We suffered our first loss of the season last night at the Ice Arena in a top of table clash with one of the new teams, the Blades. We were down a number of players but managed to field nine skaters and Tommy in goal. I think that they had ten skaters, so no major disparity there.
Our main problem was on the blue line. We'd lost Bacon to the Kings, Mike was not available to play, Cam was there but still suffering the aftereffects of the illness that stopped him playing on Saturday and I was only functioning at about 80% (at best). Shifting Jonesy back to join Cam and I on the D was the best we could do, which let us run two lines up front. We ran with this until the back end of the third period when Stewart moved back for a couple shifts on D when Cam couldn't go out any more and I was badly suffering.
They scored early in the First Period, with a virtually unassisted goal to their fast skating, deking hard shooting star from the inside of the upper right circle. At the time it went in I was busy closing the gap to his double, coming in from the other side, coming to a defensive stop just above the crease and moving into his stick as the shot went through. They backed this up early in the Second Period to go to a 2-0 lead. We struck back, closing the game to one goal, before they slotted another shortly before the siren. 3-1 in the last break. The last period was a cracker. We again closed to within a goal early in the period and then it got down to trench warfare. They somehow held us out as our game broke down from the strain. The final siren saw them victorious 3-2.
This was the toughest assignment we've yet had. Our bench was probably the weakest it's been this season, the competition the strongest, but we all put in our absolute best and created a cracking game as a result. The game was played at high intensity and had a degree of ferociousness absent from previous contests. After the game we had nothing left, we'd left it all on the ice. You can't ask for more from a hockey team!
Our worst preventable failings came from our line changes and confusion on the bench. These were most evident in the third period when there were several occasions when we only had four on the ice when we were entitled to have five. There were other times when we were totally out of position at a face off. These failings flowed through to on-ice positioning, with several occasions when both wings were down low in the same defensive corner but the puck was over in the other and a breakout was potentially stalled before it had begun. We also gave away too many penalties (three) to comfortably manage with our short bench.
My own game was a strange hybrid of good and bad. Early, their gun skater was able to get around me on the backcheck, a failing I subsequently remedied by transitioning earlier on his approach thus enabling me to keep the inside track on him to our red line. He started treating me with a little more respect once I had this worked out.
Generally I managed to keep the slot clear of danger, either by shoving them out of position or by lifting their stick at awkward moments. On the blue line I managed to use my feet effectively both on the boards and in the centre. I was more willing to engage along the boards in our corners, prevented any clean take aways or unobstructed passes through the slot. My own passes were still more to position than to a player, and I still found myself clearing it through centre-ice (ironically, picking up our own centre and setting up a play that resulted in our first goal).
My major plus AND minus came about through conditioning and health respectively. I drove myself harder than in previous games, was able to pick up the slack created by Cam's illness through the first two periods as a result. Again, it was a game where I seemed to be 'everywhere', covering forwards on the breakout, my D partner, assiting in the rush, protecting the blue line and the crease. All on top of a short bench, so I was running at the outer end of my ability.
Alas, I was pushing it too hard. By the end of the second period, was feeling tightness in my breathing. After a brutal first shift in the third, this only got worse. I was considering benching myself, but riding the line and was able to get out for a strong second shift in our zone. This culminated in a physical battle which resulted in me being hooked and then myself being called for roughing on the same play (my first ever genuine penalty on the ice!).
During my penalty time, I vacated the bench to get some ventolin in to me, was able to skate out the game at reduced intensity. Not exactly an exercise induced asthma attack like the inline game in May this year, but a bit of a scare never the less. Cause: combination of not enough sleep, wrong diet, sudden and dramatic weather change and resultant very high pollen count, long periods of maximal effort during the first two periods. Solution: better preparation, better management of aerobic resources when at risk.
I was on the ice for one of ours and one of their goals. I incurred my first minor penalty on the ice. At the end of the game, quite a few lessons to learn. And an affirmation of the potential strength of this team, we all stepped up to the mark and played out of our skins to equal them with shots on, blocked shots, took hits, skated until we were totally exhausted at game end, still came out smiling, had the opposition's respect (I got the feeling that they were worried that we would take it despite our chaos and exhaustion, you could see it in their eyes). Our next clash will be an interesting affair.
GP 6 G 2 A 1 Pts 3 +4 4/1/1 PIMS 2
Ice 46
Fridge
Wednesday 21 October 2015
Sunday 18 October 2015
Game Day - Knights (3) d Predators (1)
It was always gonna be a tough Saturday afternoon at the Ice Arena as we were up against the Predators. It got tougher with scratchings of Ash, Kerri and Cam. And a couple of those who did skate were not feeling too well but forced themselves along. Cam and Ash helped on the bench, which was great. Tommy was his usual solid self in goal. The Predators had ten skaters, have quite a solid core of big forwards with powerful shots. It was always gonna be a tough game.
First Period was tough. They opened the scoring with a rush down the left board and a shot from the inside of the circle. At the time I was backing towards the crease from the other side, covering a winger who'd joined the rush directly from the bench. At the time of the goal I was looking my man in the eye from about two feet. I played an indirect role in our equaliser shortly afterwards, keeping the puck in the zone with a sort-of-shot from the centre of the blue that got tangled with a body in front of net. While I returned to cover my board the puck went on a pinball path to eventually be slotted by Jonesy(?). 1-1 at the first break.
Second Period was tougher. Both teams played heavy in the neutral zone, penalties started to accumulate (we took one for the night - too many men on the ice, they had two by period end, roughing and butt ending). I started to find my game however, chasing to the backboards and cutting off the centring pass, covering my winger if he dropped too low, finding an outlet pass a couple times, losing my feet at least twice (and taking down at least one Predator each time I did so, except the time that I used my backward sliding feet to intercept the cross ice pass and deflect it into the corner instead of finding the pinching swooping centre in the slot). Generally though, our positioning fell away a bit his period. Neither team had scored again by the second buzzer, still 1-1.
Third Period was equally tough, but by this stage our conditioning was beginning to come up trumps. Only their best and brightest were keeping their speed up (they were always the ones who were a real threat), the rest of their team was fading. Our guys just kept going and concentrated on keeping it fairly tight. It was good to see.
I put in the game winning goal from the point on my second shift. It was one of my usual 'shots', a wrister along the ice with no set up except stepping into the shot. It went through under the goalie's pad right in the corner. It was about my fourth similar style shot from the blue line on the evening and not the strongest of them. Sweet! We backed up with another goal from our forwards and then battened down defensively for the final onslaught over the last five minutes. Somehow we kept them out.
Good win, 3-1.
The Predators had almost as many shots on goal as we did, though they blocked a few more than us. I pinched and got beat once early in the first, played more responsibly after that. I joined the rush on the PP once in the second, apart from that I stayed high in the O zone and tried my best to cover the blue. Generally I was successful. I tried to play stronger on my stick (wider grip) and, when I remembered, it allowed me to keep the puck against opposition a couple of times, take it away from them twice.
I got outskated for speed a couple of times but managed to drive them behind the goal line before they got away from me. I failed to release my lower hand when racing for the puck, will add a couple of paces when I can more consistently do this.
Keeping my eye on the body as I backed up meant that I generally was able to prevent them deking around, when combined with proper gap control. Managed several poke checks, made good use of the boards, put a couple of good passes up to my wingers, still need to work on our breakouts. Managed to surprise one of their guys when he'd taken the puck onto his blade and I proceeded to pass the puck anyway, forcing his stick with mine to get it where I wanted it to go. Good little trick, that!
I was on for all three of our goals as well as theirs. Apparently I was 'everywhere' according to more than one observer. Will have to watch this, ensure that wherever I might be on the ice, I'm where I need to be at the right moment!
GP 5 G 2 A 1 Pts 3 +4 4/0/1
Ice 45
Videos to come when I edit can find the time to post them up!
First Period was tough. They opened the scoring with a rush down the left board and a shot from the inside of the circle. At the time I was backing towards the crease from the other side, covering a winger who'd joined the rush directly from the bench. At the time of the goal I was looking my man in the eye from about two feet. I played an indirect role in our equaliser shortly afterwards, keeping the puck in the zone with a sort-of-shot from the centre of the blue that got tangled with a body in front of net. While I returned to cover my board the puck went on a pinball path to eventually be slotted by Jonesy(?). 1-1 at the first break.
Second Period was tougher. Both teams played heavy in the neutral zone, penalties started to accumulate (we took one for the night - too many men on the ice, they had two by period end, roughing and butt ending). I started to find my game however, chasing to the backboards and cutting off the centring pass, covering my winger if he dropped too low, finding an outlet pass a couple times, losing my feet at least twice (and taking down at least one Predator each time I did so, except the time that I used my backward sliding feet to intercept the cross ice pass and deflect it into the corner instead of finding the pinching swooping centre in the slot). Generally though, our positioning fell away a bit his period. Neither team had scored again by the second buzzer, still 1-1.
Third Period was equally tough, but by this stage our conditioning was beginning to come up trumps. Only their best and brightest were keeping their speed up (they were always the ones who were a real threat), the rest of their team was fading. Our guys just kept going and concentrated on keeping it fairly tight. It was good to see.
I put in the game winning goal from the point on my second shift. It was one of my usual 'shots', a wrister along the ice with no set up except stepping into the shot. It went through under the goalie's pad right in the corner. It was about my fourth similar style shot from the blue line on the evening and not the strongest of them. Sweet! We backed up with another goal from our forwards and then battened down defensively for the final onslaught over the last five minutes. Somehow we kept them out.
Good win, 3-1.
The Predators had almost as many shots on goal as we did, though they blocked a few more than us. I pinched and got beat once early in the first, played more responsibly after that. I joined the rush on the PP once in the second, apart from that I stayed high in the O zone and tried my best to cover the blue. Generally I was successful. I tried to play stronger on my stick (wider grip) and, when I remembered, it allowed me to keep the puck against opposition a couple of times, take it away from them twice.
I got outskated for speed a couple of times but managed to drive them behind the goal line before they got away from me. I failed to release my lower hand when racing for the puck, will add a couple of paces when I can more consistently do this.
Keeping my eye on the body as I backed up meant that I generally was able to prevent them deking around, when combined with proper gap control. Managed several poke checks, made good use of the boards, put a couple of good passes up to my wingers, still need to work on our breakouts. Managed to surprise one of their guys when he'd taken the puck onto his blade and I proceeded to pass the puck anyway, forcing his stick with mine to get it where I wanted it to go. Good little trick, that!
I was on for all three of our goals as well as theirs. Apparently I was 'everywhere' according to more than one observer. Will have to watch this, ensure that wherever I might be on the ice, I'm where I need to be at the right moment!
GP 5 G 2 A 1 Pts 3 +4 4/0/1
Ice 45
Videos to come when I edit can find the time to post them up!
Saturday 17 October 2015
Pregame - Knights v Predators
There have been a couple of late scratchings for our game against the Predators later today. Kerri and Cam have both pulled out, leaving us with ten skaters (assuming everyone else makes it). That will be good for two forward lines with one extra winger, three on the D. Alternatively, two forward lines and four D. In the first instance, would expect Bacon, Mike and me on the back end, probably have Griff and Ash rotating shifts as second line wing with Jonesy as 2C. In the alternate, Jonesy joins us on the D and Richard slots in as 2C with Ash and Griff while Baden centres Foxy and Stewart on the first. Will be interesting to see how Justine plays it.
As for me, concentrate on stride recovery, stance and my grip on stick. Emphasis on defensive play (ie conservative with the pinching, control the gap, give them no spare time in the corner, short shifts).
As for me, concentrate on stride recovery, stance and my grip on stick. Emphasis on defensive play (ie conservative with the pinching, control the gap, give them no spare time in the corner, short shifts).
Friday 16 October 2015
Knights Training
Yesterday evening we had a combined Knights/Bombers (and a few friends) training session at the Ice Arena. Neil ran the show in Justine's absence. About twenty skaters and one goalie turned up (including six Knights) making it a pretty busy session for the small ice.
Concentrated on two main drills, performed each side of the ice, and a brief four on four shinny. The first drill involved a pass, receiving it on the breakout, tip and go into the zone, shot. The second drill involved a pair entering the zone, one following the boards wide and deep with the other creating the passing lane into the slot, and a shot. Between the drills was a brief interlude of moving the puck by feet alone.
Passing technique (elbow up, hands forward of hips, puck towards heel of stick, roll and point on release), chin up, use the feet, swift, decisive movements. Stance, grip, width of. Control of the game as the default priority. Creativity.
Again, an offensively oriented session.
The Good - holding my feet, jamming the puck through the pokechecking goalie's five hole, making the pass if I gave myself enough time, co-ordinating with a Bomber on the 2 on 0 to score both times.
The Bad - holding the stick not widely enough, rushing the pass, not always being smooth at speed while carrying the puck.
Ice 44
Concentrated on two main drills, performed each side of the ice, and a brief four on four shinny. The first drill involved a pass, receiving it on the breakout, tip and go into the zone, shot. The second drill involved a pair entering the zone, one following the boards wide and deep with the other creating the passing lane into the slot, and a shot. Between the drills was a brief interlude of moving the puck by feet alone.
Passing technique (elbow up, hands forward of hips, puck towards heel of stick, roll and point on release), chin up, use the feet, swift, decisive movements. Stance, grip, width of. Control of the game as the default priority. Creativity.
Again, an offensively oriented session.
The Good - holding my feet, jamming the puck through the pokechecking goalie's five hole, making the pass if I gave myself enough time, co-ordinating with a Bomber on the 2 on 0 to score both times.
The Bad - holding the stick not widely enough, rushing the pass, not always being smooth at speed while carrying the puck.
Ice 44
Thursday 15 October 2015
Vikings Training
Last night I went to inline hockey training at Gawler. There were over a dozen skaters and a couple goalies. The majority of skaters were Division II level, several of them being rookies. When the group was split according to skill level I was placed with the beginners (fair enough, the advanced group contained several national level players). The down side of this was that the training was pretty slow for most of the time. The advantage was that I got to give little words of advice and encouragement to my peers. Good bonding.
Simple shooting and passing games to begin with, followed by a shinny. For the first part, my heart rate didn't get much above walking pace but it did get pushed up to 180 in the game of Red Rover that preceeded the shinny.
And then, a drive a back to Adelaide in the warm spring night.
Inline 57
Simple shooting and passing games to begin with, followed by a shinny. For the first part, my heart rate didn't get much above walking pace but it did get pushed up to 180 in the game of Red Rover that preceeded the shinny.
And then, a drive a back to Adelaide in the warm spring night.
Inline 57
Wednesday 14 October 2015
Game Day - Knights (4) d Sharks (0) - and I finally score!
On Sunday afternoon the Knights played their second game in four days, taking on the Sharks at the Adelaide Ice Arena. Both teams had eleven skaters. We had Tommy in goal. Neil coached from the bench for the first period before Justine arrived and took over.
We scored 2 goals in the first period and 2 more in the third. We outshot them in the first two periods, were equal in the third (I souvenired the game sheet). There was one penalty each way. No power play or shorthanded goals were scored. No complaints about the refereeing.
We ran with three D for the first two periods (Bacon, Mike and me) during which time Jonesy and Cam were 1C and 2C and we had three rotating pairs of wingers. It sounds complex but seemed to work reasonably well as it allowed Centres to change independently from the wingers as needs (and conditioning) dictated. As we haven't settled on fixed lines yet there was no real loss of cohesion, and by rotating pairs of wingers we still allowed these players (mainly rookies) to start establishing linemate chemistry never the less. Smart coaching, turning the absence of Baden into some sort advantage (as it allowed each pair to play with both centres).
In the third period Cam moved back to the defence and we ran with four D (giving all four of us a bit of a break in terms of the physical demands of playing either Centre or with only three D). Richard took the 2C job with Steward on one wing and the rotating pair of Griff and Ash on the other. Foxy and Kerri stayed with Jonesy on the first line. These changes took advantage of Cam's experience in return for giving him a 'rest' and allowed Richard a period at Centre. All good, it almost looks like a team structure is forming out of apparent chaos.
My Game
As always, my recollections are a mixture of impressions and lessons.
Lessons first; a need to keep my shifts shorter (especially early in the game) might come down to trusting my team mate's ability to come back out sooner rather than later; keeping my right hand lower on the stick for more stability, strength and better posture; taking the puck behind the net rather than effectively passing up possession out of the corner by sending it to where a winger should be but isn't; work out technique better for trying to move a giant off the puck; a quicker advance into the forecheck and, finally; more reactive defence of 'my' corner off of the crease.
I did reasonably well at keeping attacking puck carriers on the outside. On the three occasions they managed to get past, twice were behind the red line and the other almost so. On three occasions I can recall I took the second forward as they entered the zone, closing the gap and (perhaps) helping to force the offside by causing them to look at me instead of the puck carrier. Needless to say, continued improvement in both these disciplines can only help.
In the crease I managed my space fairly good, picking up loose defenders or late comers, kicking the puck out on one occasion, swatting it to the corner on another, tying up sticks generally.
The battle to keep the puck in the zone was one I generally won more than lost, though will have to get my mind to more quickly react and decide whether to pinch or not. Generally I seem to be able to get away with it, though once in the second when my edge caught as I tried to transition backwards led to a 3 on 1 against until I managed to get up and back. My first period highlight was a shot/pass in after defending the blue, which Kerri picked up and shot in. This was my first official point in ice hockey.
The third period was fairly tough. I took a shot from the corner on my knee armour early on, it really stung despite the kevlar. No bruise, however, and was mobile again within seconds. Their frustrations were beginning to show, resulting in their giant and one of our larger players starting to exchange words and bump chests. Jonesy separated them before it got worse (the irony) and I acted as shotgun and shooed away their only supporting player as the event dissipated. Never gotten close to getting 'involved' before, not sure what to make of it in retrospect.
Finally, my goal. We were comfortably up 3-0 with a few minutes to go when they called a time out. We took advantage of that to get our breath and remind ourselves to batten down defensively and try and get the shutout. We had been good for this as we entered the final minute. I was on our backboard, spotted a pass to a player about half way up the boards in the zone, followed the pass to offer support and cut out the centre from the play (really keen to keep it a shutout). Somehow I got the puck on my stick and pushed it up past their defender on the point, sprinted after it aware that I was now higher than all of our other players, just wanting to get it away from the zone.
The puck was now rolling at high speed down the rink near the boards. I set off in hot pursuit, the only real thought in mind was to prevent an icing and the puck returning to our end for a potential goal in the dying moments of the game.
I looked up as I passed the blue, could see no one in front (not even a goalie). Kept moving, gained control of the puck, took a moment to compose myself (don't fall over, don't miss the puck, don't miss the net) swooped around and tapped it in from about twenty feet. I didn't watch it cross the line, was already looking up and around to make sure I didn't collide with anyone. Grin, raise both hands and one leg in the air as I circle back to my team mates. They are rapt. How cool!
Was told later by a friendly shark that from their bench it had seemed like at one moment the puck was up the far end, then I was skating down the boards 'like the wind' with no-one close to me but several in pursuit. Nice. Got the puck to prove it :).
It only took 31 games.
Well, that about wraps a big game. I was on for three of our goals.
GP 4 G 1 A 1 Pts 2 +2 3/0/1
Ice 43
We scored 2 goals in the first period and 2 more in the third. We outshot them in the first two periods, were equal in the third (I souvenired the game sheet). There was one penalty each way. No power play or shorthanded goals were scored. No complaints about the refereeing.
We ran with three D for the first two periods (Bacon, Mike and me) during which time Jonesy and Cam were 1C and 2C and we had three rotating pairs of wingers. It sounds complex but seemed to work reasonably well as it allowed Centres to change independently from the wingers as needs (and conditioning) dictated. As we haven't settled on fixed lines yet there was no real loss of cohesion, and by rotating pairs of wingers we still allowed these players (mainly rookies) to start establishing linemate chemistry never the less. Smart coaching, turning the absence of Baden into some sort advantage (as it allowed each pair to play with both centres).
In the third period Cam moved back to the defence and we ran with four D (giving all four of us a bit of a break in terms of the physical demands of playing either Centre or with only three D). Richard took the 2C job with Steward on one wing and the rotating pair of Griff and Ash on the other. Foxy and Kerri stayed with Jonesy on the first line. These changes took advantage of Cam's experience in return for giving him a 'rest' and allowed Richard a period at Centre. All good, it almost looks like a team structure is forming out of apparent chaos.
My Game
As always, my recollections are a mixture of impressions and lessons.
Lessons first; a need to keep my shifts shorter (especially early in the game) might come down to trusting my team mate's ability to come back out sooner rather than later; keeping my right hand lower on the stick for more stability, strength and better posture; taking the puck behind the net rather than effectively passing up possession out of the corner by sending it to where a winger should be but isn't; work out technique better for trying to move a giant off the puck; a quicker advance into the forecheck and, finally; more reactive defence of 'my' corner off of the crease.
I did reasonably well at keeping attacking puck carriers on the outside. On the three occasions they managed to get past, twice were behind the red line and the other almost so. On three occasions I can recall I took the second forward as they entered the zone, closing the gap and (perhaps) helping to force the offside by causing them to look at me instead of the puck carrier. Needless to say, continued improvement in both these disciplines can only help.
In the crease I managed my space fairly good, picking up loose defenders or late comers, kicking the puck out on one occasion, swatting it to the corner on another, tying up sticks generally.
The battle to keep the puck in the zone was one I generally won more than lost, though will have to get my mind to more quickly react and decide whether to pinch or not. Generally I seem to be able to get away with it, though once in the second when my edge caught as I tried to transition backwards led to a 3 on 1 against until I managed to get up and back. My first period highlight was a shot/pass in after defending the blue, which Kerri picked up and shot in. This was my first official point in ice hockey.
The third period was fairly tough. I took a shot from the corner on my knee armour early on, it really stung despite the kevlar. No bruise, however, and was mobile again within seconds. Their frustrations were beginning to show, resulting in their giant and one of our larger players starting to exchange words and bump chests. Jonesy separated them before it got worse (the irony) and I acted as shotgun and shooed away their only supporting player as the event dissipated. Never gotten close to getting 'involved' before, not sure what to make of it in retrospect.
Finally, my goal. We were comfortably up 3-0 with a few minutes to go when they called a time out. We took advantage of that to get our breath and remind ourselves to batten down defensively and try and get the shutout. We had been good for this as we entered the final minute. I was on our backboard, spotted a pass to a player about half way up the boards in the zone, followed the pass to offer support and cut out the centre from the play (really keen to keep it a shutout). Somehow I got the puck on my stick and pushed it up past their defender on the point, sprinted after it aware that I was now higher than all of our other players, just wanting to get it away from the zone.
The puck was now rolling at high speed down the rink near the boards. I set off in hot pursuit, the only real thought in mind was to prevent an icing and the puck returning to our end for a potential goal in the dying moments of the game.
I looked up as I passed the blue, could see no one in front (not even a goalie). Kept moving, gained control of the puck, took a moment to compose myself (don't fall over, don't miss the puck, don't miss the net) swooped around and tapped it in from about twenty feet. I didn't watch it cross the line, was already looking up and around to make sure I didn't collide with anyone. Grin, raise both hands and one leg in the air as I circle back to my team mates. They are rapt. How cool!
Was told later by a friendly shark that from their bench it had seemed like at one moment the puck was up the far end, then I was skating down the boards 'like the wind' with no-one close to me but several in pursuit. Nice. Got the puck to prove it :).
It only took 31 games.
Well, that about wraps a big game. I was on for three of our goals.
GP 4 G 1 A 1 Pts 2 +2 3/0/1
Ice 43
Tuesday 13 October 2015
Game Day - Mavericks (10) d Snipers (0)
The Mavericks began life as an inline hockey team on Saturday with a ten goal shutout against the Snipers, the other new team entrant in the Division. Very auspicious for us!
We were composed of three Pfeiffers, Matt and me on skates, and Matt the Goalie filled in the pipes due Josh's absence at a cricket game. The Snipers had five skaters (three Lukes, Bec and Mel) with Jess the rookie goalie.
The game narrative is fairly simple. The Snipers began strongly on the attack. Within five minutes we'd corrected this and I scored the first goal shortly afterwards off a pass by Brenton. Merrilyn and Natasha each slotted another before half time. There was one first half (minorly) controversial failed goal attempt by us when the puck ended beneath the goalie's pad and Tash wasn't able to shove it entirely over the line before the whistle sounded. 3-0 at half time.
We had had twelve official shots at goal in the first half to their two (!). As if this wasn't a wide enough disparity it fails to account for what was probably that many shots again that we'd taken but which missed the goal entirely. We were pretty happy with our efforts, agreed we only really needed to get more of our shots on net to allow the puck gods to reward us appropriately.
We seem to have inherited the old Wheelers' habit of playing a stronger second than first half and we managed to pile on seven more goals before the final siren ended the Snipers' misery. We also officially put eighteen shots on net, so our shooting accuracy improved after half time. As should be expected, this was reflected in the number of goals scored. I took the only penalty of the game, a minor for interference midway through the second half. We kept them scoreless albeit they got four shots on net.
A big debut win for the Mav's. Even more encouraging, all five skaters shared in the points and we all scored at least one goal. We recorded an impressive eighteen individual points (goals or assists) for our ten goals. Good teamwork!
The Mav's are already showing some of the good qualities of our Wheeler forebears, namely a strong second half, good passing game, good defensive coverage. What we seem to have added to the palate is a remergent Matt as playmaker in the forward zone, and a willingness to play forward in defence and deny unopposed rink space in the neutral zone to the other team. If we only do this against the Bumpers we may have found our antidote to Craig and his slapshot.
My game
During the warmup I finally managed to crack the art of lifting the puck when shooting at goal. It seemed every shot type I tried could be directed into the various quadrants of the net. This is the first time this skill has 'clicked' for me so it was a tremendous pleasure to be successfully aiming at the top corner and getting it in there! Sadly I wasn't able to do it much during the game and, even when I did, not with any real precision, but it is nice to know it's possible and I just need to keep working at it.
I was on our opening line up and had a major full frontal collision with Crystal behind their goal net. It was jarring in its effect on me but I managed to keep my feet and check that she had too before continuing to skate. I was a bit conservative for a minute or so after that while I got my breath back. She skated off for a quick change. I gather she was at least as stunned as I was. It was a good reminder that Inline hockey is a collision based sport!
I scored the opening goal, then two more in the second half. Both of those goals were off of assists by Matt, one such having been deliberately passed through the legs of the Sniper who stood between us! That was probably my favourite moment, closely followed by a double assisted goal where Brenton put it into the back of the net off a cross crease pass from myself after receipt of another pass from Matt in the corner to me in the slot. All one touch passes and shot, while moving. Very slick!
My penalty was probably fair enough, though I didn't think so at the time. I was called for interference after brushing off and down Dan Luke as he collided with me from behind. He ended up on the floor as I skated off with the puck. At the time I just thought that 'he hit me first,' which he had, but didn't account for the fact that his collision hadn't been deliberate and I had kept my feet, while I had meant to contact him and he didn't keep his feet. Live and learn.
Speaking of Dan, he'll be a great skater as he seems to have his brother's speed and agility. It won't take him long if he practices and the Snipers will have two of the best skater's in the division. Josh gave me the strange experience of someone turning inside me, taking the puck, and then accelerating away quicker than I could catch them. Not only this, but I caught him at least once using a toe drag to make a blind pass. A challenge for sure to keep him in his box in future games!
I was directly involved in five goals and had a hand in a sixth.
GP 1 G 3 A 2 Pts 5 +6 1/0/0
Inline 56
We were composed of three Pfeiffers, Matt and me on skates, and Matt the Goalie filled in the pipes due Josh's absence at a cricket game. The Snipers had five skaters (three Lukes, Bec and Mel) with Jess the rookie goalie.
The game narrative is fairly simple. The Snipers began strongly on the attack. Within five minutes we'd corrected this and I scored the first goal shortly afterwards off a pass by Brenton. Merrilyn and Natasha each slotted another before half time. There was one first half (minorly) controversial failed goal attempt by us when the puck ended beneath the goalie's pad and Tash wasn't able to shove it entirely over the line before the whistle sounded. 3-0 at half time.
We had had twelve official shots at goal in the first half to their two (!). As if this wasn't a wide enough disparity it fails to account for what was probably that many shots again that we'd taken but which missed the goal entirely. We were pretty happy with our efforts, agreed we only really needed to get more of our shots on net to allow the puck gods to reward us appropriately.
We seem to have inherited the old Wheelers' habit of playing a stronger second than first half and we managed to pile on seven more goals before the final siren ended the Snipers' misery. We also officially put eighteen shots on net, so our shooting accuracy improved after half time. As should be expected, this was reflected in the number of goals scored. I took the only penalty of the game, a minor for interference midway through the second half. We kept them scoreless albeit they got four shots on net.
A big debut win for the Mav's. Even more encouraging, all five skaters shared in the points and we all scored at least one goal. We recorded an impressive eighteen individual points (goals or assists) for our ten goals. Good teamwork!
The Mav's are already showing some of the good qualities of our Wheeler forebears, namely a strong second half, good passing game, good defensive coverage. What we seem to have added to the palate is a remergent Matt as playmaker in the forward zone, and a willingness to play forward in defence and deny unopposed rink space in the neutral zone to the other team. If we only do this against the Bumpers we may have found our antidote to Craig and his slapshot.
My game
During the warmup I finally managed to crack the art of lifting the puck when shooting at goal. It seemed every shot type I tried could be directed into the various quadrants of the net. This is the first time this skill has 'clicked' for me so it was a tremendous pleasure to be successfully aiming at the top corner and getting it in there! Sadly I wasn't able to do it much during the game and, even when I did, not with any real precision, but it is nice to know it's possible and I just need to keep working at it.
I was on our opening line up and had a major full frontal collision with Crystal behind their goal net. It was jarring in its effect on me but I managed to keep my feet and check that she had too before continuing to skate. I was a bit conservative for a minute or so after that while I got my breath back. She skated off for a quick change. I gather she was at least as stunned as I was. It was a good reminder that Inline hockey is a collision based sport!
I scored the opening goal, then two more in the second half. Both of those goals were off of assists by Matt, one such having been deliberately passed through the legs of the Sniper who stood between us! That was probably my favourite moment, closely followed by a double assisted goal where Brenton put it into the back of the net off a cross crease pass from myself after receipt of another pass from Matt in the corner to me in the slot. All one touch passes and shot, while moving. Very slick!
My penalty was probably fair enough, though I didn't think so at the time. I was called for interference after brushing off and down Dan Luke as he collided with me from behind. He ended up on the floor as I skated off with the puck. At the time I just thought that 'he hit me first,' which he had, but didn't account for the fact that his collision hadn't been deliberate and I had kept my feet, while I had meant to contact him and he didn't keep his feet. Live and learn.
Speaking of Dan, he'll be a great skater as he seems to have his brother's speed and agility. It won't take him long if he practices and the Snipers will have two of the best skater's in the division. Josh gave me the strange experience of someone turning inside me, taking the puck, and then accelerating away quicker than I could catch them. Not only this, but I caught him at least once using a toe drag to make a blind pass. A challenge for sure to keep him in his box in future games!
I was directly involved in five goals and had a hand in a sixth.
GP 1 G 3 A 2 Pts 5 +6 1/0/0
Inline 56
Monday 12 October 2015
Game Day - Knights (4) d Generals (0)
On Thursday we played the late game at the Ice Arena, this time against one of the Division's new teams, the Generals. We had eleven skaters, down one from our first two games, and had Tommy between the pipes. We changed the structuring of our team by switching Jonesy and Cam back onto the D with Mitch and I, and running two offensive lines, one have rotating wings. Baden was our 1C, Richard led the second line. Justine was back and kept us honest.
It is the case with hockey that, if one doesn't record it immediately afterwards, the narrative of the game will be gone by the next day. What is left is impressions so that is what I'll try and capture later in this blog. First, though, a brief outline.
The first period was even on the scoreboard, 0-0. On the ice, however, it was a different story with the Knights massively outshooting the black team. I don't have a scorecard but we had about three shots on net in the first shift alone, I think they totalled one maybe two for the period. Second period was much the same in terms of shot differential, with the (major) exceptions being that they go NIL shots on net and we put in two goals. In the third period we cleaned up with two more scoring shots giving Tommy his first shut out for the season and continuing the horror which is the Generals first four games.
In terms of impressions - a fun game. With four D on our team it was a bit easier than the first two games. I will deal with the fitness metrics in a separate post that also draws data from other games. I was up to most of the conditioning related tasks (eg. push and shove, hold position, stick lifting, ability to sprint) and what I lacked in terms of ability or skill (eg speed and quickness against their first line) I made up for with positioning and reaction speed. The couple of times I got badly caught out my D partner or centre was on the case.
One of these episodes was entirely my fault. I occurred late in the first period when they iced the puck back into our zone. I was last man back and chased the puck until it hit the back board. I was still above our goal and gliding towards the skittering puck that was by now behind our goal when I realised that, firstly, the referee hadn't blown the whistle, and secondly, their fastest skater was powering around outside me and would get there first. I set off in pursuit but was too late to do anything more than drive him towards the other back corner and tie him up there while my D partner covered the net front against the cross pass. A scary moment.
I carried the puck from deep in our zone right through to the goal line late in the second period. I haven't done this before. I found clear ice by barging my way through a confused winger/D combination on our blue line. I got a bit too excited and the puck sort of leaked off my stick as I got close to goal. I ended up on the boards behind their net and had to race back to the point to defend the blue.
My main role was defending the blue lines (as it should be for a defender). I am able to say this as we didn't have to much defend our net or goalie too much, though they had a couple of deep penetrations these were the exceptions. Our team's play in the neutral zone and forechecking generally was really strong.
The one real battle royale in front of net was in the third, involved kicking the puck, clearing sticks, pushing out the opposition, manipulating my stick while falling to not bring anyone else down but still retain it, shielding the puck with body and feet, hammering the puck out of the danger zone and following through to prevent time for a shot. Great fun!
My youngest sister was over from Melbourne for the Masters Games which were on in Adelaide (she is a figure skater) and she was in the stands for the first two periods. It was great to be able to show her where I have gotten to in my development as a skater. After the game she said that I was one of the best three skaters on our team and don't have to worry about that front. She also said that I need to work on my stickhandling and puck work. I can't disagree with these observations!
I was on ice for 2 of our goals though played no direct role in either.
After the game had a dip in the pool (closest thing I have to an ice bath) as this apparently improves muscle recovery rates. I did this to start getting ready for the inline game I was to play on Saturday.
GP 3 G 0 A 0 Pts 0 -1 2/0/1/0
Ice 42
It is the case with hockey that, if one doesn't record it immediately afterwards, the narrative of the game will be gone by the next day. What is left is impressions so that is what I'll try and capture later in this blog. First, though, a brief outline.
The first period was even on the scoreboard, 0-0. On the ice, however, it was a different story with the Knights massively outshooting the black team. I don't have a scorecard but we had about three shots on net in the first shift alone, I think they totalled one maybe two for the period. Second period was much the same in terms of shot differential, with the (major) exceptions being that they go NIL shots on net and we put in two goals. In the third period we cleaned up with two more scoring shots giving Tommy his first shut out for the season and continuing the horror which is the Generals first four games.
In terms of impressions - a fun game. With four D on our team it was a bit easier than the first two games. I will deal with the fitness metrics in a separate post that also draws data from other games. I was up to most of the conditioning related tasks (eg. push and shove, hold position, stick lifting, ability to sprint) and what I lacked in terms of ability or skill (eg speed and quickness against their first line) I made up for with positioning and reaction speed. The couple of times I got badly caught out my D partner or centre was on the case.
One of these episodes was entirely my fault. I occurred late in the first period when they iced the puck back into our zone. I was last man back and chased the puck until it hit the back board. I was still above our goal and gliding towards the skittering puck that was by now behind our goal when I realised that, firstly, the referee hadn't blown the whistle, and secondly, their fastest skater was powering around outside me and would get there first. I set off in pursuit but was too late to do anything more than drive him towards the other back corner and tie him up there while my D partner covered the net front against the cross pass. A scary moment.
I carried the puck from deep in our zone right through to the goal line late in the second period. I haven't done this before. I found clear ice by barging my way through a confused winger/D combination on our blue line. I got a bit too excited and the puck sort of leaked off my stick as I got close to goal. I ended up on the boards behind their net and had to race back to the point to defend the blue.
My main role was defending the blue lines (as it should be for a defender). I am able to say this as we didn't have to much defend our net or goalie too much, though they had a couple of deep penetrations these were the exceptions. Our team's play in the neutral zone and forechecking generally was really strong.
The one real battle royale in front of net was in the third, involved kicking the puck, clearing sticks, pushing out the opposition, manipulating my stick while falling to not bring anyone else down but still retain it, shielding the puck with body and feet, hammering the puck out of the danger zone and following through to prevent time for a shot. Great fun!
My youngest sister was over from Melbourne for the Masters Games which were on in Adelaide (she is a figure skater) and she was in the stands for the first two periods. It was great to be able to show her where I have gotten to in my development as a skater. After the game she said that I was one of the best three skaters on our team and don't have to worry about that front. She also said that I need to work on my stickhandling and puck work. I can't disagree with these observations!
I was on ice for 2 of our goals though played no direct role in either.
After the game had a dip in the pool (closest thing I have to an ice bath) as this apparently improves muscle recovery rates. I did this to start getting ready for the inline game I was to play on Saturday.
GP 3 G 0 A 0 Pts 0 -1 2/0/1/0
Ice 42
Thursday 8 October 2015
Knights Trainings with Neil
Last Thursday Neil held the Knights training session due Justine's absence. Seven knights plus our goalie turned up, plus a handful of select others to make up the numbers. A reasonable amount of the time was spent on whiteboard, explaining some basic concepts that needed coverage. Also time spent on faceoffs, shooting technique, the passing game. I found most interesting the demonstrations on separating the puck from opposition players along the boards in our non checking league. Confirmed a few thoughts I have had, particularly about leading with the body in such situations and not the stick. The session was not high intensity, though there was a good ten minute shinny at the end which used up any excess energy.
Also interesting to me was that, after the session, I had one player tell me how it was an 'okay' session but too much talking and whiteboard, and not ten seconds later another player tell me that it was a 'great' session and it was really good to have a few things explained. To me, seems that different people benefit at different rates from different types of instruction. Thus Neil's didactic approach was attractive to some, Justines Kinesthetic approach to others. I like either.
On Sunday I and another Knight were one of several C graders who turned up at Neil's session for Justine's Div I team. This time it was we who were helping make up the numbers. The session was quite different to Thursdays (as one would expect). This session seemed more 'active', and certainly was more aimed at offensive tactics and skills. Mainly shooting, assistive passing, relative positioning in the offensive zone. Neil pointed out to me that my otherwise reasonable shooting would benefit from me aiming my body towards the goal more accurately as I take the shot.
I finally managed to get my HR monitor working properly for an ice session. As it again was not run specifically as a High Intensity session the readings don't quite reach the figures I believe I would have made with either Justine or at Inline but peak HR was still at 180 during the shinny at the end, averaged 135 through the whole hour.
Ice 40 & 41
Also interesting to me was that, after the session, I had one player tell me how it was an 'okay' session but too much talking and whiteboard, and not ten seconds later another player tell me that it was a 'great' session and it was really good to have a few things explained. To me, seems that different people benefit at different rates from different types of instruction. Thus Neil's didactic approach was attractive to some, Justines Kinesthetic approach to others. I like either.
On Sunday I and another Knight were one of several C graders who turned up at Neil's session for Justine's Div I team. This time it was we who were helping make up the numbers. The session was quite different to Thursdays (as one would expect). This session seemed more 'active', and certainly was more aimed at offensive tactics and skills. Mainly shooting, assistive passing, relative positioning in the offensive zone. Neil pointed out to me that my otherwise reasonable shooting would benefit from me aiming my body towards the goal more accurately as I take the shot.
I finally managed to get my HR monitor working properly for an ice session. As it again was not run specifically as a High Intensity session the readings don't quite reach the figures I believe I would have made with either Justine or at Inline but peak HR was still at 180 during the shinny at the end, averaged 135 through the whole hour.
Ice 40 & 41
Saturday 3 October 2015
Game Day - Knights (5) d Storm (4) SO
Three nights after our first game we were back on the ice for a late Sunday game against the Storm. They are essentially last year's runners up Redwings team against whom we'd had no success. Our team was unchanged from our win against the Kings, the only exception being that Justine wasn't there to coach so Christian filled in for her and managed the bench. We ran the same lines.
The score was 2-2 at the first break, 3-2 at the second. We got out to a 4-2 lead midway through the last period, but they chopped that back to 4-4 on the siren. We went to a shoot out, in which Baden popped the first shot in and the goalies cleaned up the rest to give us the win.
I was on for two of our goals and three of theirs. The goals they scored on 'me' were all from very close in. Two of them were strong and we were just outplayed by their guns. The third was a bit lucky as their third forward tottered in while everyone else was on the ice and scrambling and just tapped it across beyond my reaching stick. I felt less to blame for their goals than I had on the ones against the Kings.
I used my feet at least four times in this game, generally in keeping the puck in their zone but on at least one occasion playing soccer in front of our net to drive the puck out of the danger zone.
I felt like I played better, particularly making smoother changes with my D partners and getting to the point when we were on the attack. It took me a little while to figure out how I could shut off their star forwards but by the third period I had their defensive measure.
The last play of the night, a D Zone faceoff with about 20 seconds on the clock and the Storm in the ascendancy after tying up the score not long before, was probably my most significant. I was guarding the slot against a straying centre, the puck went back into my corner, I could see their gun winger steaming in for it (faster and stronger than me) as I moved towards it. I realised that he'd get their first if I didn't hammer it. I put my fatigue aside and managed to get a fast three steps in to tie it up, force him around behind the net as I fell back to the post. He tried to sneak back and forced him down. He was on his belly at the side of the net and I was on my knees at the post when the siren went off. We both knew it had been a close run thing. In past seasons I think he would have beat me.
This was a hard game and a good win. I was reaching my limit physically by the end of the third period but kept formation a bit better than many of our team (we often had one forward getting deep and no-one to pass to). Perhaps I need to move into puck support / potential forecheck positioning more rapidly in the fatigued moments?
I had one minor injury which I only discovered after the game. There was a small cut/graze on the outwards side of my left forearm, right between where glove and elbow pad almost meet. I assume a stray puck or stick got me there at some time. No drama.
GP 2 G 0 A 0 Pts 0 -3 1/0/1
Ice 39
The score was 2-2 at the first break, 3-2 at the second. We got out to a 4-2 lead midway through the last period, but they chopped that back to 4-4 on the siren. We went to a shoot out, in which Baden popped the first shot in and the goalies cleaned up the rest to give us the win.
I was on for two of our goals and three of theirs. The goals they scored on 'me' were all from very close in. Two of them were strong and we were just outplayed by their guns. The third was a bit lucky as their third forward tottered in while everyone else was on the ice and scrambling and just tapped it across beyond my reaching stick. I felt less to blame for their goals than I had on the ones against the Kings.
I used my feet at least four times in this game, generally in keeping the puck in their zone but on at least one occasion playing soccer in front of our net to drive the puck out of the danger zone.
I felt like I played better, particularly making smoother changes with my D partners and getting to the point when we were on the attack. It took me a little while to figure out how I could shut off their star forwards but by the third period I had their defensive measure.
The last play of the night, a D Zone faceoff with about 20 seconds on the clock and the Storm in the ascendancy after tying up the score not long before, was probably my most significant. I was guarding the slot against a straying centre, the puck went back into my corner, I could see their gun winger steaming in for it (faster and stronger than me) as I moved towards it. I realised that he'd get their first if I didn't hammer it. I put my fatigue aside and managed to get a fast three steps in to tie it up, force him around behind the net as I fell back to the post. He tried to sneak back and forced him down. He was on his belly at the side of the net and I was on my knees at the post when the siren went off. We both knew it had been a close run thing. In past seasons I think he would have beat me.
This was a hard game and a good win. I was reaching my limit physically by the end of the third period but kept formation a bit better than many of our team (we often had one forward getting deep and no-one to pass to). Perhaps I need to move into puck support / potential forecheck positioning more rapidly in the fatigued moments?
I had one minor injury which I only discovered after the game. There was a small cut/graze on the outwards side of my left forearm, right between where glove and elbow pad almost meet. I assume a stray puck or stick got me there at some time. No drama.
GP 2 G 0 A 0 Pts 0 -3 1/0/1
Ice 39
Game Day - Knights (3) d Kings (2)
We had 12 skaters (of whom 5 were rookies in their first game), Tommy was in the goals and Justine was calling shots. We started with 3 Defencemen and 3 forward lines, with Cam and Foxy taking on centre roles.
Jonesy - Bayden - Richard
Stewart - Cam - Griff
Kerri - Foxy - Ashley
Mike / Bacon / Me
Tommy
These warning signs were proven founded when the Kings scored off an early D zone face off caused by an icing I'd made in clearing the zone. The shot was from their outside wing, who was my man. Even if I'd been moving quicker, however, the shot would have been set up and off before I got there. What didn't help also was that one of our players managed to get a slight deflection on the puck as it went past him. This was probably sufficient to send the puck through the narrow gap I could see between Tommy's pads (I watched it good into the back of the net). Such is life.
We equalised not much later and went into the first break 1-1.
The second period was tight. We picked up two goals to be leading 3-1.
Third period and the pressure stayed on. They pulled back a late goal but we were able to see the game out with a cheer as we recorded our first win of the year.
It was really good to be back on the ice as a Knight. I held up much better than I thought I would to the demands of being one of only three defencemen. I pulled at least my time on ice, including on the Power Play, making for about 40 minutes. Those are huge minutes in anyone's book, but I felt my body held up well. There were a few positional things I had to get hold of, but Bacon guided me through the worst of them.
I managed a couple shots from the blue line, and a third that could be classified as a shot if you didn't know I was just hammering it in there. I was generally able to keep the puck in the O zone, didn't panic when I had it, was able to compete on the boards most of the time. I used my feet on something like four occasions, all productive. Once when I went over I used my prone body to shield the puck from my opponent so my centre could pick it up and continue the attack. The only time I went deep into the offensive zone was on the Power Play (ie. when I should have). I even did something that in past I have not been good at, use my stick to tap an airborne puck down to the ice so that I could release it on a controlled pass towards the net.
I was on for both of their goals and none of ours, but aren't too worried about that. On the first I was in a useless position as it turned out on the D Zone faceoff, not a decision of mine. On the second, I was last line defence and had a couple chances to clear the puck on its journey in. My skills weren't up to it but at least I was in the right position.
Finally, my sister and her family (husband and four boys) were down for the week from Melbourne and had come along for the game. Added to my grandkids from Adelaide, wife and daughter in law I had a quite a cheersquad. Especially in the later part of the game when they started chanting my name. Everyone should have the feeling of having a cheersquad rooting them on, it's fantastic!
GP 1 G 0 A 0 Pts 0 -2 1/0/0
Ice 38
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