Scorpions vs Xovers

Let me just say for the record that I think I hockeyed myself out this weekend. Is there such a thing? I went to sticktime on Sat morning. Then to women's practice on Sun morning and played the game that night. I'm having trouble walking and what in the hell is happening with my butt cheeks? I haven't felt this sore since Learn to Play class.
Sticktime was good. I worked on edges and passing and catching and facing the play and turns and shots. It is really nice of Jill to take the time to do this for me. I really want this to be the season that things come together, so I'm working really hard. She says that she notices a difference. Now I just need the team to notice.
Women's practice was a blast! Usually I get frustrated at first, but not this time. I was over with the newer skaters working on skating and it was kind of nice to be the more skilled one :) For the scrimmage I was always right wing and always with the same two girls. That worked out great as well. I had one bad moment when I panicked taking the puck in the offensive zone. After that I took it in a couple of times. I had some good passes and some good steals. There weren't too many people, so we were running a 1:1 rotation with the whistle being blown to change. Maverick was there and it was good seeing him again. Damn, he is fast. Every time I got the puck, he was right there stealing it away. One time I just yelled out no, and he let me take the shot. It was nice of him. At the end I got recognized as the most improved player of the scrimmage. I have to tell you, it was awesome!
Then to the game. I was a little nervous being back with the guys and Allegra. Especially after having played in the am. I was worried about having enough speed and stamina for the game. I was right to be worried. I tried my best, but sometimes when I went to move, I just didn't. Not much happened while I was on offense. Then because we were losing so badly, I got put on D with Fern. Hosanna!!! I love D. I love Fern. I think I played much better on D. I was more aggressive. Certainly got to do more. No goals against us and Dan scored while we were out, so that makes us +1 :)
That goal was the only one of the night, so we went down in flames....7-1. Horrible. Honestly, there was a bunch of standing around. There was bunching. There was puck chasing. There was not even trying to hold it into the offensive zone. Just a crap game all the way around. The only one busting their butt was Allegra. If I was her, I'd be pissed.
So now I've learned, not quite so much hockey in one weekend. Or, get in better shape!!!

Women's practice 9-30

It should really be called, women's practice along with non-puck hogging men players from the Silver league. I went with a good attitude, despite feeling in over my head last time. I was promised that there would be more women of my same level there, otherwise, I'm not so sure that I would have tried it again. The British guy who was the goalie last time was our coach. I think he's pretty cool, so no problems there. We had about 5 minutes to ourselves to just skate around and get warmed up. Then we took some shots on goal from the blue line. Yikes! That means slap shot. I was a little off on my aim, but didn't miss the puck, so that went ok. Then we had to do the horseshoe. One quick thing about drills....I can't just jump right in and guarantee success. Usually it takes me several when I go to Skills and Drills on Tuesday, before I feel comfortable. I didn't get a chance on the horseshoe, but I did throw a pass right before the whistle blew and it was horrible. Truly.
Next he wanted us to do a different form of the same exercise. We now had to take turns skating out with the puck, the carrier drops to the skater, then they attack the goal. I skated out, I lost the puck, I botched the drop and had to chase after the puck. Then I made a bad pass. Back in line and Jill is telling me that I did good. One thing really bothers me. When I know that I sucked and someone tells me just the opposite. Next time up, did better, but somehow something didn't go quite right, didn't hang out for the rebound as I was supposed to. Now I'm in temper tantrum mood. It happens in a flash at hockey when I'm surrounded by superior players. I just want to burst out crying and skate off the ice. It sounds so childish, but I get so embarrassed. I feel like everyone is watching me and judging me and asking themselves why I even play hockey and why I have to be their partner. One time I actually did things right and ended up with a goal. I didn't celebrate because our goalie says that is bad form. Really the whole thing is just to warm up the goalie.
The scrimmage had ups and downs. Sometimes on the ice I felt good. Like I was in the right place and did what I was supposed to. Others didn't go so good. I felt out of place and over my head. Ray was there, the guy I met at sticktime. I think others got a little annoyed by him because he was puck hogging. Hey, it was only his second skate that I know of. He'll get with it. Everyone is so quick to judge, that is why I get so nervous. Michelle gave me a compliment, so that was nice.
I actually skated with the puck twice. The first time, the opposite bench yelled at me to be more aggressive. If this had happened at the beginning of the scrimmage, I might have left. By then, I took it well. Later on, Josh the goalie sent me a pass, I skated it all the way in. Despite being forechecked 3 times. I know. Well, the third time it did get away from me, but the other team player passed it back. I took a horrible shot. Cora said good shot...Hate that. Tell me that my skate in was ballsy. Don't compliment my bad shot. Please.
The most interesting thing happened in the locker room. One of the guys from the SK's took the time to talk to me as I was walking out of the locker room. He asked me who we were playing. I explained that I wasn't playing tonight because of a split season so I could also play with the girls. Then he said, It was good playing with you. Blew my fucking mind. After I left I just kept thinking....did he mix me up with someone else? Was he just being really nice? And if he was, why? He doesn't need to be. He plays for the SK's. They move up from Bronze to Silver, make a new team and still kick ass all over everyone.
I want to believe that it was true. That maybe he did see something. A slight glimmer of skill perhaps? I have been working really hard. Mostly I just wonder why he took the time to talk to me. It was really cool of him.

Scorpions vs Flyers

About an hour right before the game, my stomach decided to lay siege to my entire body. Thank goodness for vicodin. I took a 1/2 a pill and after about 15 minutes, all was well in the world. I got to the rink about 25 minutes before the game. I was a little nervous that the sub that I picked up at sticktime would be waiting around for me. But nope. As I got dressed, I started wondering if he had decided not to show. Then we were dressed and waiting and still, no Ray. I apologized to Petah. Hey, he might have tried to text me, but my phone only gets calls. I was trying not to stress. Petah was trying not to get upset. Having to make changes in the line up was causing some discontent with the guys. I kept a watch out for him to walk in the front door as the Zamboni was finishing up. Thank goodness we were on rink 1.
Then, he appeared....hooray!!! I jumped up and down. Not in front of him. I told him which locker room we were in and then went to ask Petah about a jersey. Now, I'm excited!!! I'd like to say that I got a goal. That is the purpose of the blog. I'd like to say that I got an assist. I actually had a perfect pass to James in the middle, but no goal. Then there was the time that Adam was yelling at someone to get on the ice and I jumped in and got turned around and caused an off sides. Oops!
My sticktime acquisition got 2 goals. He is much too good for Bronze, but a little out of shape. Even so, he was hella sexy to watch skating around out there. There is nothing more attractive than someone who can skate who also has good puck control. More beautiful than any figure skating routine, hands down. Dustin, the phenom skater also got a goal. It is only his second game. Yes of course I'm jealous. Allegra was amazing, but no goals. It wasn't from lack of shooting, that's for sure. She was all over the place, as usual. She keeps saying that she is still getting used to being on the offense. I think that she looks like she was born to it. Not quite sure if James likes this or not. He is used to being the one in the spotlight and he is very much overshadowed by Allegra.
Bob had to make a point of saying that I'm doing great as a wing and it's the position for me. Well, for now it is. I've come to terms with it. But, I hunger for D. I know it is the place for me. So they can make me play wing, but they won't make me give up on D.

Just a random sticktime on a Saturday...

So I was supposed to meet Jill at sticktime this morning. She has agreed to work with me if I pay half of her way into sticktime....total bargain. While in the locker room changing, the guy next to me says how he just moved here from Minnesota or Wisconsin or some other such state in which you pop out of the womb and put on skates immediately. Of course my ears perked up! This is a guy without team. A guy with skills without team.
Well, Jill never made it, so I decided to just work on the stuff we worked on the last time. Now, I'm not an overly friendly person. In actuality, I'm shy. I'll talk to people, but only if approached first. This time, I was the approacher. I sidled up to the "new guy" and told him that if he wanted to, he could sub for us while he is trying to find a team. I schmoozed someone. I know, crazy. Then I guess I turned into Chatty Cathy, because I also talked to a goalie and Gary, who I see there from time to time.
After sticktime, the "new guy" started asking about subbing and if it would be possible tomorrow. He then wandered off and I thought he was gone. So I chit chatted with Cora for like a 1/2 hour about everything and hockey. Next thing I know, he is walking back down to the locker room.
"You are still here?" I asked. He had been in the pro shop yakking it up with Tony and buying shoulder pads. I got his number and since I'd left my phone at home, drove like a bat out of hell to get there. The reason that I was so excited is that Ricky Bobby was slated to sub on Sunday, so I wanted to see if he had confirmed or not. I called Petah in a mad rush, I'm sure he didn't understand a word I said. However, since RB had yet to say yes....my guy is in!!!
Keep your fingers crossed that this isn't a tragedy in the making. I mean, I was watching him out of the corner of my eye. He has skills. How bad could it be? I guess we'll find out tomorrow.
On another note....my inside and outside edges are improving. Even saying that I can start out on an outside edge is huge. I know. I should have been doing this long ago. Now I'm thinking about doing something that improves my balance outside of hockey. I hate yoga, but that might be the ticket.

Game one, season 3

And I'm not playing :(  I know, it is a tragedy. I thought I'd be ok playing a 1/2 season and working on my skills for the other 1/2 season. But I can honestly say that I'm having a hard time missing the game tonight. We are playing Colt 45, which is a re-worked team with several Silver players. Caveman Adam is out tonight, so Ricky Bobby is subbing in. I'm hoping that Petah calls me tomorrow for the play by play. Yes, I could have gone and watched. Even gone and watched and taken pics. I guess I just wasn't in the cheerleader mood.
I went this morning to sticktime and practiced basics with the women's hockey leader. Edges, stops...that sort of thing. More cardio is what I was thinking as I felt like puking. Or maybe that is because I didn't eat beforehand. Either way, I was so tired afterwards, I spent most of the day on the couch streaming live football on the internet. Love football!!! I watched the Bucs/Giants...heartbreaker for me. I really wanted the Bucs to take it. Then the Steelers/Jets and last, but certainly not least 49ers/Lions. I'm down a ton of points in my fantasy league and only have one player left. I think Powers has me this time. Does this make me Dr. Evil?
Planning to go to skills&drills again this week. I have a huge crush on the angry guy. Besides having some serious skills, he is just so angry. Women can't walk around like that. We get called--Bitch. It sucks. I'd like to trade places with him for a day and just walk around big and mean and angry and have no one be able to say a word about it. Maybe even get in a fight and punch someone square in the face. See, I could do that if I was his size. I've never been in a fight in my life. I even avoided sparring at taekwondo when I could.
So, until next week hockey fans.....

Preseason....we are under way, people!

Another season of hockey begins. I feel very different right now than I did at our team practice. I was all rage and angst and life is unfair. But, when is life ever fair? I started off the day playing with the girls. Except it was about 1/2 girls and 1/2 guys and only 6 per team. Yes, everyone was better than me. And I started feeling very frustrated. But then something interesting happened. I started off trying to play wing. Then somehow drifted back to D. Then the coach made me a center. What? So, something new, again. It helped. Kind of took my mind off of how I was feeling, which was lacking in skills and made me focus on where to be. I had some good plays--so the whole thing ended up ok.
I texted Captain Petah and told him that I was pretty tired. An hour long scrimmage with 6 per side? Who wouldn't be. He never responded, so I knew that I was still up. I'm sharing a season with Brian, so I thought maybe Pete would call him in. I'm on line one, so I started the game. I wasn't nervous. In fact, I think that playing center also helped me to feel more comfortable going back to wing. My line has El Capitan--which for the sake of the blog, will be known as James from here on out and Allegra. Let me just start out by saying that Allegra is awesome! I thought that it might be embarrassing for me to have to play with another girl who is clearly much better than I am. But in reality, it isn't. I have things to work on. She is a star. With all of the focus going towards her, I'm able to do what I can.
One word about playing with James. He is infectious. He has such drive, he is all heart out there. One of the best things is that he isn't picky at all. If you throw the puck anywhere in his general direction, he will get it. He guts it out. It is pretty amazing to watch. So maybe the position change is a blessing in disguise? I had fun tonight. I really had fun.
We played the newest learn to play class, with 3 added in experienced guys. We looked good. I thought we scored 7 goals, but the website says 6. Our new goalie had a shut out. Yes, it is easier to look good playing the newbies, but we had some great teamwork going on. Lots of passing. Nice line changes. And next week, Brian will be holding down the fort, giving me some practice time.
Interesting thing happened. One of the refs called me over during the game. I totally thought that I was in trouble. Really he just wanted to talk to me on break. I thought that meant after the game. When in reality he meant the break between periods. Anyways, he told me that since I'm small and light, I need to lower my center of gravity in order to skate better. I know...it always cracks me up when someone refers to me in that way. In my family, I'm the biggest girl. My dad called me Moose for heaven's sake. I did take a private lesson and we went over this at length. I think that in the excitement of the games, I totally forget.
So no goal tonight, but that's ok. They don't count in a preseason game anyways. Off to skills and drills on Tuesday for more learning. Hope the really angry guy is there again. I'm a fan :)

Skills and drills, or Kristin loses her temper

I know, I know, you are nervous already....and you should be. Skills and drills. Taught by my all time hated hockey coach ever. Should make for a fantastic time. Now, Adam is very excited about the whole thing. Being new to the team, Adam is excited about everything. I'm trying to encourage this for 2 reasons....#1- I'm hoping that it will rub off on me. #2- It drives Strunk absolutely crazy. Allegra, our new L wing was also going to be there. Coming from roller hockey for 15 years, I knew. She was going to be better than me and whatever, there just isn't anything I can do about that. In the locker room is also Bryan and James and what do you know, Ricky Bobby appeared as well out of the other locker room. We might have set a record for the most people from one team at a practice.
I'd have to say, that Jeff kept the whole thing moving quite well. I was in a medium angst like mood. Mostly due to the fact that I need more skills to succeed at the drills. But hey, at least I was there. Some things went well, some things did not. Allegra looked amazing. She did mention that she is transitioning from D to wing. Did I mention that Allegra looked amazing? Something set me off. I think it was the really crap ass pass that James fed me which was about 4 feet in front of me. I made sure to flip him off for that. I know, who am I? During one drill I grittily, is that a word? tried to pass the puck 3 times, got it stolen and recovered it all 3 times, ended up passing in front of the goal, got it back and shot on goal. Yep, it glanced off a skate and went in. I gave a small celebratory cheer. I'm struggling people, I needed something.
Then we divided into whites/darks to play a scrimmage. I ended up with James, Adam, Bryan and Ricky Bobby. I played a little Rwing to start and then it was Lwing for the next couple of times. So the third time out, I'm in the D zone on the correct side and in the correct place. The hardest part about this whole switch is knowing where to go. I keep wanting to go to the D placement, not the wing. So I'm surveying the action, I'm moving, not staying stationary. Looking for passing lanes. Covering the D when they end up with the puck. All of a sudden, all I can hear is yelling.
Now, I'm tired, I'm cranky, I'm feeling awkward and now someone is yelling at me. It is Bryan. This is the same exact douche bag who made Jordan's life a living hell last season. He yelled at him from the bench constantly. My fear in switching to wing was that this would be my fate. Picked on and made to feel dumb because I'm out of my element. Something in me snapped. I can brave a lot of things, but a bunch of things combined will best me. They will.
As Bryan is yelling, "Cover the point, Kristin....cover the point!" I left the scrimmage and skated over to the bench. Now, here it comes. If you are sensitive, please fast forward. "Who is yelling at me?" I asked. I knew  who it was, but wanted to be fair. Bryan looks at me and says, "It was me." Game on. "Shut the fuck up!" "You need to shut the fuck up, because I can't play when you are yelling at me." I know. I instantly achieved bitch status. Let me just say that I believe that I was sticking up for myself--not being a bitch. Bryan looked shocked. "Well, I was just trying to help." and in the heat of the moment, I think I said it again. "Just shut the fuck up!" Then I went to the other side of the bench, as the practice was now over.
James and Adam just looked at me. James asked me if I was ok. Not quite sure, but I think I said yes. So we are all in the same locker room. Awkward. When Bryan comes over, he tries to apologize. "I didn't mean to offend you." And I said to him, "I'm not going to spend all season being harassed like Jordan was" And that is how that cookie crumbled.
Yep, I'm sure that Pete will replace me now. He told me today that he has someone waiting. Sure, it was probably over the top, but just how much bullshit am I supposed to put up with? I'm angry. I'm really, really angry and everything just seems to be adding to it right now.