Covering the puck.
Like the last time we played the Glacier Vixens, it was a close game. The first time we played them I was a forward and our back-up goalie was in the net. We tied 3 – 3, and that was a very exciting game. You should really read the post I wrote about it if you haven’t already. The Vixens are, so far, the only team we’ve played that truly matches us in terms of skill level. No ringers or anything like that. Also, I know a few players on their team and they’re just a nice group of women so I, personally, enjoy playing them.
At one point, we were actually ahead by one, I think. Not counting the scrimmage we played in a couple of weeks ago, that was the first time we were ever ahead in a game, so it was really exciting! Even though we lost, as a team we played really well.
Of course, being who I am, I’m still going to beat myself up for letting in that last goal. There were maybe two goals that I should have been able to stop easily or rather, normally I would have been able to, but it just didn’t happen for me last night. However, I still feel that I played well and made some great saves.
OMG–there was a really close one where the puck was in the corner on my stick side (right). I lost my balance and fell on my ass, and on a part of my pants that aren’t as well padded as the rest so I was feeling a little bit of pain and trying to ignore it. The other team got the puck out from the corner…it slid into the crease (the half circle in front of the net)…and I managed to reach behind me to cover it before it went into the goal! If only there were a video camera above the net to catch that!
My mom even came to the game last night, which was the first time she’d ever been to a hockey game. She’s never even sat through one on TV except for highlights on the news! I think she had a good time. She came out with the team for food and drinks afterwards, and everyone enjoyed meeting her. 
For the Snappers game pics, click here, and for the Vixens game pics, click here.
As always, I’ll end the post with an action shot. This was from the game on the previous night against the Snappers. Though it looks like I’m about to make a stacked-pad save, in which a goalie slides onto the ice and literally stacks his/her leg pads, I’m probably only capable of doing that by accident. For now. 
Sounds like fun even though you don’t win! Something to get the old ticker pumping, eh…:D
I don’t think I could stand there in that goal as pucks came flying at me. You are a better goalie than I (*)
You need the Vader helmet. Then forget about having to stack pads… they’ll be stacking bodies.
You know, this hockey thing is really working out for you.
Question… does the exercise and physicality make you feel any better?
Yay Barb!! A tie — wish I could have been there to cheer you on.
KG, yeah, especially since I usually see a lot of action in my zone! :d
Mr. Fab, you get used to it. I’m padded up pretty well, too, so I’d only get hurt if the puck happened to hit me in one of the very few spots where there isn’t much padding–like on my butt. Anyway, most women, at least the ones we’ve played, can’t shoot that hard.
I did take a slapshot from a guy while playing rat (pick-up) hockey (which is all men except for me) recently, and that left a nice bruise on my arm. I’ve been hurt worse, though, simply falling on the ice during a public skate session where I was just wearing clothes like everyone else. But hey–I pwnd that dude’s shot and impressed the guys!
Dawgg, I do, I do, I know! The bodies would especially be stacking up if I replaced my stick with a lightsaber! :d Or, I could just play like Ron Hextall and beat people up with my stick, instead.
But how cool would it be if I could stop a puck with the palm of my hand?
That would mean that at least one of my defense(wo)men would have to have her helmet painted like Boba Fett’s. For those of you who have no idea what I’m talking about, watch (or re-watch) ESB. (~)
dan, yes, it is really working out for me. With the exception of rat hockey since there’s no commitment there, it’s the only thing I can force myself out of the house to do, even when I damn well don’t feel like it, like this past weekend. When I’m on the ice, for some reason, I can block everything else out of my mind and just concentrate on watching the puck and placing my body in front of it when I have to. I always end up having fun, even when we lose. Well, of course it’d be more fun if we won. (*)
Going to the gym usually elevates my mood, too, but lately, because of all the crap that’s been going on, my mood plunges almost as soon as I walk out of the health club. After hockey practice or a game, I manage to hold on to the endorphin high a little longer. In general, though, the physical activity I’ve been involved in since September has helped to beat down the depression. Lately, it’s been harder to push myself to work out, but since Brian and I usually go together, we try to encourage one another.
April, actually, we tied them last time. This time we lost by one frickin’ goal… ;(