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!!!