and season is beginning

OK, well, the break was a helluva lot shorter then i thought it was gonna be. At least for one team anyway. 8 days. From one session to another. Eh, guess its OK, but sure thought we were going to get a break at least until after Christmas.
I decided to do the quiet goalie thing, walked in with head phones in, music blaring in my ears, go dressed from the waist down, and with about 5 minutes left, i finished dressing, went out to the ice, stretched by myself, warmed up the entire time, and then the game started. Did accept a beer before the game in the locker room.
First period i think i had 2 shots on me, and both were more of a shortstop style stop. Did break a damn thumbnail (bent it back and it was bleeding). At the first break, i didn't talk to anyone at the bench, although i damn sure wanted to remind them to NOT throw the puck back up the middle blindly. Seems as if they like doing that. Second period was mostly uneventful, although i was proud of the wrap-around attempt that i stopped. I cant remember why, but i was down on my knees, and i knew he was going to try and do the wrap-around so i just dove back across the crease, laid my stick tight with the post, and sure enough, whack, right into the stick. Shockingly (to me) my bench didn't even make a noise when i did it.
Third period was kinda boring, although i almost blew the shutty when i left the crease and tried to play the puck. Good thing for me, the guy missed the net.
Thinking a shut-out is a great way to start the new season. We play again next week, 2 days after Christmas, so maybe I'll having something more to write about then too.

Job interview went well. Hoping to hear more this week. I'll keep y'all updated.

Have a wonderful Merry Christmas!!

Season is over (thankfully)

Well, for both my teams, the first half of the season (which they call the fall season) is over. For one team it is a welcome break. Suspensions, half the team never showing up, going 0-8-2.....
One of the things i don't understand is that if you pay that much money, but then only show up for 2-3 games, what the hell is the point of that? granted, its their right to do that, but jeez, maybe I'll start a team and no one shows up and i keep that money? LOL
the last game, we had 8 skaters, again, and we lost 9-2. It gets so frustrating when i make the first 3 saves, only to have the other team have 4 skaters basically on top of me and finally put it in. Makes me wanna scream at my defense and ask them just where the hell they are and why do they think they get to sit and watch? Oh well, its fun, and i HOPE its at least making me better. We don't have another game until January sometime, which is a nice break.
The other team, well, we ended the season by tying. Again. But at least when we played the top teams, we either lost by 1 or tied, so its a lot of fun. I really need to work on centering myself on the puck when they shoot (again). We start the second season in a week. Sigh.
After a long decision making process, and much mental exertion, i have decided to take the entire summer AND winter off next year to allow my back to hopefully heal somewhat. Doctor told me i have a partially torn disk, bulging disk that pushes on a couple nerves, and arthritis, so after the 3 on 3 tourney in march, i am going to take a break until the following march.

have a job interview tomorrow (actually, i think 2) so wish me luck!

And......Done

As some of you know, i have been in the U.S. Army for the last 21 years. This past friday was my final and last official day in uniform. I am currently sitting on my couch, watching hockey highlights, drinking a beer and have absolutely no idea what i will do tomorrow other then whatever i want to do.
I will say, it is somewhat nerve wracking knowing that part of my life is over. Not gone, just time to move onto something else. What a ride it was, but as all the other retired folks i have worked with told me, "you'll know when its time to call it quits." And, it was. I may write a longer post at a later date and kinda fill ya'll in on what exactly i did, where i did it, and such. (first i have to check a couple different countries statue of limitations for admitting some things..LOL)

Had a couple games these past weeks. Lost them all, but had a good time. Stopped another penalty shot so i am now 2 for 2 on those. Tweeked my knee doing that butterfly thing, so taking it easy this week. Feel like i am tracking the puck better, noticing things that are happening, but my damn mind wont shut up. As things happen, my brain likes to discuss what is happening, what could of happened, what should have happened etc, and it pisses me off. Thinking i need to find a way to shut it up. Decided to keep playing for both teams, at least for the rest of this season. I have decided to talk to the summer off completely, and possibly next winter as well. Body needs time to heal, brain needs a break, gonna have to figure out what i am gonna do with all this free time and see who i can find that wants to pay for me for a second career i guess.

Hope all is well with everyone.

frustrated

Last couple games on my one team has been very frustrating. For some reason, the guys on the team seem to be more interested in roughing the other team then playing, and maybe even scoring. So far in the last two games, we have managed to get 5 guys kicked out, lost 7-2 last game, and 4-1 in the previous game.
Last game, i almost decided to skate off the ice, and basically quit. Figured hell with it, they don't wanna play for fun and just enjoy the ice time, then why the hell should i? However there were a few guys still trying from the looks of it, so i figured i would too. Made me feel better anyway.
Looks like so far we have at least 2 guys suspended for multiple games. Awesome.
We have a roster of 14 guys, we had 8 skaters last time, and it seems as if the number keeps going down every game. I understand they pay for their season, and can decide if they don't wanna show up, but i know if i were to just not show up, there would be hell to pay. For some reason, i get lit up every game with these guys, and yet, i am supposed to make 50-60 saves and keep us in the game when my guys can manage to get 5-10 shots in the ENTIRE F******G game on the other goalie.
Well, at least we have 2 weeks off, maybe I'll be excited to play with this team again. Doubt it but its still hockey right?

Hope y'all have a great weekend filled with food, friends, and family.
Happy Thanksgiving!!

Away

have been playing fairly constant the last couple weeks. Won some, lost some. Got lit up like a Christmas tree on friday night. Eh, it was fun at least, and somehow the guys said they played their best game of the season. To me, it didn't appear that way. But, that's from a net minders view, not the skaters view, so i will let them have that. On a personal note...i did STOP a penalty shot! WOOHOO for me! He tried to draw me out and committing, but the one thought in my head (from reading all the articles and tips from all my favorite sites) was to be patient and let him make the moves. He did, tried to go to his right, which of course is his strong side and i crushed it with my pad. Man that was awesome. I fully support this league going to shoot-outs to break ties. LOL

Trying to find out how long i will be down from back surgery. Had an MRI on my lower back 2 weeks ago and the doctor called me on Friday evening and to sum it up (and the way she started the conversation) "Its not good at all"
So evidently i am going to be having surgery on my lower back in the next month or so, depending on when the army can fit me in. That SUCKED telling the team. But i am hoping since we have a 2 week break several times, to fit it in. Guess we will see what the doc says.

One question i have for other tenders: Can the ice seem to be slicker on some nights then others? As in when i tried to knee shuffle across the crease, it felt as if the ice was coated in grease. Also, my skaters seemed to be falling down a lot more then normal, and it just felt wonky. Maybe its just me.

Holy Ejection!

I had two games this weekend, both on friday night. First game we won, 3-2, however, i let a soft goal in and it was all my fault. Instead of covering the puck, i decided to play it, and of course, gave it right to a opposing player who then decided to bury it in the back of the net. DAMN IT! But, its all good, as we won. This week i wont be so soft or generous.

The other game...holy crap. Last time we played this team, we lost 8-4. Not a great way to start the season, but we were missing our ringer, and some other people. Thought maybe this time it would be different. We did lose, 5-1 but good googly moogly, was it an ugly loss. My team had 4 guys kicked out, the other team had 1 ejected. No fights, but for whatever reason, the guys on my team decided they didn't like the idea of their two young ringers lighting us up again. So, they decided to push, elbow, rub out on the wall whatever they thought they could do to slow the kids down. Now, i am there for fun, beer, exercise and to play hockey. I am NOT there to fight, cuss, get mad, or do stupid things. Its called "Beer league" for a reason. With 6 minutes gone in the third, and our 4th guy kicked out, i felt like packing up my gear and leaving myself. Found out i wasn't the only one feeling that way. It was crazy and stupid. Even had one guy go after the ref (which he didn't make clear who he was going after) yelling "whats your name?!?!" Several of us were thinking and trying to tell  him..."its on the back of his jersey..."
We play that team again in November, and yeah, already heard some of the guys saying, "oh, its on then!".
While talking in the bar afterwards, i brought up the point that the other team has some guys that just put their head down and go, never look up, never look around until they get in front of the net, and their not great skaters. So USE that. MAKE them knock you down, sure, play it up, COUGHDIVECOUGH, and after they get 3 penalties, THEY can get kicked out. Don't use your anger to do something stupid, use your head and make them pay.

Anyway, hopefully the 4 guys that got kicked out aren't suspended for 2 games, there wasn't any fighting. It sucks looking over at the bench and seeing 2 spares.

Its raining, the sun is shining, and the wind is blowing about 50 mph. Fun times.

Double Header

Its friday! And shockingly enough, i have the entire weekend off. Usually i work for an auction house on the weekend. It ruins the whole "recharge and recoup" from the week, but its nice extra money and like last night, i bought a million volt stun gun/flashlight. Yeah, let the damn kids get close enough next time they think they can egg my house. (also found out where i can buy bean bag rounds for my shotgun...).
Anyway, got started doing the auction thing a couple of years ago when the missus was working for a home improvement place and was working alot of hours, so i figured why not, its something to do, and extra money for the hockey/Harley fetish.This weekend, i am off from all things so the plan is to drink beer, watch hockey, football, and play with the grand kids.
Also, recover from the double header i have tonight. Goalies here, (much like the rest of the country I'm sure) are in short supply, and as such, we tend to play for more then one team. Tonight is the rare night i have both teams playing. Lucky for me, one is at 9 and the other is 1045. Its about a 15 minute drive from rink to rink, so hopefully first game is over at 945ish and i can get to the other rink by 1030. Don't plan on strippin down much, other then chesty, leg pads, and skates, and getting the Subaru Beater With  Heater up to ludicrous speed on the hiway.
Another good thing about it, is the fact that the higher league plays first, so hopefully the second game will be easier. And hoping i am warmed up enough and have enough energy. Plan is to gorge myself on spaghetti to carb load. Seemed to help last time i played in the tuesday night fast scrimmage.
Also, the second game is at the rink with a bar. YAY! "hi honey, comesh and gets me. Yesh dear, i'll sleep in da roo. loves you!"

In the zone

Played last night with a group of people that play A LOT faster then the normal beer league folks i play with. This is the same group that i wrote about last week, where the douche-canoe tried the "pick up the puck and spin around and launch it" thing.
I was in the zone so bad, i thought they were taking it easy on me. Seriously, i even asked a couple of the guys why they were taking it easy on me after we were done. Other then one guy that has a cannon for a slap shot, (beat me twice over the glove, but i DID force him to hit a plate size hole over the shoulder) i didn't give up many goals. No easy ones anyway. For whatever reason, it felt as if i barely broke a sweat, nothing was hurting, and it was a blast. Here's hoping friday night (2 games YAY) is like that.
I have a play list i like to listen to every time i play, and its kind of my routine each time, but here lately i think i need to change it up. I like to have a certain song in my head when i play, but sometimes i feel as if it is letting me get too relaxed and not in the correct frame of mind. Last actual game i played, i had to force myself to get pumped up and into it. It may also have something to do with life in general, which is kinda weighing me down, so its nice to go out and just play, with a clean sheet of mental ice and let the brain coast along in neutral and let the body respond.
One thing i noticed last night that i have been meaning to ask other goalies. When their team has the puck behind your net, off to the side about 2 feet, along the wall, how often do they try and flip or pass the puck to their player in front of your net? Does anyone else think its such a great feeling to just catch the puck in the air and deny them that chance? I've noticed that its a common thing here in my beer league, so just wondering if its me that notices it or if it happens a lot.

Off to take the step kid to her post op checkup. She had a chunk of glass removed from her foot 2 weeks ago that had gotten lodged in there when she had a bad car wreck with a guy friend. More on that later (maybe).

Weekend

Had a game friday night. We are struggling as a team, first two games were losses, then we tied. Last game....we frikkin tied 4-4. No OT, no shootout...just tie.
Worst part? Half way through the 1st period...we were up 4-0.
First and second goal i gave up, they were screened shots, and although i got part of my arm on the first one, it wasn't enough to change the direction much. Second one, i just plain didn't see.
third one beat me by an inch just past the end of my pads, i will say that she had a lucky shot. Fourth one..30 seconds left in the game, they had pulled their goalie, and it beat me by again, an inch just past the knob on my stick.
Frustrating. however, it is showing that we are doing better each week, and hopefully soon we can notch that first win. (God, i hope so, i feel as if i am losing each game for the team, even though they tell me i give them a chance to win it. But, its a fun workout)

In other news, i am closing in on retirement one day at a time. (wow that's a stupid statement, how else would i be doing it?). Waiting for my acceptance into the college here for nursing. Will see how that goes. Kinda nerve wracking to know that in about 120 days, i will be "Retired". at 40. Kinda good, but at the same time, its like moving out of my parents home (again). I will be on my own, for EVERYTHING. But, i will be able to spend time on the couch, in my pajama's and drinking beer. Right? Isn't that what you do when you retire? Oh, and play in the garage.

Anyway, its monday. It is showing me every indication that a zombie Apocalypse would be a good thing today.

First Loss

Lost our first game last night. 3-2 (in the higher league, i play in two different leagues). ANCRD is the team name, as that's who sponsors the team.
Felt tired, and empty from the Tuesday night skate. Thought i would be recovered by then, but not so much. Note to self, if playing in the Tuesday night game, CARB LOAD like a mofo! Also, need to get the skates sharpened. I noticed when i was warming up that the edges were gone, and it actually prevented me from getting a save as i couldn't push off well enough to my left, and yep, tooooo slow to stop the rebound from going in. As i have another game tonight, (COSTCO FIRE, we are 0-2-1 but am hoping this team gels soon) i am going to have to go get the skates sharpened again.
I have been using 5/8th" here lately, and i sure like it. Just depends on  how much i play on how often i get them resharpened. But i won't make that mistake again.
Also, SEAL THE POST!!! i let one in because i left some daylight between my right hip and the post, and sure enough, the little bugger banked it in off my hip after the face off. Pissed me off and I'm pretty sure my DMEN heard me yelling at myself (not actually yelling, but self correcting my deficiency).
(Is DMEN supposed to be all caps? i actually should research this...)

Well, don't look for much else this weekend. Hope all is well with you and yours.

Liking Luongo

Roberto Luongo is in a full blown crap storm and i don't think he realizes it. How else do you describe his life? He has a gold medal from the Olympics, came ever so close to winning the Stanley Cup, and by all accounts his team should be in the thick of the hunt for it again this year.
However, while winning the gold medal for team Canada, he had to endure watching the losing goalie earn MVP honors. When Roberto was shown receiving his medal, it looked as if he was receiving one for just being on the team. (at least to me. He looked bummed)
While coming ever so close to winning Lord Stanley's Cup, he watched as the other goalie received nothing but praise and again, MVP honors, along with the Cup, all the while even he was praising Tim Thomas, yet getting nothing in return. (Not that Thomas needed to be his biggest supporter, i mean it IS a contest).
So now what does he do? Luongo is one of the best in the business of stopping pucks. Other then the odd practice of being on his belly more then needed and giving up a goal to oh, anyone who can get the puck off the ice, which seems to be a common ability in the NHL, unlike my beer league. He seems to have been changing his style a little each year, which ok, i understand that you have to refine your technique all the time. No one in between the pipes is a complete and total master of everything goalie. Yes, Timmy came damn close last year, but that was a record setting year.

It seems to me as if he has a couple options:

1. Say to hell with the goalie coaching and just relax and play. Yes Roberto, it is a game. Enjoy it, relish in being paid a stupid amount of money for something i do on a Friday night at 10 pm, after a full day of work, all for the glory of bruises and MAYBE a small plastic trophy at the end of the year. His talent got him here. He needs to just use it.
2. Retire. Take some time off, recharge his batteries, maybe find another team that would pick him up after a year off. (I don't know if that's possible with his contract or not)
3. Void his own contract and ask for a trade. I am SURE there is a team or two that would do what they could to get his level of talent.

As it is right now, it's almost painful to watch him play. He looks miserable in net, seems to be waiting for something bad to happen, and when scored upon, his body language looks like a puppy that is waiting for the newspaper come down on his back.

These are just the thoughts of a horrible, beer-league, barely playing for 3 years goalie. But i hope he figures it out soon.

Bear with me

Ok, so am playing around with the layout and all that. Here's some pics to keep you entertained. (least they make me laugh)

Fill in the blank

Filled in for a buddy this week at a rink close to home. I've played there before, and its a lot of fun as the guys and couple gals are very good skaters, and aren't afraid to pop off a slapper at me. I had to really psyche myself up for this one, as the leagues i normally play in are somewhat slower. Figured it would really help me get ready for the two games i have Thursday and Friday night.
There is one guy who is pretty good, and has embarrassed me before there, so of course, the first shot i face after warm-up is him, on a break away. He does the "cool" thing of picking the puck up on his blade, spinning around and then launching it at the net, about chest high. Watching him do this, i realized "no wonder NHL Guys get flamboozled by this" as i was somewhat out of position, to my right, and when he went to throw it at the net, somehow, my glove was there, waiting like a shortstop in baseball for that line drive. Poink, right into the glove, just like i knew what i was doing. Everyone on the ice gives a big "AHHHAAA-WHOOOAAA" and all i could do was smile. Did cross my mind to say something to him like "here, want another try?" but i knew it would make him school me more later. Needless to say, he didn't speak to me the rest of the night.
Halfway through the hour game, i realized i was woefully out of shape and under-hydrated. I play there next week again as my buddy is in South Carolina playing golf. Will have to make sure i drink (water this time) before hand.
Game tonight, and tomorrow night. Always fun having back to back games like that. Doesn't help on the ol' spine, but hopefully getting a shot in the spine soon and that always help.
Ok, thinking this is long enough.

Update

Ok, gave ya'll (aka NO ONE) the quick version of the update. Now i figure i will attempt to remember the past 4 years, and tell the stories. Sooooo, here goes:

Finished up the advisor role in Iraq in March 2008. Didn't lose anyone from the team, one interpreter did lose his life while i was on leave. Ghost, (his nickname we gave him when we met him, quite possibly a horrible decision) thank you for fixing my computer after my dumbass spilled coffee all over it. I'll never forget you.

Returned to Ft. Riley, Kansas (ick) and was promptly told that i would be staying there until my orders for Alaska kicked in which was July. Sooo, let me get this straight, I'm stuck in Kansas without my family for the next 3 months, after spending the last 14 months without them, all because the Army says i have to? OK, then. I called the personnel manager at Polk, which told me to come down, and they would find me a job. I did, got assigned to the Casualty Assistance Center. Which, in case you don't know, deals with the families of soldiers that get killed and wounded in country. So, needless to say, it was probably not the best choice for me, however, it was a great learning and rewarding experience. Also made a life long friend.

We decided to drive to Alaska. In my truck. With 2 cats. Not in cages. We stopped and looked at the Grand Canyon. Stopped at my parents house for 3 days, and then hit the Al-Can Highway. I will say this: the girls took sleeping in tents, grilling out, and showering in campgrounds extremely well. Maybe I'll post pictures from the journey later.

Got here in Alaska on July 1st. Turned out to be one of the wettest summers in Alaskan history. Awesome way to start with wowing the family about the wonders of Alaska.

Found a house, found the wife's job location, found my office, etc.

Since i have been here this time for over 3 years, i have been to Japan 3 times, Hawaii 6 times, Kansas, New York, California, and all over the state. An old friend lives in Fairbanks, have visited him and his kick-ass wife several times, another old friend is now stationed here as well.

Been some up and down moments with the family. Stressful times, fun times, and it seems as if we have most of it figured out now.
I have started playing hockey. OK, honestly, i now am obsessed with hockey if you ask my family. I mean, it's normal to wear your favorite team jersey and hat while listening to the radio and drinking beer right? Even in the off season? I play goalie, which i did in California when i was stationed there, albeit roller hockey there, and am now convinced it is the absolute hardest position in sports. I love it. Most people ask why would i want to get in the way of that frozen, hard as a brick, rubber puck going well in excess of 50 miles an hour on purpose, and i tell them, its OK, i have a lot of gear on....
I am now retiring after 21 years of playing Army. I registered yesterday to go to school full time to become a nurse. Yes, a nurse. Not sure if i have the legs for those little white skirts though. I am actually excited to do it. The blood and guts portion doesn't thrill me, but it won't be the end of it either. Thinking i might get into the neonatal portion and work with newborn children. Evidently i am a sucker for emotional jobs. Either that, i am going to check into becoming a hand model.
Ok, i think that is enough for now. Wait. My beer league(s) have started, and i will try to keep this updated with my success or lack of while playing goalie. Have a game tonight, so right now am DVR'ing the Oregon-Cali game, and also the Bruins-(EFFING) Flyers game.
Whew, my fingers are tired now.

(awesome, the spell-check tried correcting the "Flyers" to "Flayers")

HOLY CRAP

Holy moly. I have been reading all kinds of blogs and such, and trying to convince the wife she needs to start one of these, and it triggered that i have one. Yes, i realize its been 4 years since i filled this out. Oops.
Don't know if i should try to fill in everything that has happened or not. Thats alot of stuff.
Short version (for now).

I live in alaska.
Been married for 5 years.
Brought 2 teens with us, now 3 live with us.
Have 4 grandkids, 2 live with us for now.
Finished with 86 jumps, (also 3 herniated disks, and a bulging disk in my back from them)
Am retiring in February after 21 years in the U.S. Army.

Thinking i will continue this. More frequent posts anyway.