Nope, My Knees Weren’t Shaking
(click to enlarge)
(click here to view the game pics)
This was my first game since I hurt my knee. The last time I’d been on the ice was just over a week prior, for rat hockey, which is pretty different. It has its own type of pressure (when you’re the only goalie), but not the same type of pressure as in a game situation, such as keeping track of the score.
I was subbing for the Blue team, and since we were “away,” I figured that the black jersey already packed in my bag that I didn’t use because I didn’t end up going to my most recent Instructional League session would be fine. Plus, I was too lazy to drag out my one blue jersey. Little did I know that the Purple team actually wears black.
The Blue team only managed to score 1 goal, and in the last period. They’re normally much better than that — I should know — we lost to them in the very first game of the season (Week 1: The Turtles vs. Blue). Also, a few of them played together on the Powder Blue team in the Spring Mixer. Guess it was just an off night.
As for me, I’m trying not to blame myself for losing the game. Everyone on the Blue team said I did just fine and made some great saves, though I barely remember any, except for a kick save on which #04 Allison (who was a goalie in the Spring; forward currently) complimented me; and a glove save — the puck bounced right back out, but fell right in front of me and I was able to cover it right away. I really do need to strengthen my forearms so I can close my glove. Or maybe I just need a bigger one, but the problem with that is it may be too wide for my hand span.
In retrospect I think I was just rusty from not having played, because I seemed to get my groove back in the third period. Also, Brian’s stats are probably more accurate than the scorekeeper’s. Brian has a zoom lens after all. 
Brian
