Hrrrm.
Lets see.
I have to get better at updating these after every game.
Game three we lost to a team I felt we were better than. They played a bit dirty and got our better players a little rattled. I think the score was 3-1.
It was 0-0 going into the third. I wasn't on the ice for any goals against or the goal for. So my stats for game 3 would be 0 goals, 0 assists, 0+/-. As long as Im not losing the games for us, I'm doing something right, right?
Every game I have more time with the puck in the offensive zone. Im settling down more, looking at my options before passing. Developing chemistry with my linemates.
I play RW and the LW on my line is relatively new to hockey as well, its sounds counterproductive, but I think we actually play well together because I think we're at the same pace.
Last night was game 4.
We won 4-2, I think. Maybe 5-2, I dont remember.
I think I might get credited with an assist, but Im not sure yet. I got the puck in the slot and kind of fought for control, ended up chipping toward the goal, went off a skate and my center picked it up and shot it in the goal. So it wasn't a clean assist, but if I get credit for it I wont complain.
Last night some things really started to click, I just feel better. Not as nervous. Had a lot of pressure in the offensive zone, got set up around the net a few times. Tried to tip a point shot, thats harder than it looks, but I got a few whacks at the rebound to no avail. I feel like it's just a matter of time before I get a lucky bounce and Im sitting there in front of the net and put it in.
Last night I was very conscious of what I did the few hours before the game. I took a hot shower and ran my stairs in the back yard to warm up. I think it made a big difference. My legs felt quicker this week.
Still doing my classes every Sunday night.
I might have some video of last nights game soon.
I'm having a blast, I'm really glad I decided to do this.
Tuesday, January 31, 2012
Tuesday, January 17, 2012
Game #2: No Goals, No Assists, 4 Penalty Minutes
This time we won 7-3.
Getting more comfortable out there. The team we played was more my speed (not as good). On one shift, I saw the puck come around the back of the net, skated hard after it, ended up colliding with a guy from the other team along the boards, we were both somewhat out of control. I got a penalty for that, he got a penalty for cross checking me in retaliation. If I was sturdier on my feet, he probably wouldn't have gotten the penalty, cuz I went down pretty quickly.
Our line consisted of two brand new wingers, and a pretty good defensive center. So our goal was to just be an energy line. Get the puck deep, dont turn it over in the neutral zone, play good defense. Which I think we did okay with, but our D-men kept pinching and I was out there for two goals against because of outnumbered rushes.
I had some time with the puck in the offensive zone. Had two shots on goal, but nothing really close. Skated with the puck a little bit, but thats what need to improve the most. Played some good defense, used my stick to prevent a shot on goal on one odd manned rush against us.
I wasn't as gassed this time, but I was skating harder than last game. I sure am sore this morning.
Getting more comfortable out there. The team we played was more my speed (not as good). On one shift, I saw the puck come around the back of the net, skated hard after it, ended up colliding with a guy from the other team along the boards, we were both somewhat out of control. I got a penalty for that, he got a penalty for cross checking me in retaliation. If I was sturdier on my feet, he probably wouldn't have gotten the penalty, cuz I went down pretty quickly.
Our line consisted of two brand new wingers, and a pretty good defensive center. So our goal was to just be an energy line. Get the puck deep, dont turn it over in the neutral zone, play good defense. Which I think we did okay with, but our D-men kept pinching and I was out there for two goals against because of outnumbered rushes.
I had some time with the puck in the offensive zone. Had two shots on goal, but nothing really close. Skated with the puck a little bit, but thats what need to improve the most. Played some good defense, used my stick to prevent a shot on goal on one odd manned rush against us.
I wasn't as gassed this time, but I was skating harder than last game. I sure am sore this morning.
Wednesday, January 11, 2012
Was an inch away from ending this blog
Oh man. I feel 100 years old today, but playing hockey is a blast.
If I'm being honest, I have to admit that I was really nervous all day yesterday. Once the puck dropped, those nerves went away.
So our team is relatively new, we're a division 3 team in the Pasadena league. Division 3 is supposed to be the beginner division. I would say our team definitely fits that description, every forward line had someone who either hadn't played before or is coming back after a long layoff. The team we played last night did not fit that description. I'll leave it at that.
So we lost 5-1, but I almost made it 5-2 with about a minute to play.
The first two periods, I was kind of lost in the offensive zone. I wasnt sure if I should go to the corner or set up in front of the net. Our team captain told me to forget about the corner, since I was usually the last one to get down low, (damn these slow feet!) just go to the net. Once I did that, things started to make sense. With about a minute to go, my center went to the net and got a shot on goal, which rebounded right to me with a wide open net. Unfortunately I was turned sideways and had to corral it with my back had, and just swept it toward the goal. Missing the right post by an inch. I'll get the next one.
I think with a little bit more experience, I wont freak out when the puck gets close to me. I iced the puck twice, once was on purpose because the D-men were out of gas. The second one I tried to bank off the boards, but messed up the angle. I need to get more comfortable skating with the puck, especially skating it out of my zone. I think 2 of the 5 goals were scored while I was out there.
My stamina was okay, I get more gassed in my classes on Sundays, but I really need to skate more. Just getting to full speed quickly and stopping with confidence. Only tried skating backwards once, and I almost fell down. So I may not do that for a while.
As a whole, there is a boatload of room for improvement, but I think I did alright.
If I'm being honest, I have to admit that I was really nervous all day yesterday. Once the puck dropped, those nerves went away.
So our team is relatively new, we're a division 3 team in the Pasadena league. Division 3 is supposed to be the beginner division. I would say our team definitely fits that description, every forward line had someone who either hadn't played before or is coming back after a long layoff. The team we played last night did not fit that description. I'll leave it at that.
So we lost 5-1, but I almost made it 5-2 with about a minute to play.
The first two periods, I was kind of lost in the offensive zone. I wasnt sure if I should go to the corner or set up in front of the net. Our team captain told me to forget about the corner, since I was usually the last one to get down low, (damn these slow feet!) just go to the net. Once I did that, things started to make sense. With about a minute to go, my center went to the net and got a shot on goal, which rebounded right to me with a wide open net. Unfortunately I was turned sideways and had to corral it with my back had, and just swept it toward the goal. Missing the right post by an inch. I'll get the next one.
I think with a little bit more experience, I wont freak out when the puck gets close to me. I iced the puck twice, once was on purpose because the D-men were out of gas. The second one I tried to bank off the boards, but messed up the angle. I need to get more comfortable skating with the puck, especially skating it out of my zone. I think 2 of the 5 goals were scored while I was out there.
My stamina was okay, I get more gassed in my classes on Sundays, but I really need to skate more. Just getting to full speed quickly and stopping with confidence. Only tried skating backwards once, and I almost fell down. So I may not do that for a while.
As a whole, there is a boatload of room for improvement, but I think I did alright.
Tuesday, January 10, 2012
Wednesday, January 4, 2012
Lots to talk about
Ok, I know it's been a while, but I finally have something interesting to blog about.
Ive been taking my Sunday night classes in Culver City, did some stick time/pick-up over the holidays, blah blah blah....
Last night I attended tryouts for the Pasadena League and I think I'll be playing in my first real hockey game on Monday, maybe Thursday. We got a group together to form a new team, mostly guys I know or guys I've met before. Pretty excited. Glad I'm playing with friends, so I dont have to pretend I know what I'm doing. Hope to have some video in the next few posts. Thinking about using my helmet cam, but don't want to look like a huge nerd out there.
One more thing...
For Christmas I got signed up for Kings Fantasy Camp.
Heres the info on it
Looks like fun, its kind of nerdy, but Im somewhat nervous about being able to play with those guys. Hopefully I'll get some good tips to improve my game a bit. I definitely need to work on my conditioning, I want to be able get the most out of it as possible. I was totally gassed last night during tryouts, but to be honest I was skating harder than I ever had before.I think I might drop the gloves against McSorley.
Ive been taking my Sunday night classes in Culver City, did some stick time/pick-up over the holidays, blah blah blah....
Last night I attended tryouts for the Pasadena League and I think I'll be playing in my first real hockey game on Monday, maybe Thursday. We got a group together to form a new team, mostly guys I know or guys I've met before. Pretty excited. Glad I'm playing with friends, so I dont have to pretend I know what I'm doing. Hope to have some video in the next few posts. Thinking about using my helmet cam, but don't want to look like a huge nerd out there.
One more thing...
For Christmas I got signed up for Kings Fantasy Camp.
Heres the info on it
Looks like fun, its kind of nerdy, but Im somewhat nervous about being able to play with those guys. Hopefully I'll get some good tips to improve my game a bit. I definitely need to work on my conditioning, I want to be able get the most out of it as possible. I was totally gassed last night during tryouts, but to be honest I was skating harder than I ever had before.I think I might drop the gloves against McSorley.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)