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.

The practice

Yes, I was nervous going in. I'm not too happy about the choice to move me from D to right wing. I finally felt like I was contributing and I love playing with Fern. That being said, here we go. Mike pulled into the parking lot right after me. The head start only lasted until the locker room. No, I'm not going to detail this every time. But this is the first time. He talked to everyone else. He didn't even look at me. Now, I'm not sure where he was going with this behavior, but I found it mean. One of the last things he did say to me before going into silence again, is....will you still talk to me at hockey? I guess he meant that I was supposed to make the effort. Sorry. My efforts are done with you selfish creature. It's a break up people. I get to be snarky just for this one post.
We then all congregated in a party room at the rink where the two coaches did a kind of Q & A with a white board. They were all poised to reconstruct our offense when it became apparent that we were really back at square one. The break out.
So, we got dressed and headed to the ice. I was headed to a line and noticed Mike was already there. So I turned and headed to the other one. At the same time, he did the same thing. So I yelled Fuck and went back to the first one. Apologies for the language. The awkwardness was building.
The first drill was the basic half circle and pass the puck, go down and shoot on goal. Only we were so bad at passing that then we got to just stand across from each other and pass back and forth. Then we did it again. Progress they told us! The next thing was break out drill. Everyone knows this one. Coach throws the puck down D gets it on his side, passes to the wing on the boards who then passes to the center circling and then driving up the middle. I was told to skate faster. I was told to pass better. I was up every single time since there was no one else to trade off with.
I'm now tired and cranky and hating wing. Now we get to regroup after bringing the puck back out and go back in and try to score. Yep, it didn't go well. I was in the wrong spot. I didn't get to the puck fast enough. So I threw a temper tantrum and quit. About that time, they made us all quit and practice shots on goal. I went and talked to Fern, who was encouraging. Thank goodness for Fern! "I don't know why they traded you to wing, but I know you can play."
So I wandered off and scored a Ricky on Ricky. Ricky Bobby was filling in as goalie and usually scores with a backhand shot. I was thrilled to do it to him. The Bob sidled over and had me run a drill with him. Afterwards he said, "Now we will do it at full speed." I said, "Bob, that was full speed." Tired, cranky, fed up, miserable. His answer....you need to skate faster, Kristin.
I cried after I left the rink. I had nightmares and only slept for 4 hours. As I drove to work, I thought about buying figure skates and moving on. I don't want to be this season's Jordan. I don't want everyone yelling at me from the bench. I really had enough to work on without the position change. So when Pete called, I vented. And he laughed, but in the good way that lets you know that you are being ridiculous.
I'll be honest, I'm on the fence. Part of me would like to clear out for awhile. If I have to face a hostile Mike and be subjected to critical attitudes, it just won't be any fun.
I remember when I first read the brochure and showed it to Dan. I was so excited in a intrigued way. Who would ever think to play hockey? Now that I know what it is all about, do I want to stay?

End of season 2

We ended up winning 4 games in the second season. The team was very splintered and became extremely negative. One of the players, Jordan, was not that great, but tried really hard. He was constantly yelled at from the bench. The situation got very uncomfortable. We also had another player, Joey, who was very talented, but generally hated by most of the locker room. He was a puck hog and tended to get on the bad side of the refs, which didn't endear him to anyone.
We won our first post-season game and lost the second. In rearranging the team, Pete decided to trade Jordan, so that hopefully, he will get a fair shake. I was completely disgusted that it had gotten so bad that someone had to leave.
The girl's hockey had tons of plans, including a rec team. I really wanted to support the girls and mentioned that I might just play with them. Pete talked me into a 1/2 season. Then all hell broke loose. Next he told me that he was switching me to wing. Now, I hate wing and had a fabulous time at D. I was enraged. Then he said he would cut me altogether if I didn't have a good attitude. Well, the girl's program fell flat, so I had nowhere else to go. Pete suggested a trade, but it didn't pan out.
So I arrived at the team meeting, pissed. In fact, I think I scared everyone. In the meantime, Mike and I broke up, adding further stress on the situation. How in the world did I manage to pick the most dramatic sport ever? Or is it my team? or is it me? After some reflection, I decided that it was better to have a spot and play wing than to have nothing. I'm still hoping that the girls get something together, so I can play more than just the 1/2 season. If not, I'll just have to add in some skills and drills and maybe a private lesson or two.
The best news is that we are now called the Scorpions!!! Hooray for Kenny and I for coming up with that name. Finally, I get to play on a team that sounds cool and tough. Hang on to your hats guys, season 3 is starting and who knows what will happen....

End of season 1

Where to begin? The season ended with us playing Blue Thunder and losing. We then got a consolation match against the Crossovers which we won in OT shootout! We were pretty excited. This was our first time beating them. 
Then there was high drama in which I tried to go with Allan and Bittner onto the new team and ended up having to stay with the old team. In the middle of this, the Pandora hockey decided to put together a 3 on 3 league for the women. I told the new captain-Pete, that I wanted a split season with the guys and to play with the women. At first he was skeptical, but I convinced him it was for the best. I ended up splitting with Alex, who is leaving to go to the Ukraine for a visit in June. This way I don't play on Sat and on Sunday. 
And here is the best news of all....I've scored goals!!! Yes, I've scored at least one goal in each week playing with the women. They count too because we use the man goalies from the regular leagues. 3 on 3 is a total blast and exhausting! With the close space, we play sideways on the ice, and the fewer number of people, you are really always involved in the action. Today is the last day for 3 on 3 and then I have a month off before I play with the guys again. 
I have played in 3 games with the guys. 2 preseason and 1 regular season subbing for a player who was out. I've switched to D and totally love it! It is so dangerous. You just never know when the action will be coming your way. I got a chance to play with Ferny as my partner in the last game and we both agreed that it worked well. We have a team practice today after I have 3 on 3...I know, I'm going to be exhausted. 

Last week, I took pics of the guys playing and I plan on going again tomorrow. I love taking action shots and hockey is difficult to photograph. Between the constant action and the low light conditions, it is very challenging.

So I guess in a way, my quest is sort of complete. However, there is still scoring a goal with the Fighting Narwhals. I know. Ridiculous. But my women's team name is Kristie's Bewbies. I think I'm cursed with always being on a hockey team with a stupid name. Hey, it could be worse...I could not be on a team.

Love Hockey!!!

Week 16, game 21

Last regular season game for the Hawks. We were playing Alehouse, so although we weren't looking for a win, we were looking to do fairly well. We were surprised with the return of shrunken head out of the blue. All of a sudden, she was just there in the locker room getting ready. We also had little Kevin from LTP again. First period went fairly well. Second went great. Sasha had a beautiful goal. I got switched from L to R wing before the second. Had a couple of good plays, but really wasn't feeling that well going into the game. Third period was a disaster and we ended up losing 1-10. Ouch!
So, now we hang out and wait for our game in March against probably the Blue Thunder to see if we can get a playoff spot. I think it pretty much sucks for them to have to play us. 9 teams and we have the worst record. Do we even deserve the chance to play for a playoff spot?
I feel badly that the team got shaken up with the split. Shouldn't have happened. Now the whole season seems marred by the drama at the end. We used to have something. We didn't win, but we thought that we enjoyed being together. Now I just don't know what to think. The entire thing is just a minefield of hurt feelings. Or maybe that is just me.

Week 15, game 20

In which we play the Suicide Kings....of death. Yes, they are still in first place. Capitan was watching/coaching from the bench. I got to play right wing with Bittner. We had so few people, we were on a 1:1 rotation. I thought that we were going to die. Actually we ended up losing 2-7. Not too shabby! Yes, we are still scraping the bottom of the league and that sucks. But all of the other games in which we played the Suicide Kings, they scored 12 points. Even in the game in which we brought in Joe from the Mutiny and some Silver league players. I was so proud! We really stepped up. Personally, I loved FINALLY being on the right wing. I had an awesome game. Bittner had a beautiful goal and Sasha had another beauty right before the buzzer to end the 2nd period.
I wish it could all just be one big celebration. However, we are in the midst of team turmoil. Allan's securing of Ray from the Blue Thunder and his idea to become Mutiny B did not sit well with the rest of the team. After the game, we were supposed to talk it over. Here was the talk....Allan--I want my plan. Either you are in or out. This led James to send out a drunken email that same night that said, I'm not for Allan's plan, come and be with me. Then emails went flying back and forth. In the end, most everyone decided to stay with James. Everyone is assuming that I am too. And I'm letting them.

Week 14, game 18 & 19

The first game of the double header was against the Suicide Kings...yes, still in first place. Still excellent. Still rather intimidating. We were going to be missing 3 people, so we called in subs from everywhere. Joe from Mutiny, Mike from Silver B, little Kevin from Learn to Play class current and some other guy I didn't get to meet. I'd like to say that it went better. 0-12. I did have an amazing pick, which Joe congratulated me on after the game. How cool was that? My joint custody friend Hao came and took some pictures of us playing. No, he didn't catch my brilliant play, unfortunately.
Next game was against the Flyers. This is a good team, and someone that we can be much more competitive with. Mike-dog decided that he was in for left wing this time, so I rotated with him and Allan. For some reason Kenny got put on right wing. Stupid because he is left handed. I had another brilliant take away and actually skated with the puck, something that scares the hell out of me. Capitan got in the penalty box and he was already on warning, so he has to sit out the next game. What a dumbass! I think he gets that temper from playing soccer 2 nights a week. The refs are totally on to him and tend to add extra minutes the second he opens his mouth to voice his opinion.
We lost the game 0-3. Yes, we need to get some offense going. But all in all, I think that was a much better game. Playing so far above your skill level just leaves you feeling frustrated. Going up against a team that you actually have a chance with is a much better situation. Whoever says that playing a hard team makes you learn more is an idiot.
We rented the ice the next Saturday because we had a bye. It was really fun, but as we had so many people not from our team, it didn't really lend itself to helping us get things together.
During this week, Allan decided to launch a hostile takeover of the team. I now call him Barbossa in private. The emails have been flying back and forth and everyone is a little on edge. What we really wanted to do was acquire Ray from the Blue Thunder and keep the team together. Then Allan started up with all of these demands and a plan to become Mutiny B, which is glamorous to be sure, but is causing some people not want to stay on the team.
Capitan Jack Sparrow sent out an email that said we should have until after next game to talk about things and then decide. Who knew that a group of guys could get so dramatic? Us women get a bad rap I think.
So on to Suicide Kings again on Sunday and the fate of the Hawks...

Week 13, game 17

In which we play the Rush. Besides the Blue Thunder, who we love playing because we can actually win, we also love playing the Rush. Yep, you guessed it, because we had a chance to win. Too bad the refs saw otherwise. First of all, the website lists this as game 20...how in the hell did I miss 3 games? Writing about them, not that I missed playing them. Bear with me today, I'm a little tired. Went to sticktime early and I think I left my puck in the locker room...Damn it! The bad news is that we lost 2-5. The even worse news is that the refs waived off 3 of our goals. I had one incredibly brilliant moment when I stopped the puck with my foot to keep in in the offensive zone. I shot on goal, hoping that someone else would be there with a follow up shot. RB came in a little late and everyone else had fallen back too far to get to the play.
We switched things every which way in this game. People were moving wings, moving from defense to offense, but when you get 3 goals taken away, it isn't easy to recover. Morale was low in the locker room afterwards. I got dressed quick and ran to the pro shop to get my blade looked at. It had a snag in it.
Today at sticktime, my skates kept sliding out, so I ran to the car and switched them out with Killlian's. Thank goodness we wear the same size. His were better, but would grab in weird places, so my transitions were crap. Hopefully Scotty is working today. I need to get the skate situation....situated. Big weekend coming up.

Week 12, game 16

In which we play the Mutiny. The start of a 6 game stretch without Shrunken head...who had to report early for Coast Guard duty. I think all of us were relieved. I know that I was. I don't know that we were aware that we would be playing without the Lombard brothers for this game. This left us in a 1:1 rotation. The Mutiny has a large bench and are running neck and neck with Suicide Kings for first place in the league. It was apparent that we needed help in the first minute when they scored easily. El Capitan made some position switches, but it didn't seem to turn the tide in any way. The scoring just kept coming and coming. And the Mutiny fans kept cheering. You would think after it was 0-10, they would lose some enthusiasm....no.
Somewhere around 0-5 or 0-6, I decided this was a good time to win the bet with Capitan, so I tripped one of the Mutiny players and went smiling off to the penalty box. Hey, $20 is $20. Who wants to miss out on that? I played the rest of the game totally scared to trip someone again. I had tried to do this in other games with no success, but now that I knew how, I feared that I was just going to be some tripping assassin.
At the end of the second period, everyone was tired and pretty much over the game. The Mutiny never let up and we ended up losing 0-17. It was dismal. I did get some kudos from one of the Mutiny players which I thought was totally cool. I needed that. Having a hard time finding anything positive out of the loss. The Mutiny looked twice as good as the last time that we played them, leaving me to wonder....have we gotten worse? Or are we just the Green Bay Packers? Too rusty after the bye week?
After the game, I poked my head into the Mutiny locker room and apologized to the guy that I tripped and told him how he helped me win the bet. The whole team ate it up! I guess if we are going to lose to another team so badly, it should be the Mutiny. Who else tells you that you made a good play or laughs about you tripping them? Good luck to them on their road to the championship game.

Week 11, game 15

In which we play the Auburn Alehouse on New Year's Day missing 4 people from the team. How do you think it went? I was on a 1:1 rotation with shrunken head. Sometimes I lost complete track of time. How long had I been on the ice? Did I just get on? or was it time to come off? Frankenstein was still battling the groin injury, Capitan was a little under the weather from mixing on New Year's Eve...rookie mistake. The rest of us were just trying to survive. Sasha and Ricky Bobby played admirably, as usual. I had some great moments, some not so great moments and a new bruise on my right arm from getting hit with the puck. Ben had to wade through 50+ shots on goal. He is a champion. We lost badly. I think it was 13-2. What kind of team keeps running up the score after 10? I wish that team was us!
I had a moment of irritation when shrunken head wanted to skate the last minute after already being out for 2, because it was her last game. Then she tries to switch with me when there was 13 seconds left. Hell no, stay the fuck out there. 13 seconds my ass. Better to just sit on the bench at that point and contemplate getting some french fries later.
My Ash came to watch me. Too bad she didn't know which player I was...oh well! Off to the Boxing Donkey for a cider and to listen to her man do a little chit chat. That accent is adorable!
Only a few more games left. Will I reach my goal? Getting a little nervous now. It totally seemed attainable at the beginning of the season. Now it seems not quite as easy as it had first seemed to be. Stay tuned...