My New Personal Trainer

Yep, that’s Basil.

First Time Back on Ice

This past Saturday I got up the courage to play rat hockey with guys. Brian came with me to watch and help me carry my bag, so that helped. Fortunately, I knew a few of the guys there because I played rat with them over the winter. Unfortunately, I was the only goalie, which is tough and confusing! The teams were divided between those wearing black and/or red jerseys, and white jerseys, including a dude in a dark green jersey.

After one team hits the post on the empty net on the other end of the rink, then they become my team and defend me. Or something like that. Even though there weren’t that many players, the game just goes so much faster than a women’s game — no offense against women, certainly. These guys can also shoot the puck a lot harder than most women. Jesus, they had me tired out after warming me up!

Although rat lasts for 1-1/2 hours, I only lasted 45 minutes, partially because my knee was kind of burning and I’m not sure if it’s because of my new knee brace or not. And the fact that I was the only goalie, there are no periods, so I didn’t get a chance to rest at all! But I did it! I went out there in spite of my anxiety the night before (for some reason I didn’t feel so anxious Saturday morning), and played.

Here’s a little sample. I’m wearing a pink jersey, surprise, surprise! I made the save from the guy in the black jersey on the left side of the screen, and #8 in the green jersey who skates away with it, as I said, is actually on the white team, which I was on during this particular play. Told you it was confusing! To replay the video, click on the bottom right where it says “menu” then hit “replay.” Otherwise it’ll play it on an even tinier screen. Enjoy!

And Now for Something Completely Different…

I can no longer blow off my knee injury. I’m having it X-rayed this weekend, which means I can’t play rat hockey with friends tomorrow or in my game on Monday. Well, maybe I could because I see the PCP Monday afternoon, but I’ve already asked someone to sub for me. I, of course, am convinced that I may never play again.

In any case, here’s something I’ve never done before — posted a video. This was taken with Brian’s camera phone through a glass window from the bar above the rink. Though this is supposed to be an instructional league, all levels are welcome, and the majority of the white team’s players have stronger skating, shooting, and puck handling skills. Some have (to me) obviously play(ed) together.

I’m on the black team, jersey #1, of course! Be sure to turn the volume up a tad for the soundtrack. Heehee. I think it was coming from the bar, but somehow the song, R.E.M.’s “The One I Love” seems appropriate, mainly the second chorus. The play I make comes really quickly in the beginning of the video. The huge (to me), white player takes a shot on me. It’s a scrimmage, so there’s no stoppage in play. Did I mention this is a co-rec league?