They’re really hard to find. Especially good ones. I know this to be true, because I used to be a drummer, and bands were always looking for one. I was a much better drummer than a goalie (for now!), but just over a week ago, I was asked by another team (equivalent to our Blue team) to sub in their game tomorrow night. Since they aren’t playing against us, I agreed in order to get as much game situation experience as possible.
I was forthcoming with my coach and teammates about this. My own team’s game this weekend isn’t ’til Saturday, which I can still play in, but we all agreed to give our back-up goalie a chance in the net. This means that for tonight’s practice and Saturday’s game, I will once again be playing right wing.
However, a few nights ago I received an e-mail from the other team to say they no longer need me on Friday. I notified my coach and our back-up goalie to see if I could play the net this Saturday, but we had already agreed otherwise, and fair’s fair. I’ll admit that I’m a little disappointed that I won’t be playing goalie for my own team this weekend, but it’ll be fun to play my old position, though I’m very much out of practice. Still, I surprised myself and did all right at the pre-season scrimmage, so it should be fun.
Some of my old winger highlights include scoring a goal against Bowling Green in the first game of my first season at Ohio State back in 1999. Brian had just walked into the game as I scored–we weren’t quite dating yet, and I was surprised that he showed up! I think I may have only played one other game as a forward. At least the one I remember was playing Michigan against whom I got a shot on goal! I didn’t score, but it was Michigan! They’re really, really, REALLY good, and my team played at an even lower level than Tigers Orange! Most of our team members had never even worn skates before! Well, the Ohio State club team’s a completely different story now.
Anyway, I guess this is all a testament as to how well I’m really doing. I should remember this when I begin to feel down and depressed (like right now). I mean, it wasn’t all that long ago that I could barely even make it out of the house, let alone skate.
I was playing goal last week for the first time this season. We had one player come out that works on ice for an NHL team, and he skated by, patting my pads after another goal had just gone in.
“Don’t let it bother you,” he said.
I replied, “The goal this week is not to get hurt. NEXT WEEK, I’ll try stopping shots.”
I wonder if he ever heard that in the big leagues?
I’d be disappointed about not playing Friday & not being goalie Saturday, too. But I’m anxious to hear how you do at the other position.
You played hockey for a university! I didn’t know that. Damn, it’s no wonder you’ve got no fear..at least you don’t show it. Barb, I wont even put on rollerskates for fear of falling, muchless ice skates.
I can’t wait to hear about your Saturday game.
USELESS MAN, good story. I was sort of thinking what you were the first time I played with guys a few weeks ago–concentrating on not getting hurt! (*) Thanks for stopping by.
jane, playing for Ohio State sounds more impressive than it really was, trust me. I can’t even begin to tell you how bad we were. It’s all described here (which is actually the last link in the post).
Me, I’m afraid to rollerblade because if I run over a pebble, I’m totally terrified that I’ll wipe out completely and wiping out on pavement is nothing like falling on ice. For one thing, concrete has much less give. I do own a pair of hockey rollerblades. I’m just too much of a chicken to use them. And they don’t have brakes like regular rollerblades, so I’d have no idea how to stop!