze up and let the other player get to close and my shots got blocked (twice) Ill make a mental note about walking the blue line. I guess playing on my off side it allows me to take forward strides and get to the middle.

Playing D for sure feels like theres more thinking involved. :laugh: I hope to improve a lot more over the season. Playing forward seems much easier and i def thought about going back to it cause i feel more comfortable and less responsibility. But honestly i dont think ive ever had this much fun playing.

I love playing D...

https://media3.giphy.com/media/6ra84Uso2hoir3YCgb/200w.webp?cid=ecf05e47nqta8pdeq1h6mdraq8dcbkh69cfm 527b6sa51ak3&rid=200w.webp&ct=g

I definitely enjoy playing D more. Especially those front of the net or corner battles (less skating, more pushing!)

[jammer06]

So much D in this thread

[beedee]

So much D in this thread

Looks like many of us love playing the D!


I definitely enjoy playing D more. Especially those front of the net or corner battles (less skating, more pushing!)

It's all fun and games until the forward thinks they are playing in the NHL playoffs and slashes you two or three times in the legs and thighs...happened to me last week.

When I played in my youth, and then into my 20's I enjoyed the battles in front of the net. Now, I just let the mofo camp on top of the crease and I'll stand in front of him, or to the side. Its easy enough to just lift their stick when a pass or shot comes towards the net.