On Wednesday night me and Craig went down the Ice Arena for what will probably be one of our last opportunities to do so on the big ice before the winter hockey season starts (when the the big ice hosts regular A Grade games and social skaters are banished to the small ice).
The ice was fairly choppy, I'm assuming a result of larger and/or more active than usual groups of figure skaters doing lessons there beforehand, and fairly hard (assume that there's a hockey game straight afterwards). This down side was countered by the fact that there were less than the usual number of skaters doing laps, perhaps a couple dozen on the big ice and half that on the small.
I spent over half my time going round at a fair clip while talking to Ben about our respective hockey seasons. He's a D in the Rangers and we compared notes quite a bit about the recent game we played against each other. I also got a chance to say "g'day" to Keith, another Ranger whom I'd enjoyed being outplayed by. It was kinda comforting to hear from Keith that I'd played a hard game, and have Ben confirm that, even when he'd outskated me down the boards, I'd managed to keep him from taking effective shots.
I didn't push it too hard, a few laps at high speed, a few cut backs with backwards cross behinds, a few stops being the most dramatic things I did. Still burned a lot of energy, however, as Ben and I carried on our conversation at pretty high speed.
*
There were two good bits of news for the day.
1. The A was promoted out of the little kid's group in his Learn to Skate classes earlier in the evening. He's now with kids his age or older and who've generally been skating for a year or two. From being the master in his group he's now the neophyte. He's quite proud of the promotion, quite nervous about what will come (backwards skating, stopping). All a growing experience.
2. The Wheelers WILL play on Saturday, despite over half the team being absent. Because we're a development league the forfeit rules don't apply and we'll have a make up team of reserves playing with me. It might be interesting if the reserves are the usual suspects as they're all pretty good players (basically, the best line which we played against in the Rockers last Saturday) and would give me a chance to play on a dangerous line against the best team in our division. Should be fun.
Ice 17
Fridge
Friday 27 February 2015
Thursday 26 February 2015
Skatin' with da A
On Sunday I was going to take it easy for a change, taking advantage of the Knights' final bye for the season to have a complete Sunday off the ice (!), when I was asked to get my skates on and spend an hour or so on the rink with the A (5). 'A pretty cool thing to do on a 37C day,' I thought, and so headed down to join up with Jess, Craig and the A.
Started on the small rink, where was soon skating at a moderate pace around amongst the falling beginners, hand in hand with A and chatting away. He was pretty alert to what he was about, dodging around stumbling skater a couple times and avoiding being stumbled on a couple of others. It wasn't long and it was time to head on to the big ice.
We spent the next hour skating around at a moderate pace, occasionally Jess giving me a spell so I could sprint off for a quick trip around forwards or backwards as the whim took me. He's come so far in such a short time that it's almost scary, less than a handful of lessons and maybe that many further hours since December last year and he's already up to learning to stop and moving backwards (I reckon).
I'm so glad I didn't keep my resolution.
Ice 16
Started on the small rink, where was soon skating at a moderate pace around amongst the falling beginners, hand in hand with A and chatting away. He was pretty alert to what he was about, dodging around stumbling skater a couple times and avoiding being stumbled on a couple of others. It wasn't long and it was time to head on to the big ice.
We spent the next hour skating around at a moderate pace, occasionally Jess giving me a spell so I could sprint off for a quick trip around forwards or backwards as the whim took me. He's come so far in such a short time that it's almost scary, less than a handful of lessons and maybe that many further hours since December last year and he's already up to learning to stop and moving backwards (I reckon).
I'm so glad I didn't keep my resolution.
Ice 16
Sunday 22 February 2015
Game Day - Rockers (3) d Wheelers (2)
We played a tight game with the Rockers on a hot night in Gawler last night, resulting in a 3-2 loss. Due the heat, the Vikings' 'Heat Policy' came into effect for the third week in a row and the game was therefore divided into three 12 minute periods, with intermissions of 2 minutes. There were fans blowing in the corners and the humidity level wasn't extreme and we were all another week more used to the heat so it wasn't too bad this time.
The first period saw them open the scoring from a mid slot shot from a nice pass at 6:50. We answered this a minute later when Merrilyn passed back from the corner to me approaching at mid slot just off the left side, followed by a nice hard shot hitting the back of the net. With only a minute on the clock, Craig got a one person rush on and managed to shoot it into the top corner. They'd had ten shots to 2 and went into the break 2-1 up.
They again had more shots on goal in the second period than we did (10-6), with Paul knocking in a puck that was loose alongside a splayed Jai (our goaltender for the second week running) right in front of me. This was the only score of the period.
In the third period we managed to shoot more than they did (11-9) with Rick putting in a goal after getting loose in the neutral zone and receiving a nice pass from Brendon on the boards. We certainly looked more dangerous this period but it wasn't enough. Especially with a delay of game penalty given them with only ten seconds left on the clock, we ran out of time and that was it for another week.
I played a pretty tight defensive game. To do so I put into play the mindset and some of the techniques I've learned with the Knights (at times to the consternation of our opponents), but considering we were facing the dangerous line of Mal, Paul and Craig at times, with quite competent players on the bench, it seemed fair enough. Afterall, those three each create a sense of intimidation in some of our players so someone had to do it. Might as well be me :)
The saddest moment of my game was watching from close range Paul push the puck past Jai's outstretched foot for their second goal. I could have got my stick there (I was in position to do so) had I thought of it in time - in retrospect, my brain was a bit disengaged. The weakest aspect of my game was a tendency to dump the puck out of defence and thus surrender possession almost as soon as I'd got it. Perhaps the easiest thing to improve will be my present tendency to skate casually out of defence and thus give them time to set themselves by the time we engage in their zone.
Most memorable moments of the game for me were me and Merrilyn combining for our goal in the first, a failed but conscious attempt at a loop around their goalie from behind the net (the audience loved it though I wasn't quite crisp enough on my feet to pull off the maneuver in time), tying Paul up a couple times on the boards (to the point he almost complained), keeping Craig away from our net most of the time by an active stick and being fast on my feet to counter his chip and skate tactics, applying the close gap/body check against Mal to keep him away from our net, hearing Jai chirp our defence instructions, the growing intensity of our game and the tape to tape passing.
Jai played the best in goal that I've seen him do.
Next week we'll probably end up forfeiting a game due the Pfeiffers and Rick all being off and about doing things. This will result in us playing the final game of regular season against the Bumpers who are locked in fourth regardless. Assuming we forfeit next week, the Rockers will tie up the vital second spot with a win against the Bumpers next week. This would give them the second chance in the playoffs. Will be interesting.
Inline 8
The first period saw them open the scoring from a mid slot shot from a nice pass at 6:50. We answered this a minute later when Merrilyn passed back from the corner to me approaching at mid slot just off the left side, followed by a nice hard shot hitting the back of the net. With only a minute on the clock, Craig got a one person rush on and managed to shoot it into the top corner. They'd had ten shots to 2 and went into the break 2-1 up.
They again had more shots on goal in the second period than we did (10-6), with Paul knocking in a puck that was loose alongside a splayed Jai (our goaltender for the second week running) right in front of me. This was the only score of the period.
In the third period we managed to shoot more than they did (11-9) with Rick putting in a goal after getting loose in the neutral zone and receiving a nice pass from Brendon on the boards. We certainly looked more dangerous this period but it wasn't enough. Especially with a delay of game penalty given them with only ten seconds left on the clock, we ran out of time and that was it for another week.
I played a pretty tight defensive game. To do so I put into play the mindset and some of the techniques I've learned with the Knights (at times to the consternation of our opponents), but considering we were facing the dangerous line of Mal, Paul and Craig at times, with quite competent players on the bench, it seemed fair enough. Afterall, those three each create a sense of intimidation in some of our players so someone had to do it. Might as well be me :)
The saddest moment of my game was watching from close range Paul push the puck past Jai's outstretched foot for their second goal. I could have got my stick there (I was in position to do so) had I thought of it in time - in retrospect, my brain was a bit disengaged. The weakest aspect of my game was a tendency to dump the puck out of defence and thus surrender possession almost as soon as I'd got it. Perhaps the easiest thing to improve will be my present tendency to skate casually out of defence and thus give them time to set themselves by the time we engage in their zone.
Most memorable moments of the game for me were me and Merrilyn combining for our goal in the first, a failed but conscious attempt at a loop around their goalie from behind the net (the audience loved it though I wasn't quite crisp enough on my feet to pull off the maneuver in time), tying Paul up a couple times on the boards (to the point he almost complained), keeping Craig away from our net most of the time by an active stick and being fast on my feet to counter his chip and skate tactics, applying the close gap/body check against Mal to keep him away from our net, hearing Jai chirp our defence instructions, the growing intensity of our game and the tape to tape passing.
Jai played the best in goal that I've seen him do.
Next week we'll probably end up forfeiting a game due the Pfeiffers and Rick all being off and about doing things. This will result in us playing the final game of regular season against the Bumpers who are locked in fourth regardless. Assuming we forfeit next week, the Rockers will tie up the vital second spot with a win against the Bumpers next week. This would give them the second chance in the playoffs. Will be interesting.
Inline 8
Combined Training
At 9:30pm on Thursday Night we had what might have been our last Knight's training session. Unfortunately only three of us turned up, so it was good that there were probably twenty five or so assorted Bombers, Blackhawks and other hockey junkies from the Academy and other C Grade outfits. It was still pretty warm at that hour (29'C) but not excessively so.
Earlier in the evening there had been two Div II games, the last one (between the Flyers and Redwings) finishing just before our training session. I had the interesting experience of being in what turned out to be the Flyer's changeroom as I put on my own armour (I had got there verging on 'late') and therefore got to share some of their post game ritual. I won't betray their friendship in having allowed me to witness it, but it was interesting to note the differences in the room compared to when we have won a game. Let's just say they certainly enjoyed themselves!
The training session was divided into three distinct periods. Initially we had a few minutes of 'free' time during which most took the chance to form a horseshoe in front of both goals and practice their shooting. We had three goalies, so two rotated at one end. A handful of us remained in mid ice and did our own thing. In my case, passing back and forth with Mike, my fellow D from the Knights.
The second phase of the session involved two variations of a simple horseshoe 'pass n shoot' exercise, with skaters leaving opposing corners after passing to a skater who'd was about to skate up ice after completing a long u turn across the ice (originating from the opposite corner with a pass of their own). One then had to spring up the ice (basically following behind the player with the puck which you'd just passed), loop around past the blue line to accept the pass from a player in the opposite corner, and then spring back down the ice to have a shot on goal. We did this from both left and right corners. The variation that followed was to put a bunch of defenders into the centre, their job being to rotate through and take on the puck carriers one on one behind the centre line. Again, do it from both left and right corners. We would have spent maybe ten minutes on the first and a bit longer on the second variations of this otherwise simple exercise (though you had to keep your head up when the defenders were on the ice as there could be as many as six players active on the ice at the same time, plus a couple 'returning' defenders heading back to centre ice). I played offence for all parts of this exercise.
The third phase of the session was a half hour shinny, divided into roughly equal teams by colour of sweater. I was wearing my royal blue SKA St Petersburg sweater and so was with the black, blue and greens. Generally again I played as a forward when it was appropriate, was complemented on my 'hussling' in front of the net and finding the free ice to take the pass (not that I did anything ultra productive with it when I got it!). In the last ten minutes, however, I reverted to playing D and found myself taking on an attacking Michael a couple of times (once on the rush when I close checked him to the point of neutralising him) and along the corner boards (when I trapped him long enough for him to lose the puck). I blocked a couple of shots and didn't feel as useless as last time I played D in a B grade shinny.
My feet were aching quite a bit through the horseshoe exercise, but had cleared up as the shinny progressed. Felt no pain afterwards. Hopefully I've finally reached equilibrium with my now not so new Bauer 160s.
A good evening. Thanks, Nancy, for not letting me get away with a weak excuse for not turning up!
Ice: 15
Earlier in the evening there had been two Div II games, the last one (between the Flyers and Redwings) finishing just before our training session. I had the interesting experience of being in what turned out to be the Flyer's changeroom as I put on my own armour (I had got there verging on 'late') and therefore got to share some of their post game ritual. I won't betray their friendship in having allowed me to witness it, but it was interesting to note the differences in the room compared to when we have won a game. Let's just say they certainly enjoyed themselves!
The training session was divided into three distinct periods. Initially we had a few minutes of 'free' time during which most took the chance to form a horseshoe in front of both goals and practice their shooting. We had three goalies, so two rotated at one end. A handful of us remained in mid ice and did our own thing. In my case, passing back and forth with Mike, my fellow D from the Knights.
The second phase of the session involved two variations of a simple horseshoe 'pass n shoot' exercise, with skaters leaving opposing corners after passing to a skater who'd was about to skate up ice after completing a long u turn across the ice (originating from the opposite corner with a pass of their own). One then had to spring up the ice (basically following behind the player with the puck which you'd just passed), loop around past the blue line to accept the pass from a player in the opposite corner, and then spring back down the ice to have a shot on goal. We did this from both left and right corners. The variation that followed was to put a bunch of defenders into the centre, their job being to rotate through and take on the puck carriers one on one behind the centre line. Again, do it from both left and right corners. We would have spent maybe ten minutes on the first and a bit longer on the second variations of this otherwise simple exercise (though you had to keep your head up when the defenders were on the ice as there could be as many as six players active on the ice at the same time, plus a couple 'returning' defenders heading back to centre ice). I played offence for all parts of this exercise.
The third phase of the session was a half hour shinny, divided into roughly equal teams by colour of sweater. I was wearing my royal blue SKA St Petersburg sweater and so was with the black, blue and greens. Generally again I played as a forward when it was appropriate, was complemented on my 'hussling' in front of the net and finding the free ice to take the pass (not that I did anything ultra productive with it when I got it!). In the last ten minutes, however, I reverted to playing D and found myself taking on an attacking Michael a couple of times (once on the rush when I close checked him to the point of neutralising him) and along the corner boards (when I trapped him long enough for him to lose the puck). I blocked a couple of shots and didn't feel as useless as last time I played D in a B grade shinny.
My feet were aching quite a bit through the horseshoe exercise, but had cleared up as the shinny progressed. Felt no pain afterwards. Hopefully I've finally reached equilibrium with my now not so new Bauer 160s.
A good evening. Thanks, Nancy, for not letting me get away with a weak excuse for not turning up!
Ice: 15
Thursday 19 February 2015
Evening Skate
Rather than go down the Ice Arena last night I spent the hour before sunset on my inlines down at the primary school playing around with pucks and my hockey ball. It was the first time I've been since school returned. I was pleased to see they've remarked the netball court and swept it regularly. The kids would appreciate it.
With the pucks, my usual hundred shots of four kinds from the 15' circle. Although accuracy was low average (5/6/5/3) I was generating a bit more power and follow through. I held the stick a bit lower with my right hand, led to an increased feeling of certainty and control. Also seemed to be moving into my shots more naturally (weight transfer).
Before, after and in between my sets of shots I used the hockey ball to practice my stickhandling. Only short drills, concentrating on basic technique. Forward facing circuit, keeping puck in front of me (both ways), backwards up and down the court, transitions. Felt a bit of an improvement in control and speed through the session.
Relatively strong strides on the trip home, the trip up the hill accomplished with as few strokes as ever have (not particularly striving for this goal, but using a more 'deliberate' stride each occasion). Got home as the sun dipped below horizon and had a big meal.
There is a bit of a rattle from my front wheels after their recent service. But it doesn't detract from the skating and upon examination afterwards everything seems to be holding together well enough.
Good to be back again.
Inline 7
With the pucks, my usual hundred shots of four kinds from the 15' circle. Although accuracy was low average (5/6/5/3) I was generating a bit more power and follow through. I held the stick a bit lower with my right hand, led to an increased feeling of certainty and control. Also seemed to be moving into my shots more naturally (weight transfer).
Before, after and in between my sets of shots I used the hockey ball to practice my stickhandling. Only short drills, concentrating on basic technique. Forward facing circuit, keeping puck in front of me (both ways), backwards up and down the court, transitions. Felt a bit of an improvement in control and speed through the session.
Relatively strong strides on the trip home, the trip up the hill accomplished with as few strokes as ever have (not particularly striving for this goal, but using a more 'deliberate' stride each occasion). Got home as the sun dipped below horizon and had a big meal.
There is a bit of a rattle from my front wheels after their recent service. But it doesn't detract from the skating and upon examination afterwards everything seems to be holding together well enough.
Good to be back again.
Inline 7
Sunday 15 February 2015
Game Day - Rangers (2) d Knights (1)
Just a short post, I'll fill it out later in the week as I expect will be getting some video of the game in the next day or two.
For a change, played the early game tonight at the Ice Arena. We were beaten by the Rangers, the winning goal being scored within the final two minutes. We managed to pick up another four or so penalties through the game, they picked up one. I was on the ice for their first period goal and our power play reply in the second. As for our goal, I was back in 'overwatch' and performed in an inactive role for the play from which we scored.
Their first first goal was a repeat of a number of goals against which I have been on the ice for this season (ie. shooter in high slot, me caught roughly in the shooting lane between them and goal, a good shot going by between waist and chest height no more than an arm's length from me, who lets it go without trying to block for fear of screening the goalie. Perhaps a better idea of where exactly the goals are would help?).
I was on the ice probably a bit less than twenty five minutes, pulling less than my weight as I gave a few extra minutes to Tom (him being the better player by far and this being his final game with us this season). Considering that I'd spent about twenty minutes on the rink the night before, I am doing reasonably well in terms of condition at this point of the summer/season. Of course, the third period requires one to 'dig in' a bit, and that's the thing I need to remain vigilant about. Remember, at C grade level the clock keeps running through stoppages (except in final two minutes of the game), so twenty minutes probably equals fifteen. But it's still not necessarily easy time, as I increasingly try and keep my feet moving at all times (and at getting closer and closer to being able to do so).
There was one majorly chaotic play that I was involved in. During the first period they had one point where the puck was being shot in from the corner or behind the net, relays of their forwards swooping towards the crease, too many bodies in front of the crease, Tommy on his knees somehow managing to pad it out several times from different directions, the puck ricocheting off of flashing sticks and feet, and at least twice the puck flying across an open portion of the goal with inches to spare before somehow leaking out of the press and into the corner. Phew!
I didn't badly screw up any plays that I recall. My only defensive zone pass across the centre was when I gathered the puck in the corner and carried it until I was half way up the defensive zone boards before passing it tape to tape to our winger on the opposing point. I passed to a centre player a number of times, generally they were skating up through the neutral zone at speed as I did so. I was definitely outpaced several times, though only once comprehensively beaten (Ben skating down the flank in the third). Otherwise I generally made just sufficient nuisance of myself against their speedsters to prevent any nasty surprises for Tommy in goal.
Random examples of my general duties included clearing the front of the net a couple times, skating behind the posts for a breakout maneuver (thrice), tying them up in the corner (twice), stealing the puck off a stick, pinched into the offensive zone to save the play. I played big minutes in a couple of our Penalty Kills, and was on for our power play goal. Deflected at least two, possibly three shots on goal harmlessly into the boards. Got beat after a board clash at centre ice when I lost my feet and he didn't, after which he pretty effortlessly brushed past me with a combination of strength (having watched him before from stands, a bit taller than me but a lot more thickset and with quite a junkyard (but legal) approach) and opportunism (he got moving before me). Basically, played a good utility defence role.
I didn't have the puck bounce over or slide under my blade, didn't have them chip it past me on the blue. Overall, happy with my game, though it wasn't a blinder.
My skates performed well enough with their newly sharpened blades (I think I only lost my footing once), though I am not skating up to my ability in them yet I feel.
My team played a pretty decent game all round. It did seem as though the puck generally if not always bounced against us when it was a close call. We had more shots than in past, but don't seem to control the front of their net for the key moments.
That's the end of our playoff contention. With only two more games to go for us (and the bye) the season really is one for development now. Especially as Tom is off and won't be back till next season, and we won't be seeing Henry back either.
Still, looking forward to the games, and then a few weeks off before getting into gear with off season training and some shinnies!
GP 15 G 0 A 0 Pts 0 -11 6/8/1
Ice 14
For a change, played the early game tonight at the Ice Arena. We were beaten by the Rangers, the winning goal being scored within the final two minutes. We managed to pick up another four or so penalties through the game, they picked up one. I was on the ice for their first period goal and our power play reply in the second. As for our goal, I was back in 'overwatch' and performed in an inactive role for the play from which we scored.
Their first first goal was a repeat of a number of goals against which I have been on the ice for this season (ie. shooter in high slot, me caught roughly in the shooting lane between them and goal, a good shot going by between waist and chest height no more than an arm's length from me, who lets it go without trying to block for fear of screening the goalie. Perhaps a better idea of where exactly the goals are would help?).
I was on the ice probably a bit less than twenty five minutes, pulling less than my weight as I gave a few extra minutes to Tom (him being the better player by far and this being his final game with us this season). Considering that I'd spent about twenty minutes on the rink the night before, I am doing reasonably well in terms of condition at this point of the summer/season. Of course, the third period requires one to 'dig in' a bit, and that's the thing I need to remain vigilant about. Remember, at C grade level the clock keeps running through stoppages (except in final two minutes of the game), so twenty minutes probably equals fifteen. But it's still not necessarily easy time, as I increasingly try and keep my feet moving at all times (and at getting closer and closer to being able to do so).
There was one majorly chaotic play that I was involved in. During the first period they had one point where the puck was being shot in from the corner or behind the net, relays of their forwards swooping towards the crease, too many bodies in front of the crease, Tommy on his knees somehow managing to pad it out several times from different directions, the puck ricocheting off of flashing sticks and feet, and at least twice the puck flying across an open portion of the goal with inches to spare before somehow leaking out of the press and into the corner. Phew!
I didn't badly screw up any plays that I recall. My only defensive zone pass across the centre was when I gathered the puck in the corner and carried it until I was half way up the defensive zone boards before passing it tape to tape to our winger on the opposing point. I passed to a centre player a number of times, generally they were skating up through the neutral zone at speed as I did so. I was definitely outpaced several times, though only once comprehensively beaten (Ben skating down the flank in the third). Otherwise I generally made just sufficient nuisance of myself against their speedsters to prevent any nasty surprises for Tommy in goal.
Random examples of my general duties included clearing the front of the net a couple times, skating behind the posts for a breakout maneuver (thrice), tying them up in the corner (twice), stealing the puck off a stick, pinched into the offensive zone to save the play. I played big minutes in a couple of our Penalty Kills, and was on for our power play goal. Deflected at least two, possibly three shots on goal harmlessly into the boards. Got beat after a board clash at centre ice when I lost my feet and he didn't, after which he pretty effortlessly brushed past me with a combination of strength (having watched him before from stands, a bit taller than me but a lot more thickset and with quite a junkyard (but legal) approach) and opportunism (he got moving before me). Basically, played a good utility defence role.
I didn't have the puck bounce over or slide under my blade, didn't have them chip it past me on the blue. Overall, happy with my game, though it wasn't a blinder.
My skates performed well enough with their newly sharpened blades (I think I only lost my footing once), though I am not skating up to my ability in them yet I feel.
My team played a pretty decent game all round. It did seem as though the puck generally if not always bounced against us when it was a close call. We had more shots than in past, but don't seem to control the front of their net for the key moments.
That's the end of our playoff contention. With only two more games to go for us (and the bye) the season really is one for development now. Especially as Tom is off and won't be back till next season, and we won't be seeing Henry back either.
Still, looking forward to the games, and then a few weeks off before getting into gear with off season training and some shinnies!
GP 15 G 0 A 0 Pts 0 -11 6/8/1
Ice 14
Game Day - Wheelers (4) t Bumpers (4)
We played the Bumpers in the final Div II game at Gawler last night. It was under heatwave conditions, with the temperature only dipping below 40'C about a half hour before we started. Accordingly, the game was played under recently revised heat rules, namely 3 x 12 min periods with 2 minutes between each. Luckily, both teams had a six person bench (we had our full roster, they had one reserve). We had Jye in goal this week (Div I player having a go as a tyro goalie), they had Matt the Goalie (ditto, except he was our goalie last year).
Astute readers might be wondering if we played Tasha with a broken wrist from the week before. No, we didn't. After four hours waiting in emergency and several doctor visits she played with a strapped wrist and a provisional opinion that it wasn't broken, 'merely' sprained. It was still hurting though! I also played with strapping, on my knee as I do for all games since September.
I'd picked up my Vapor skates earlier in the day from the skate shop where I'd left them on Wednesday night for a little TLC. The front two wheel nuts on each had been drilled out and replaced by new ones (necessary, after I'd badly burred them a couple weeks ago). The skates were very functional, though seemed to have picked up a new 'clicking' sound on each stride. No complaints though, and maybe I'll get some new bearings today.
The game itself was as tight and tough as the scoreline suggests and as we'd all expected. Although winless at the bottom of the ladder the Bumpers outshot us 27-18. Despite the odd whinge and whine (which I'll put down to heat more than bad sportsmanship) the game flowed well and only one penalty was called (when I drew an interference on Mal at the start of the final period for instinctively shoving from behind when I swooped in front of him for the puck - the third similar incident I've experienced in the last four games of (both forms) of hockey but the first that was called).
Krystal played out of her skin in the first two periods, though was becoming a bit distracted and tired by the last. Tasha played her usual game of efficient defence, they always underestimate her on her stature and skating ability and forget her stubborn ability to keep her feet and compete with an active and accurate stick. Brendan had a solid game, earning a much deserved two points for a goal and an assist. Rick was suffering from the heat, still managing a couple goals and looking dangerous in combination particularly with myself throughout. Jye in my opinion spent too much time clowning around with his sideline mates, causing me to ask one of our players on the bench to tone down his language when he had a go at the fellow when the game was tight in the third.
In my opinion, the star for our team was Merrilyn. Not only did she set up the opening goal by Tasha, but her defence and threatening play on the wings was as determined and intelligent as I've yet seen it. Most memorable was in the second when she got involved in a puck battle on the defensive corner and had her stick ripped from her hands but stayed in the battle with her feet and body positioning against two and then three of their players, eventually kicking it to a team mate before coming off from a tiring shift. Utter determination and great eye/hand coordination.
Tasha and Rick scored the opening goals about half way through the first (assists by Merilyn and Brenton respectively) but they equalised by the first break. The second period was much more dour, with them drawing ahead at the half way point after a long scramble in front of our net when I don't think Jye ever saw the puck as it lay in front of him. I drew the penalty on Mal inside two minutes into the final period, and then combined with Brenton on the powerplay to give him a nice goal to tie the game up again (he did really well to hold his feet in the slot while I battled in the corner for a passing lane to open up to him). They started to get very excited with about three minutes to go when they again took the lead, but Krystal on an extra long shift managed to skate it down the boards and pass to a lurking Rick who made sure of his shot and tying the game with only seconds left.
Of interest was that twice in the game (both in the first half, from memory) there was a major scramble in front of our net. On the first, Jai was standing on the goal line and looking around at the surface and a mad scramble of sticks and a few feet (four of us) scrambling around the elusive puck before it was jammed out into the corner. On the second, it went in.
My own game was relatively good, though I only had maybe a couple of my six shots actually be on goal. Rick and I kept getting very close to combining dangerously on the break, we'll get better with better communication. He has a wicked snap pass/shot and I can find the space, so if this starts working we'll do very well. I spent much of my game in defence role again, blocking at least three shots and several times disrupting their shooting forward. No major crashes or battles for me, though, as I was probably the quickest skater on the night. My one point for the assist has me tied on the scoring ladder for most assists in the division, and keeps me in fifth spot for total points.
I was on the rink for three of our goals and two of theirs.
A fun game, physical but no bad blood.
Inline 6
Astute readers might be wondering if we played Tasha with a broken wrist from the week before. No, we didn't. After four hours waiting in emergency and several doctor visits she played with a strapped wrist and a provisional opinion that it wasn't broken, 'merely' sprained. It was still hurting though! I also played with strapping, on my knee as I do for all games since September.
I'd picked up my Vapor skates earlier in the day from the skate shop where I'd left them on Wednesday night for a little TLC. The front two wheel nuts on each had been drilled out and replaced by new ones (necessary, after I'd badly burred them a couple weeks ago). The skates were very functional, though seemed to have picked up a new 'clicking' sound on each stride. No complaints though, and maybe I'll get some new bearings today.
The game itself was as tight and tough as the scoreline suggests and as we'd all expected. Although winless at the bottom of the ladder the Bumpers outshot us 27-18. Despite the odd whinge and whine (which I'll put down to heat more than bad sportsmanship) the game flowed well and only one penalty was called (when I drew an interference on Mal at the start of the final period for instinctively shoving from behind when I swooped in front of him for the puck - the third similar incident I've experienced in the last four games of (both forms) of hockey but the first that was called).
Krystal played out of her skin in the first two periods, though was becoming a bit distracted and tired by the last. Tasha played her usual game of efficient defence, they always underestimate her on her stature and skating ability and forget her stubborn ability to keep her feet and compete with an active and accurate stick. Brendan had a solid game, earning a much deserved two points for a goal and an assist. Rick was suffering from the heat, still managing a couple goals and looking dangerous in combination particularly with myself throughout. Jye in my opinion spent too much time clowning around with his sideline mates, causing me to ask one of our players on the bench to tone down his language when he had a go at the fellow when the game was tight in the third.
In my opinion, the star for our team was Merrilyn. Not only did she set up the opening goal by Tasha, but her defence and threatening play on the wings was as determined and intelligent as I've yet seen it. Most memorable was in the second when she got involved in a puck battle on the defensive corner and had her stick ripped from her hands but stayed in the battle with her feet and body positioning against two and then three of their players, eventually kicking it to a team mate before coming off from a tiring shift. Utter determination and great eye/hand coordination.
Tasha and Rick scored the opening goals about half way through the first (assists by Merilyn and Brenton respectively) but they equalised by the first break. The second period was much more dour, with them drawing ahead at the half way point after a long scramble in front of our net when I don't think Jye ever saw the puck as it lay in front of him. I drew the penalty on Mal inside two minutes into the final period, and then combined with Brenton on the powerplay to give him a nice goal to tie the game up again (he did really well to hold his feet in the slot while I battled in the corner for a passing lane to open up to him). They started to get very excited with about three minutes to go when they again took the lead, but Krystal on an extra long shift managed to skate it down the boards and pass to a lurking Rick who made sure of his shot and tying the game with only seconds left.
Of interest was that twice in the game (both in the first half, from memory) there was a major scramble in front of our net. On the first, Jai was standing on the goal line and looking around at the surface and a mad scramble of sticks and a few feet (four of us) scrambling around the elusive puck before it was jammed out into the corner. On the second, it went in.
My own game was relatively good, though I only had maybe a couple of my six shots actually be on goal. Rick and I kept getting very close to combining dangerously on the break, we'll get better with better communication. He has a wicked snap pass/shot and I can find the space, so if this starts working we'll do very well. I spent much of my game in defence role again, blocking at least three shots and several times disrupting their shooting forward. No major crashes or battles for me, though, as I was probably the quickest skater on the night. My one point for the assist has me tied on the scoring ladder for most assists in the division, and keeps me in fifth spot for total points.
I was on the rink for three of our goals and two of theirs.
A fun game, physical but no bad blood.
Inline 6
Friday 13 February 2015
The Kids from Cleve & A loves gliding
Wednesday night I went with Craig to the Ice Arena for usual Wednesday night public skate. Less people than previous weeks, although the kids from Cleve Area School were there for their annual school camp for much of the time to make up for the fact.
I'd dropped off my new Bauers and my inline vapors earlier in the evening for a sharpening and some maintenance respectively. Therefore I got to come out on my old skates. Last time I did this I had felt like they were old friends. This time, although still comfortable in them I was also certainly aware of the lack of stability offered by the 160's. And the degree of foot pain afterwards was comparable to after my last game, so I guess that not only are the new boots adapting to my feet, but my feet are adapting to them. Scary.
Spent most of my time on transitions and backwards take offs, each way. Also worked on the edges consistently through the evening. We'll see what difference it has made when I don my sharp skates on Sunday.
I'd been to the ice earlier in the evening to catch the end of A's second 'Learn to Skate' class. Actually, I got there for the free skate they have afterwards. A is now five, has red hair, and once wanted to be a goalie. Needless to say, I'm a great fan.
I was very pleasantly surprised to see him using skate strokes to get around the ice. I noticed this aftr only watching several strides. This in contrast to the Sunday afternoon a few months ago when he'd first been able to skate unassisted in the stumbling run that so many kids manage for their first victorious lap. According to A, 'gliding' is his favourite thing on the ice.
How cool.
Ice 14
I'd dropped off my new Bauers and my inline vapors earlier in the evening for a sharpening and some maintenance respectively. Therefore I got to come out on my old skates. Last time I did this I had felt like they were old friends. This time, although still comfortable in them I was also certainly aware of the lack of stability offered by the 160's. And the degree of foot pain afterwards was comparable to after my last game, so I guess that not only are the new boots adapting to my feet, but my feet are adapting to them. Scary.
Spent most of my time on transitions and backwards take offs, each way. Also worked on the edges consistently through the evening. We'll see what difference it has made when I don my sharp skates on Sunday.
*
I'd been to the ice earlier in the evening to catch the end of A's second 'Learn to Skate' class. Actually, I got there for the free skate they have afterwards. A is now five, has red hair, and once wanted to be a goalie. Needless to say, I'm a great fan.
I was very pleasantly surprised to see him using skate strokes to get around the ice. I noticed this aftr only watching several strides. This in contrast to the Sunday afternoon a few months ago when he'd first been able to skate unassisted in the stumbling run that so many kids manage for their first victorious lap. According to A, 'gliding' is his favourite thing on the ice.
How cool.
Ice 14
Monday 9 February 2015
Game Day - Knights (1) d Predators (0)
We defeated the Predators in Sunday night's game at the Ice Arena. It was our first win of the year and, after four defeats, very welcome. We remain in sixth position on the ladder, equal on games won and points with the Predators, but they've had one game less. In beating them we not only avoided them sweeping us in our home and away series of three but managed to trash their reasonable hopes of making the playoffs, almost reducing them to our own state of boundless optimism. We still have a mathematical chance of making the playoffs, but will have to win all our games in regulation time and rely on the Kings losing all three of their remaining games, no more than one beyond regulation. And, the Predators winning no more than two games. Tough ask.
We had ten skaters and Tommy in goal. They had eleven and their regular goalie. For us, we were missing Henry, Beau and the elusive Dan. Still, ten skaters equals two full lines and four D and that's enough to be going with in C grade.
I wasn't on the ice for our first goal. It came near the end of the first period when Mike, unassisted, scored with a lovely lolly pop shot from close to the red line about half way in from the corner after going for one of his regular forays into the forward zone. Occasionally he gets caught down there and the opposition breaks out through his point but he seems to be doing more damage with his offensive style than is getting past him. Be that as it may, it is of note that our defence has scored our last four goals (of our total of five scored in five games this calendar year).
The shot total at game end was 12-9 in our favour. We managed to restrict them to only two shots in each of the final two periods. Both teams hit the pipes once.
Tommy made some of the grandest saves I've seen him take all year, at least three times standing alone against up to three marauding opponents. In the first period he covered a forward sweeping in along the red line, didn't flinch at the faked step and shot, covered the real thing and stopped any rebound. In the third period he made a catcher save from a bullet from top right of the slot. Both times I was on the ice.
The game flowed well for which one can only compliment the refereeing. This was especially nice considering that both teams were playing hard, giving little if any quarter. There were only two penalties for the whole game, one each way in the final period (both for hooking). As seems the case more often than not, our penalty kill was spent mainly in their end. They didn't get a shot off in theirs.
I was pleased with most of my game. I went down twice early in the first period due my clumbsiness on my feet (actually, I also think I need to get my blades sharpened as I've had doubts about my edges since I began to be able to feel my feet in the new Bauers) and once in the second. This last was at speed as a forward got the break on me across the neutral zone and I scrambled to catch him. I slid into the back boards at high speed on my front, had time to align myself to hit them square with my head facing up the ice and my legs bent 90' at the knees to take the shock and protect my blades. It worked perfectly even if it was unorthodox.
I managed to give everyone on our team a heart attack when I again managed to clear the puck from the right corner with a pass across the low slot. The fact they didn't score off it doesn't make it any better. I need to hit it into the corner, take it to the boards if pressured and hold it there for support, chip it up the boards on my side, or rim it around behind the goals. Will I ever learn? Enough said...
Although my stick was on the ice a lot more of this game than the last, I still managed to miss a puck as it came towards me. It had been a bouncing puck, which is I think why I had the blade of my stick raised a few inches (happens too fast to be too conscious about it at my age) allowing it to get under and past me. At least that's what I think happened. I'll need to be yet more rigorous in keeping my blade down.
My consistent tactical weakness if finding them coming up along the boards to the blue line, getting it past me and out of their zone, and they're off. I can sometimes catch them, but of the several times this again happened last night there was at least one which turned into a nasty shot on goal that was only saved by Tommy. I need to learn more about stick checking.
Defending our blue line and the zone, I was reasonably successful. Several times I found myself to be one on three and struggling to keep them out of centre. Somehow I always managed it, leading to low percentage blasts towards goal from too far out. As the game wore on I worked a bit on keeping the gap tighter as they came in on the flanks, trying to deflect them from moving to centre ice as was their wont. I didn't quite prevent this, but did cause a bit of disruption to what appeared an almost habitual approach from one of their scoring wingers.
From the central slot I managed to block a couple shots, one by kicking it in midflight with my shin, another by having my stick deflect it in a long looping flight to bounce safely high on the end boards as it fell to the ice. Both were hard shots and, judging by Tommy's reaction behind me, both were on goal. I also managed to dissuade at least one shot by shielding the goals with my body as my opponent swept in from the flank (close the gap, 'grow big', move legs together to present a solid barrier) and on a few occasions prevented shots by keeping my blocking stick close to the puck as I (barely) kept pace in a skating race up the flank. All in all, a much better performance in playing their breakouts than the last time we met, when I let them get around me on second or third effort (all on video if you look back through this blog).
I tried to play my role sufficiently to at least disrupt if not remove any forward who tried to plant him or herself in the central slot. This entailed racing to my (right) corner when the puck was there, then racing back to clear the slot when the puck had been moved elsewhere. No one gave me any real problems except for their most giant forward, but even he let me get in his head and that stopped him being too dangerous (especially I was always at his stick if not trying to physically push him around). A good exercise in the dark arts of defence.
Again, several times, I ended a play with my body standing over or in some other way protecting our goalie as he lay helpless. Protecting the person of our goalie is number one on my priorities, afterall, as defence. This is ironic when the only player I ever intentionally hit with my stick is my goalie, when I slam a puck against him and hold it there for a whistle if a forward is trying to poke away at a close in loose puck that has escaped the goalie's attention or ability to reach it (eg. alongside his outstretched leg).
This post is already long enough, so I'll report only one other game incident of note. It was in the second period when I again was chasing a puck in towards our goal, trying to cover their forward from getting to it (strong skater). I was just beginning a stopping maneuver when I felt a push on my left shoulder (I was facing towards my goal and racing forwards, it had been a high speed sprint) and was airborne and suddenly traveling very fast. I slammed down into Christian who had been covering the slot, landing on his ankle with my leg, and then we both slid into Tommy. My initial fear was that I'd broken another person's ankle. Christian, however, played out the game with the odd turn of high speed so I suspect it was 'just' a sprain. I hope he's been able to walk okay!
GP 14 G 0 A 0 Pts 0 -11 6/7/1
Ice 13
We had ten skaters and Tommy in goal. They had eleven and their regular goalie. For us, we were missing Henry, Beau and the elusive Dan. Still, ten skaters equals two full lines and four D and that's enough to be going with in C grade.
I wasn't on the ice for our first goal. It came near the end of the first period when Mike, unassisted, scored with a lovely lolly pop shot from close to the red line about half way in from the corner after going for one of his regular forays into the forward zone. Occasionally he gets caught down there and the opposition breaks out through his point but he seems to be doing more damage with his offensive style than is getting past him. Be that as it may, it is of note that our defence has scored our last four goals (of our total of five scored in five games this calendar year).
The shot total at game end was 12-9 in our favour. We managed to restrict them to only two shots in each of the final two periods. Both teams hit the pipes once.
Tommy made some of the grandest saves I've seen him take all year, at least three times standing alone against up to three marauding opponents. In the first period he covered a forward sweeping in along the red line, didn't flinch at the faked step and shot, covered the real thing and stopped any rebound. In the third period he made a catcher save from a bullet from top right of the slot. Both times I was on the ice.
The game flowed well for which one can only compliment the refereeing. This was especially nice considering that both teams were playing hard, giving little if any quarter. There were only two penalties for the whole game, one each way in the final period (both for hooking). As seems the case more often than not, our penalty kill was spent mainly in their end. They didn't get a shot off in theirs.
*
I was pleased with most of my game. I went down twice early in the first period due my clumbsiness on my feet (actually, I also think I need to get my blades sharpened as I've had doubts about my edges since I began to be able to feel my feet in the new Bauers) and once in the second. This last was at speed as a forward got the break on me across the neutral zone and I scrambled to catch him. I slid into the back boards at high speed on my front, had time to align myself to hit them square with my head facing up the ice and my legs bent 90' at the knees to take the shock and protect my blades. It worked perfectly even if it was unorthodox.
I managed to give everyone on our team a heart attack when I again managed to clear the puck from the right corner with a pass across the low slot. The fact they didn't score off it doesn't make it any better. I need to hit it into the corner, take it to the boards if pressured and hold it there for support, chip it up the boards on my side, or rim it around behind the goals. Will I ever learn? Enough said...
Although my stick was on the ice a lot more of this game than the last, I still managed to miss a puck as it came towards me. It had been a bouncing puck, which is I think why I had the blade of my stick raised a few inches (happens too fast to be too conscious about it at my age) allowing it to get under and past me. At least that's what I think happened. I'll need to be yet more rigorous in keeping my blade down.
My consistent tactical weakness if finding them coming up along the boards to the blue line, getting it past me and out of their zone, and they're off. I can sometimes catch them, but of the several times this again happened last night there was at least one which turned into a nasty shot on goal that was only saved by Tommy. I need to learn more about stick checking.
Defending our blue line and the zone, I was reasonably successful. Several times I found myself to be one on three and struggling to keep them out of centre. Somehow I always managed it, leading to low percentage blasts towards goal from too far out. As the game wore on I worked a bit on keeping the gap tighter as they came in on the flanks, trying to deflect them from moving to centre ice as was their wont. I didn't quite prevent this, but did cause a bit of disruption to what appeared an almost habitual approach from one of their scoring wingers.
From the central slot I managed to block a couple shots, one by kicking it in midflight with my shin, another by having my stick deflect it in a long looping flight to bounce safely high on the end boards as it fell to the ice. Both were hard shots and, judging by Tommy's reaction behind me, both were on goal. I also managed to dissuade at least one shot by shielding the goals with my body as my opponent swept in from the flank (close the gap, 'grow big', move legs together to present a solid barrier) and on a few occasions prevented shots by keeping my blocking stick close to the puck as I (barely) kept pace in a skating race up the flank. All in all, a much better performance in playing their breakouts than the last time we met, when I let them get around me on second or third effort (all on video if you look back through this blog).
I tried to play my role sufficiently to at least disrupt if not remove any forward who tried to plant him or herself in the central slot. This entailed racing to my (right) corner when the puck was there, then racing back to clear the slot when the puck had been moved elsewhere. No one gave me any real problems except for their most giant forward, but even he let me get in his head and that stopped him being too dangerous (especially I was always at his stick if not trying to physically push him around). A good exercise in the dark arts of defence.
Again, several times, I ended a play with my body standing over or in some other way protecting our goalie as he lay helpless. Protecting the person of our goalie is number one on my priorities, afterall, as defence. This is ironic when the only player I ever intentionally hit with my stick is my goalie, when I slam a puck against him and hold it there for a whistle if a forward is trying to poke away at a close in loose puck that has escaped the goalie's attention or ability to reach it (eg. alongside his outstretched leg).
This post is already long enough, so I'll report only one other game incident of note. It was in the second period when I again was chasing a puck in towards our goal, trying to cover their forward from getting to it (strong skater). I was just beginning a stopping maneuver when I felt a push on my left shoulder (I was facing towards my goal and racing forwards, it had been a high speed sprint) and was airborne and suddenly traveling very fast. I slammed down into Christian who had been covering the slot, landing on his ankle with my leg, and then we both slid into Tommy. My initial fear was that I'd broken another person's ankle. Christian, however, played out the game with the odd turn of high speed so I suspect it was 'just' a sprain. I hope he's been able to walk okay!
GP 14 G 0 A 0 Pts 0 -11 6/7/1
Ice 13
Sunday 8 February 2015
Game Day - Shufflers (7) d Wheelers (0)
We were shut out in the late game at Gawler last night against Division leaders the Shufflers. They are now unassailable on top of the ladder. We are currently third, scrapping with the Rockers for second spot (tied on points, they lead in regular time wins). There are four games left in the season.
It was heatwave conditions for inline hockey (39'C) so all games were split into ten minute quarters rather than twenty minute halves. This resulted in us starting rather late.
Both teams had a full bench. At the start it promised to be a good game, perhaps with the edge to them. As things turned out, not the case. They were 0-2 up at quarter time, and we had Rick still to complete a hooking penalty. The shot clock was 11-3 their way in the first.
We evened the shooting up in the second, with five a piece directed at net. Towards the end of the quarter I noticed that our goalie, Jordyn, was having trouble moving any more than the absolute minimum. At half time they were leading 4-0 but that wasn't our main worry. Rather, our goalie was suffering badly and came straight to the bench and started taking off her gear. She was suffering heat stress and had to stop the game. Good luck to her, looks like she stopped in time before things got too much worse. She'd played the previous (U17) game also, perhaps something for the committee to look at with young goalies.
In the third quarter the demolition continued, with them putting on another two goals. Again, not the greatest concern on our bench as they appeared to be boarding one of our players with impunity and she ended up on the bench with a suspected broken wrist. Although I don't think the 'hits' were intentional, they were definitely reckless. Disappointing. The fact that there were no penalties called only made it worse. We had five shots to their three this quarter.
I also realised that their hulking forward was crowding our substitute goalie and resolved to go and help out. So, early in the final quarter I put some of my Knights training into operation and took him on from behind in an effort to clear the crease. He foolishly dug in and ended up on the floor. He wasn't so keen to make contact with our goalie after that. They put in a final shot before the buzzer, one of only two on net to our five. Not a good showing for the Wheelers.
My game was average at best. I was on for four of their goals, blocked a couple, won a couple face offs (lost none), more or less kept their prime scorers off the board from the middle zone where they love to score from. I hardly put any shots on net again, due to concentration almost entirely on defence against their inevitable break. I guess the fact that they scored almost all goals from either goal front deflection or jamming it in says something for our skating defence, but not a lot for our work near the crease. Only one of the four goals scored when I was on was from close in, and that was our cheeky substitute goalie having too much fun skating around the zone and getting caught. I had to grin at the time...
Our team was not too happy afterwards, we knew that a couple of their players had been playing pretty rough against some of our younger members. This subtracted from the skills and fun displayed by the rest of their team, sadly. I suspect we might hear more of this down the track.
On Sunday, I play with the Knights against the Predators at the Ice Arena. Next Saturday, Wheelers take on the luckless Bumpers (still to win a game this season).
Inline 5
It was heatwave conditions for inline hockey (39'C) so all games were split into ten minute quarters rather than twenty minute halves. This resulted in us starting rather late.
Both teams had a full bench. At the start it promised to be a good game, perhaps with the edge to them. As things turned out, not the case. They were 0-2 up at quarter time, and we had Rick still to complete a hooking penalty. The shot clock was 11-3 their way in the first.
We evened the shooting up in the second, with five a piece directed at net. Towards the end of the quarter I noticed that our goalie, Jordyn, was having trouble moving any more than the absolute minimum. At half time they were leading 4-0 but that wasn't our main worry. Rather, our goalie was suffering badly and came straight to the bench and started taking off her gear. She was suffering heat stress and had to stop the game. Good luck to her, looks like she stopped in time before things got too much worse. She'd played the previous (U17) game also, perhaps something for the committee to look at with young goalies.
In the third quarter the demolition continued, with them putting on another two goals. Again, not the greatest concern on our bench as they appeared to be boarding one of our players with impunity and she ended up on the bench with a suspected broken wrist. Although I don't think the 'hits' were intentional, they were definitely reckless. Disappointing. The fact that there were no penalties called only made it worse. We had five shots to their three this quarter.
I also realised that their hulking forward was crowding our substitute goalie and resolved to go and help out. So, early in the final quarter I put some of my Knights training into operation and took him on from behind in an effort to clear the crease. He foolishly dug in and ended up on the floor. He wasn't so keen to make contact with our goalie after that. They put in a final shot before the buzzer, one of only two on net to our five. Not a good showing for the Wheelers.
My game was average at best. I was on for four of their goals, blocked a couple, won a couple face offs (lost none), more or less kept their prime scorers off the board from the middle zone where they love to score from. I hardly put any shots on net again, due to concentration almost entirely on defence against their inevitable break. I guess the fact that they scored almost all goals from either goal front deflection or jamming it in says something for our skating defence, but not a lot for our work near the crease. Only one of the four goals scored when I was on was from close in, and that was our cheeky substitute goalie having too much fun skating around the zone and getting caught. I had to grin at the time...
Our team was not too happy afterwards, we knew that a couple of their players had been playing pretty rough against some of our younger members. This subtracted from the skills and fun displayed by the rest of their team, sadly. I suspect we might hear more of this down the track.
On Sunday, I play with the Knights against the Predators at the Ice Arena. Next Saturday, Wheelers take on the luckless Bumpers (still to win a game this season).
Inline 5
Friday 6 February 2015
Game Day - Redwings (3) d Knights (1)
The Knights played our 14th game of the season last night, going down 1-3 to the Redwings. They scored one goal in each period, including one in the second on the third of their four power plays for the game. We were outshot 20-14, and won less faceoffs than lost. We had eleven skaters (only Dan didn't show (again)), they had twelve. Both teams had their own goalies.
I was on the ice for their first goal, which almost immediately followed their winning a face off in our zone just over a minute in. I saw the shot coming from around the blue line, I think the puck had been passed to him from whomever their centre managed to tap it to. I was about two feet away from the puck as it whistled past me. Tommy said later that he saw it all the way and it somehow didn't get in his glove. I think it dipped. In any event, it was a hard shot. Justine reckoned it was offside (ie shot from beyond the blue line), but the ref didn't call it so ce la vie. Their second goal was deflected in from the goal mouth, had almost no pace on it but enough to sneak under Tom in time. Their third goal was also a close in number, which left out team looking obviously dejected. All reversed when Cam singlehandedly carried one in and planted it and we all played the game out with some style.
All things considered I was pretty happy with my game, if a bit dissatisfied at a couple bad things raring their heads. The first of these nasties was getting caught pinching down a couple of times. One of these came about through me committing the second nasty, not trapping a loose puck when receiving it, the other was a plain misjudgement resulting in a breakout. The third nasty that I committed, a couple of times, was passing the puck into open ice from the back right corner, across the face of the goal and in the face of opposition. On one of these two occasions it ended up on the stick of my opposite D for a point shot. The first and third of these nasties is poor decision making, the second is a matter of stick on ice and stop the puck whatever it takes, commitment.
I was pleased with the rest of my game. For defending our blue lines, besides the aforesaid failed pinches, I kept my station well on the offensive blue, staying alert in the neutral zone when on the weakside. A couple times I played support to a winger or centre battling midway along the boards in the zone, retreating to my station when the battle moved down or cleared in our favour. I managed to cut off several rushes along the boards, or at least slow them up at one of the blues to ensure a defence was mounted behind me. My weakness revealed itself in this game to be vulnerability to a chip and rush along the boards from an astute winger (Samara). My neatest clearance was from about a third of the way up along the boards from the left corner, cross ice to the opposing point and rebound softly into open ice in the neutral zone. If our winger had been there it could have been tape to tape and a rush home. I did a couple similar passes from neutral to a lurking forward at the offensive blue line.
In terms of keeping their forwards on the outside, generally successful This through consistently matching their forward speed and keeping an active stick out to disrupt the potential shot (successfully so on the one occasion one of them got off an early shot as we powered towards the corner). Interestingly, three times I ended up at the corner of the goal post facing outwards as their forward crashed under his own speed into the back wall after having released the puck in the hope of a crashing centre (didn't happen)). In these three instances I was moving backwards at high speed, having either commenced from a rolling start in the neutral zone (utilising techniques I was working on on Wednesday night) or matched their breakaway pace in a race, transiting to backwards once I was able to. The other time I shut out a breaking forward from the inside was the second of the four, when I raced forwards the whole way. Using my body blind to cut him off ended with him shoving me towards the backboards from the red line. At the speed we were traveling I hit the boards behind the goals at speed. It was a bit of a startle for me, and I grabbed his number (5) before continuing. A very minor sprain in my right wrist has resulted. Hopefully better by Sunday.
My most heroic moment came when a fast forward beat me to a deep puck, but I managed to stretch and interfere with his stick as he began to go behind the goal. I lost my footing and slid to the ice, but kept my stick moving and held him up until I was able to literally push him off the puck as I swatted it with my knees and stick to a team mate who skated it out of the danger zone. Probably my favorite clearance was when I rimmed it around from the right back to connect with our left winger on the opposing blue line. A perfect defensive pass resulting in a rush deep into their zone, resulting in itself from me winning the race for a dumped puck and thinking a moment before releasing my pass. Deep in our zone I kept station in front of the net many times, two or three times standing protectively over my goalie and shielding him from deadly poke shots or crashing bodies.
I played almost the whole game on the right side, I think I benefited from the consistent positioning. I played out the first PK, and a bit less than even time on the next three. The PK is the most offensive 'forecheck' style play I get to experience, resulting perhaps from being able to clear it from our zone without fear of icing and then using my speed to chase it into their zone.
As the season winds down and it becomes almost impossible for us to reach the playoffs I am beginning to approach it all as more of a developmental than competitive experience. This is good for my learning curve and I am actually looking forward to the off season!
Saturday night, Wheelers play Shufflers in Gawler. Then on Sunday, Knights v Predators. Both will be in heatwave conditions. They will be the fourth and fifth games in the space of nine days. Pretty excellent hothousing!
GP 13 G 0 A 0 Pts 0 -11 5/7/1
Ice 12
I was on the ice for their first goal, which almost immediately followed their winning a face off in our zone just over a minute in. I saw the shot coming from around the blue line, I think the puck had been passed to him from whomever their centre managed to tap it to. I was about two feet away from the puck as it whistled past me. Tommy said later that he saw it all the way and it somehow didn't get in his glove. I think it dipped. In any event, it was a hard shot. Justine reckoned it was offside (ie shot from beyond the blue line), but the ref didn't call it so ce la vie. Their second goal was deflected in from the goal mouth, had almost no pace on it but enough to sneak under Tom in time. Their third goal was also a close in number, which left out team looking obviously dejected. All reversed when Cam singlehandedly carried one in and planted it and we all played the game out with some style.
All things considered I was pretty happy with my game, if a bit dissatisfied at a couple bad things raring their heads. The first of these nasties was getting caught pinching down a couple of times. One of these came about through me committing the second nasty, not trapping a loose puck when receiving it, the other was a plain misjudgement resulting in a breakout. The third nasty that I committed, a couple of times, was passing the puck into open ice from the back right corner, across the face of the goal and in the face of opposition. On one of these two occasions it ended up on the stick of my opposite D for a point shot. The first and third of these nasties is poor decision making, the second is a matter of stick on ice and stop the puck whatever it takes, commitment.
I was pleased with the rest of my game. For defending our blue lines, besides the aforesaid failed pinches, I kept my station well on the offensive blue, staying alert in the neutral zone when on the weakside. A couple times I played support to a winger or centre battling midway along the boards in the zone, retreating to my station when the battle moved down or cleared in our favour. I managed to cut off several rushes along the boards, or at least slow them up at one of the blues to ensure a defence was mounted behind me. My weakness revealed itself in this game to be vulnerability to a chip and rush along the boards from an astute winger (Samara). My neatest clearance was from about a third of the way up along the boards from the left corner, cross ice to the opposing point and rebound softly into open ice in the neutral zone. If our winger had been there it could have been tape to tape and a rush home. I did a couple similar passes from neutral to a lurking forward at the offensive blue line.
In terms of keeping their forwards on the outside, generally successful This through consistently matching their forward speed and keeping an active stick out to disrupt the potential shot (successfully so on the one occasion one of them got off an early shot as we powered towards the corner). Interestingly, three times I ended up at the corner of the goal post facing outwards as their forward crashed under his own speed into the back wall after having released the puck in the hope of a crashing centre (didn't happen)). In these three instances I was moving backwards at high speed, having either commenced from a rolling start in the neutral zone (utilising techniques I was working on on Wednesday night) or matched their breakaway pace in a race, transiting to backwards once I was able to. The other time I shut out a breaking forward from the inside was the second of the four, when I raced forwards the whole way. Using my body blind to cut him off ended with him shoving me towards the backboards from the red line. At the speed we were traveling I hit the boards behind the goals at speed. It was a bit of a startle for me, and I grabbed his number (5) before continuing. A very minor sprain in my right wrist has resulted. Hopefully better by Sunday.
My most heroic moment came when a fast forward beat me to a deep puck, but I managed to stretch and interfere with his stick as he began to go behind the goal. I lost my footing and slid to the ice, but kept my stick moving and held him up until I was able to literally push him off the puck as I swatted it with my knees and stick to a team mate who skated it out of the danger zone. Probably my favorite clearance was when I rimmed it around from the right back to connect with our left winger on the opposing blue line. A perfect defensive pass resulting in a rush deep into their zone, resulting in itself from me winning the race for a dumped puck and thinking a moment before releasing my pass. Deep in our zone I kept station in front of the net many times, two or three times standing protectively over my goalie and shielding him from deadly poke shots or crashing bodies.
I played almost the whole game on the right side, I think I benefited from the consistent positioning. I played out the first PK, and a bit less than even time on the next three. The PK is the most offensive 'forecheck' style play I get to experience, resulting perhaps from being able to clear it from our zone without fear of icing and then using my speed to chase it into their zone.
As the season winds down and it becomes almost impossible for us to reach the playoffs I am beginning to approach it all as more of a developmental than competitive experience. This is good for my learning curve and I am actually looking forward to the off season!
Saturday night, Wheelers play Shufflers in Gawler. Then on Sunday, Knights v Predators. Both will be in heatwave conditions. They will be the fourth and fifth games in the space of nine days. Pretty excellent hothousing!
GP 13 G 0 A 0 Pts 0 -11 5/7/1
Ice 12
Thursday 5 February 2015
Wednesday Drills
I went with Craig and Jess to the Ice Arena for regular Wednesday night social skate last night. Jess stayed about an hour, Craig and I about ninety minutes. There were less skaters than the previous week. More figure than hockey skaters this week. Music had more of a funk/pop edge. Says something...
I spent most of my time working on backwards quick acceleration, using initial c-cut then driving with the cross under the crossover (it paid off tonight in the Knights' game, but more on that later) and putting my finishing touches on technique of transiting from backwards to forwards. I had gone and looked at a few youtubes (m2hockey, to be precise) the night before, watched some vids I'd last watched half a year or longer ago, picked up the message that I'd obviously not been ready to pick up the first time through, try and keep the feet under the body (but don't stand up) during heel to heel transitions. It seemed to solve most if not all of the problems I was having with the maneuver and was just a nice natural completion to the training I've been doing on it the last few months.
Good stuff.
Ice 11
I spent most of my time working on backwards quick acceleration, using initial c-cut then driving with the cross under the crossover (it paid off tonight in the Knights' game, but more on that later) and putting my finishing touches on technique of transiting from backwards to forwards. I had gone and looked at a few youtubes (m2hockey, to be precise) the night before, watched some vids I'd last watched half a year or longer ago, picked up the message that I'd obviously not been ready to pick up the first time through, try and keep the feet under the body (but don't stand up) during heel to heel transitions. It seemed to solve most if not all of the problems I was having with the maneuver and was just a nice natural completion to the training I've been doing on it the last few months.
Good stuff.
Ice 11
Monday 2 February 2015
Game Day - Flyers (2) d Knights (1)
I'll later edit this post to add in official stat related material when game sheet appears on pointstreak.
Last night we were beaten 2-1 by the Flyers in our third and final encounter of the season. The score was 0-0 at first intermission and 0-1 at the end of the second. We had eleven skaters and Tommy in goal. Tom, Andy and Lachy were all there this week, Beau also was there again (he is slowly learning to play his wing position and has a nice turn of speed on him). Henry wasn't there this week.
I was moderately happy with my own game as there were some good aspects to it, but I let myself down on a couple occasions so I don't see it as a more than average evening. I ended up choosing to wear my new Bauers afterall, and am glad I did as there was no foot soreness afterwards and only a little during the initial warm up phase.
I was on ice for all three goals, blocked two shots, deflected another around the net, put up reasonable to good battles on both blue lines, looked for my breakout passes and wasn't intercepted either chipping it up the boards or, on a couple occasions, making a long cross ice pass either to a team mate or to rebound across the blue, chased the puck down for a couple icings, harassed their net front forwards until they desisted or the puck was otherwise cleared, kept their breaking forwards to the outside, engaged in and won a serious battle along the boards and, on one occasion, pinched forward as far as the hash marks to send the puck back towards their net. These were all good things.
The weaknesses in my game were simple matters, but both were disastrous. The first was a lack of attention when on the bench resulting twice in an exiting player having to yell when almost in my face to get me to open the gate and get out on the ice, thus I twice lost a few seconds on the play. On the first occasion my absence contributed to what became a three on one rush resulting in their first goal. The second time was not so disastrous but was disturbing to my team mates. On reflection I don't think I would have been able to make the play on the first occasion even if I'd been quicker, but it sure looked and felt bad. I need to keep my head on a swivel at all times - including when on the bench!
My second major failing was momentarily lifting my stick for an unknown reason when not under immediate pressure, resulting in the puck going past me and me being out of position. On at least two occasions this resulted in one of their forwards swooping on the puck, one of these became a 2 on 0 rush which Tommy luckily halted between the pipes. All the times that I safely collected a loose puck count for nothing if I screw it up once and it results in a goal. I need to keep my stick on the ice, especially when collecting a puck!
GP 12 G 0 A 0 Pts 0 -10 5/6/1
Ice 10
Last night we were beaten 2-1 by the Flyers in our third and final encounter of the season. The score was 0-0 at first intermission and 0-1 at the end of the second. We had eleven skaters and Tommy in goal. Tom, Andy and Lachy were all there this week, Beau also was there again (he is slowly learning to play his wing position and has a nice turn of speed on him). Henry wasn't there this week.
I was moderately happy with my own game as there were some good aspects to it, but I let myself down on a couple occasions so I don't see it as a more than average evening. I ended up choosing to wear my new Bauers afterall, and am glad I did as there was no foot soreness afterwards and only a little during the initial warm up phase.
I was on ice for all three goals, blocked two shots, deflected another around the net, put up reasonable to good battles on both blue lines, looked for my breakout passes and wasn't intercepted either chipping it up the boards or, on a couple occasions, making a long cross ice pass either to a team mate or to rebound across the blue, chased the puck down for a couple icings, harassed their net front forwards until they desisted or the puck was otherwise cleared, kept their breaking forwards to the outside, engaged in and won a serious battle along the boards and, on one occasion, pinched forward as far as the hash marks to send the puck back towards their net. These were all good things.
The weaknesses in my game were simple matters, but both were disastrous. The first was a lack of attention when on the bench resulting twice in an exiting player having to yell when almost in my face to get me to open the gate and get out on the ice, thus I twice lost a few seconds on the play. On the first occasion my absence contributed to what became a three on one rush resulting in their first goal. The second time was not so disastrous but was disturbing to my team mates. On reflection I don't think I would have been able to make the play on the first occasion even if I'd been quicker, but it sure looked and felt bad. I need to keep my head on a swivel at all times - including when on the bench!
My second major failing was momentarily lifting my stick for an unknown reason when not under immediate pressure, resulting in the puck going past me and me being out of position. On at least two occasions this resulted in one of their forwards swooping on the puck, one of these became a 2 on 0 rush which Tommy luckily halted between the pipes. All the times that I safely collected a loose puck count for nothing if I screw it up once and it results in a goal. I need to keep my stick on the ice, especially when collecting a puck!
GP 12 G 0 A 0 Pts 0 -10 5/6/1
Ice 10
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