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I finally figured out how to make circles in PSP, but I obviously don’t know how to make it just an outline instead of filled in like that. The black thing is the puck, not the end of my stick, since I’ve retaped my blade with white instead of black tape. Makes it a lot easier to see the puck.
At least we didn’t lose as badly as the last time we played the Frozen Snappers (12 – 3), but this time #3 was playing as #32, and I believe #25 was playing as #1, though I could be wrong about the latter. Of course they kept passing the puck to #32, just like last time. I’m a little irked that their goalie’s save percentage ended up being higher than mine, but I made 35 saves! She only made 15. Actually, I’m very happy with my performance on Saturday, especially since I haven’t completely shaken this cold. One of my teammates who used to be a goalie ’til she hurt her knees, and a White team member who’s a goalie mom gave me a few tips at practice on Thursday, and they worked!
These were things I’m just not used to doing, but I did my best to incorporate them into the game and I stopped the puck. One was to hold my stick still even when the puck hit the blade instead of trying to redirect it; the other was to sit perfectly still when the puck’s underneath me somewhere, even if I don’t know exactly where. That way, the refs will blow the whistle. At one point, I even did a Hasek flop, which I never thought I was capable of doing, right on top of the puck. And yet, these women kept hacking at me! Katie “Schweigs” (Boba Fett to my Darth Goalie–that’s her in the top left corner BTW–blue pants, white helmet) had to yell at them to stop at one point. They ought to rethink their team name and consider calling themselves the Lumberjills. 
Too bad Brian didn’t get any shots of the times that happened, but Henry has it all on video. (~) He just needs to figure out how to upload them! :d (image from ESPN.com; read about the skate-in-the-crease controvery here–it’s the 5th one on the page of “Worst Calls in Sports History”) Speaking of bad calls, apparently the refs made a few Saturday night, like blowing the whistle when the puck was still two feet in front of the other goalie.
Also, according to my teammates, these women play rough and dirty and were just plain mean (with the exception of #18, who complimented me nearly every time I made a save). So I take back what I said about them being nice the last time we played them. The final score doesn’t reflect anything–we were the better team in sportsmanship, positioning, and passing the puck. We don’t have any puck hogs, that’s for sure! Well, we have two more games against the Lumberjills Snappers this season, and no matter what the scores may be, we’re still throwing those fish back into the pond they came from. (*)
See the latest game pics here.
I find it completely fascinating and kewl that you play hockey. Sorry you didn’t win, but I hope that you still enjoy yourself each time you go out on the ice.
It’s so apparent you’ve improved a lot. I’m glad you’re seeing how well you’re doing.
Woah! I’m really, really sorry that I’ve not been around for a while. I do love what you’ve done to your page and promise to come around soon. Just popped in to wish you a very Happy Christmas and New Year. As for ice skating, whenever I’ve tried it, I’ve always ended up with a sore bum, and to contemplate doing anything else like play a sport is just mind-blowing! Well done
Take care Mark
I am just amazed that you play hockey and it seems like a wild sport as well. I have been wanting to play hockey since I was young but never got a chance
Sid, thanks! We usually play in the northern suburbs, so if you’re ever interested in coming to a game and/or meeting in person, I’ll e-mail you. We won’t have another game ’til January, though. Of course we can meet for coffee before then–I’ll e-mail you.
jane, thanks! I’m not the only one who notices–my teammates certainly have, too, including the former goalie (who’s now a forward because she hurt her knees). And you know how I am: I need validation from other people, and even then I sometimes still don’t believe whatever it is. But I could just tell that I had a great game that night. (*)
Mark! I thought you’d disappeared altogether! Glad to hear from you again and hope you and your family are well–I wish you the happiest of holidays, too!
I’m actually afraid when I go to public skate sessions because I’m not wearing any padding. Those are the times I get hurt! But in hockey, we’re so well-equipped, particularly goalies–that when you fall, or if a puck hits you, it doesn’t really hurt. Unless I play with men–I left a pick-up game with a slightly bruised arm from a slapshot–but I stopped the puck! Even that wasn’t nearly as bad as when I fell one time while at public skate!
chas( e ), it’s the greatest sport on Earth! Did you grow up in the PI? Not many hockey opportunities there, right? Last time I was there was in 1996, and I remember skating in a rink inside some mall.
BTW, are you going by “chase” now? I thought it was a typo on the last comment you left, so I edited it. Just let me know, and I’ll change it back.