Goalie Crease Network - Blogs http://www.goaliecrease.net/blogs/ Ice Hockey Goaltending, Equipment, Reviews, Videos, Training, and Forum Discussion. Goalie Crease Network, a global community of puckstoppers. en Sun, 05 Feb 2012 04:43:48 GMT vBulletin 60 http://www.goaliecrease.net/images/misc/rss.jpg Goalie Crease Network - Blogs http://www.goaliecrease.net/blogs/ <![CDATA[Bauer one 60's or vaughn vision 9400]]> http://www.goaliecrease.net/blogs/sicktender/177-bauer-one-60s-vaughn-vision-9400.html Mon, 23 Jan 2012 06:51:14 GMT I have a choice to make on whether to get bauer one 60 or vaughn vision 9400. Thanks! I have a choice to make on whether to get bauer one 60 or vaughn vision 9400. Thanks! ]]> sicktender http://www.goaliecrease.net/blogs/sicktender/177-bauer-one-60s-vaughn-vision-9400.html Back in the saddle again http://www.goaliecrease.net/blogs/hockey-school-dropout/176-back-saddle-again.html Fri, 06 Jan 2012 19:01:43 GMT Finally got into a league game again last night, sparing for the Meatballs! We played against Les Requins (Sharks). I was glad to get back into... Finally got into a league game again last night, sparing for the Meatballs! We played against Les Requins (Sharks). I was glad to get back into some "real" hockey action. Playing pickup is just not the same!

Warm up went fine, no shots to the head, and was able to get my glove going (since I just did the skate lace pocket on Wednesday and only had 1 glove shot Thursday morning). Confidence was high after coming off a solid outing Thursday morning.

This is the first game I can remember where I didn't have to butterfly slide. Not once. Lots of errant passes by the Sharks in our end made it easier for me to get into position for every shot. I was squared up to every puck, and felt really good.

The Sharks opened the scoring. I stopped a screened shot from the high slot, and the puck bounced off my pad about 1.5 feet in front of me. The screener took a whack at it, which went off my right knee, and stopped about 2 feet out. I stuck my blocker out to try and cover the puck, but just as I was reaching for it, the Sharks player got another whack and it slid by me. Sharks 1, Meatballs 0.

Lucky for me, the Meatballs played one of their best games of the season (if not THE best), and the goals started coming. We tied it pretty quickly, then took a 2-1 lead shortly after. We got up 3-1, and it appeared to me after that the Sharks goalie had pretty much given up. He was battling for the first period pretty hard, but the third seemed to be his limit.

Meatballs entered the second up 3-1, and things were going well (except the lid on my water bottle kept popping off, making it hard to get a drink!). Sharks came down on a rush, and they had 1 guy who could really shoot the puck - hard. He came down the left wing and ripped a shot glove side. Of course it missed all the padding and caught me on the inside of my left bicep. OUCH.

We continued on, and potted another 2. With about 3 minutes to go (and up 5-1), with only 8 players, the Meatballs started to tire, and one of the Sharks split the D at the top of the faceoff circles. He faked the shot, I went for a poke check, and he slid around me and put it in on the backhand. D'Oh!

We finished with a 5-2 win though, and the guys were pretty happy about getting a win. The phrase "we're undefeated so far this year" was mentioned. :) I said their regular goalie won't ask me to spare for them now that I've gotten a win. :) ]]> Hockey School Dropout http://www.goaliecrease.net/blogs/hockey-school-dropout/176-back-saddle-again.html Reebok Premier 4 http://www.goaliecrease.net/blogs/puckstopshere/175-reebok-premier-4.html Sun, 01 Jan 2012 00:10:07 GMT ---Quote (Originally by ItechWarrior)--- Reebok heavy??? Compared to what? ---End Quote--- Thanks to our friends at Totalhockey.net I can back my...
Quote Originally Posted by ItechWarrior View Post
Reebok heavy??? Compared to what?
Thanks to our friends at Totalhockey.net I can back my statement up with digital scale readings. I know what I'm talking about. I believe all of the weights are on a 34+1" pad, but I'm not sure maybe Totalhockey can chime in and tell us.
Reebok Revoke Pro 7.68 lbs
Reebok Revoke Pro Zone 7.68 lbs
Reebok Premier 3 Pro 7.68 lbs

Those are the three heaviest Pro Pads. They're all made by Reebok.

Reebok Larceny 6.3 lbs

Vaughn Velocity 4 7600 5.46 lbs
Bauer One 100 6.04 lbs
Brians Sub Zero 4.51 lbs
Brians Zero G Pro Stock 5.14 lbs

No Weight from Totalhockey on Sher-Wood or Warrior Pads. ]]> Puckstopshere http://www.goaliecrease.net/blogs/puckstopshere/175-reebok-premier-4.html My First Goalie Camp http://www.goaliecrease.net/blogs/goalieinglasses/174-my-first-goalie-camp.html Sat, 24 Dec 2011 02:42:34 GMT So yesterday and today I attended my very first goalie camp held by World Pro Goaltending (http://www.worldprogoal.com). Each day was was about an... So yesterday and today I attended my very first goalie camp held by World Pro Goaltending. Each day was was about an hour and 15 minutes of ice time, and hour and a half break, and another hour and 15 minutes of ice time. There were also two groups that alternated being on the ice as well, a beginner group and an elite group....naturally I signed up for the beginner group lol. The beginner group consisted of mostly kids between ages 8-15, with me being the only adult. No worries, I have no problems learning the fundamentals with goalies half my size :)

I'm not going to describe each drill here, but I will mention that they worked us pretty good, and I was sweating buckets and was tired and sore at the end of each hour session. By the end, I think I've improved almost all aspects of my gameplay, most notably was my pad slides (I couldn't for the life of me figure out how to do it properly before), puck handling (used to be very weak in passing, now much stronger), and my butterfly. I think my butterfly and sliding could be much better with newer pads...my current pads are very old and don't rotate very well even with numerous tweaking of the straps. And I definitely need a wheeled bag. Lugging my gear over my shoulder at the end of the day kinda sucked lol.

A couple of fun moments:
- During one drill where one goalie screens the other goalie, they had to get one of the demonstration goalies to screen me since I can easily see overtop all the other goalies
- One kid I was partnered with always said "Just one more" when I finished my reps and were were suppose to switch, but I always humored him and did one more...I think he just wanted a longer break lol. I got back at him towards the end of camp and did the same thing to him on one drill...mostly cuz I needed the break this time
- During one of the shooting drills, I finished up and the next kid asked if the shooters had a hard shot, and I told him not to worry. Next thing you know, he gets a dinger to the mask
- I think I lost my edge and flopped to the ice more than the other kids....combined :) Half the problem was one of my boot straps was getting loose and lodged under the blade...the other half is my balance still kinda sucks lol

I look forward to attending future goalie camps in the future. It was soooo much fun :) ]]> GoalieInGlasses http://www.goaliecrease.net/blogs/goalieinglasses/174-my-first-goalie-camp.html Goaltending Competition http://www.goaliecrease.net/blogs/cbdipaolo/173-goaltending-competition.html Tue, 20 Dec 2011 20:23:32 GMT For the first time ever there will be a competition just for hockey goaltenders. Goaltenders will compete head to head in 8 separate events... For the first time ever there will be a competition just for hockey goaltenders. Goaltenders will compete head to head in 8 separate events showcasing their puck stopping ability and athletic talents.

In our boys open, college and girls U -19 divisions goaltenders will compete for scholarships at our regional sites and international championships.

Check out our locations and dates at www.igcompetition.com Lets get the buzz going about this great event and celebration of goaltending ]]> cbdipaolo http://www.goaliecrease.net/blogs/cbdipaolo/173-goaltending-competition.html Now THAT is how you end a Fall season :) http://www.goaliecrease.net/blogs/goalieinglasses/170-now-how-you-end-fall-season.html Sun, 18 Dec 2011 03:06:13 GMT We finally won a legitimate game. None of this winning by default because the other team didn't show up. Both teams showed up, it was a very close and intense game, and we won by the skin of our teeth 6-5 :)

- This is our 2nd consolation game against another team that didn't make the main playoffs. Luckily, unlike the other team from Wednesday, they did show up.

- So if you remember a loooong time ago, we were scheduled to play a team on a Saturday, but no one on my team showed up leaving me high and dry. Well this is the exact same team, and this time my team did show up, so in a sense this is both a re-match and our first match against them.

- I was really feeling it during the warm-up...my glove was sucking in a bunch of practice shots, and for once no one dinged me in the head during warm up. Already this is turning out well :)

- Now when I played a casual friendly scrimmage with our opponents before, they were pretty laid back and fun. But when it's all official and points are counted, they were a beast.

- First half: Right from the get go I was peppered with shots from all over the place. Thanks to some fantastic defense and offense, we quickly got up 3-0. However, they started to rally back...they had a really good breakaway that beat me and a backdoor shot that brought the score to 3-2. I was very lucky in the first half, making some pretty miraculous saves and fortunate when the ball dribbled dangerously close to the goal line before it was cleared out. I also barely stopped one under my pads, I was frozen in the butterfly until the whistle was blown, I slowly got up and I was practically sitting on the ball just touching the line. Phew. Score at the end of the first half was 5-3.

- Second half: Now this is where it gets crazy. Our team is notorious for losing wind midway through the second half, and this was no exception. Again, made some very solid saves and one Tim Thomas style lunging save with my glove to deflect a backdoor pass from going in. But these guys were playing hard, my guys were getting pushed and slashed pretty badly out there. They scored once on a bad turnover...I knew the shot was going to go glove side but I barely missed it (boo). Next they scored another when a bunch of guys were crowding my crease poking at the ball and they finally got it in after a 4th or 5th rebound off my pads. Score is 5-5 at this point, with time winding down. Then, with one minute left to go, they were playing super aggressive, but the ball got loose, a bunch of passing occurred, I could barely see what was going on because of the chaos infront of the other goalie, but all of a sudden they cheered and we scored with 10 seconds left on the clock! They pulled the goalie for the extra man, but we held on to a narrow victory.

- After the game, my teammates were assessing the battle damage. One guy was slashed really hard on the shin and was practically limping. Another got decked in the face at some point. And all around everyone was feeling it. But you know what, I was most definitely feeling that win today :)

- So that's it for my Fall season for real now (unless they schedule another last minute game lol). From January to April, I'm playing goalie for two different groups, one that goes to a pickup on Sundays, and another that rented space in a gym on Mondays. Also, I'll be hitting up the outdoor shinny pick-up games Sunday and Wednesday nights whenever possible...still working on getting my ice legs :)

- Oh yeah, goalie camp this coming Thursday and Friday, looking forward to that :)

- Hmmm, last three points ended with a smiley face. I guess shows just how jazzed I am right now :) ]]> GoalieInGlasses http://www.goaliecrease.net/blogs/goalieinglasses/170-now-how-you-end-fall-season.html Third shutout....not so fast! http://www.goaliecrease.net/blogs/hockey-school-dropout/169-third-shutout-not-so-fast.html Thu, 15 Dec 2011 21:54:44 GMT Played again this morning, and things were shaping up for a 3rd shutout (2 in a row). Made some easy saves, good rebound control, and I really... Played again this morning, and things were shaping up for a 3rd shutout (2 in a row). Made some easy saves, good rebound control, and I really concentrated on keeping my stick on the ice.

About halfway through, the puck came floating down to my end, and a black team player chasing it with a white team player (my side) in behind. I came out to play the puck near the side boards, intending to put it off the boards to the white player. No excuse, but the puck was waffling as I got to it, and I completely missed it! :o

I swept around to try and poke check, but missed that too! CRAP! Fortunately, one of the other D had gotten back and cut off the path to the net for the black player. He carried the puck behind the net with the white D on him, so I hurried back to the net. Black player appeared to be going for the wrap around, so I dove with my stick fully extended to stop the wrap around. The D player knocked the puck off the black player's stick, but he re-gained it and passed it out front. I was just finishing my dive and coming to a stop, and another black player tried to bang it home. Puck smacked me right in the pad....YES!

Puck rebounds right out to the shooter....NO! Puck is deposited into my net. AAAAHHHHH!!!!! After a good laugh, I got up and continued the game. A couple very nice glove saves, and even a save without my stick (I was getting a drink when the play came down the ice and I only had time to get my blocker back on!).

Almost had another oops as I slipped during a push off for a slide, and I made the original save, but was out of position for the rebound. Luckily, the shooter put it off the side of the net, but got her own rebound. She then tried to bounce it off me and in, but I slightly lifted my left pad, the puck slid under to my other one and I covered up.

Another fun game, and I noticed with keeping my stick on the ice that my movements were more deliberate, and somewhat easier. Less wiggly, and it helped me get setup for all the shots.

One more week of goalie school, and I have to say it has worked wonders. 2 shutouts and many comments on my improved play since I started this 10-week session. ]]> Hockey School Dropout http://www.goaliecrease.net/blogs/hockey-school-dropout/169-third-shutout-not-so-fast.html Fall season not over?? http://www.goaliecrease.net/blogs/goalieinglasses/168-fall-season-not-over.html Thu, 15 Dec 2011 16:45:27 GMT So it's playoff time in my league. If you've read my previous blog post from a couple of weeks ago, you'll know that I was told only the top 8 teams would make playoffs, and my current team was rock bottom of the standings. I decided to follow the remaining teams on the website to see how they were matched up and who's winning, and Tuesday I noticed my team was scheduled for a game on Wednesday against another bottom ranked team. It was also tagged as a playoff game. There's no brackets or anything set up for the playoffs, just a list of scheduled games. Regardless, I showed up for it. When game time arrived, only 3 other people from my team showed up, and none from the opposing team. So....does that count as our first and only win for my team this season? :) Oh well, we picked up another player from the previous scheduled game and used the time to play a 2-on-2 half court game. We have another game on Saturday against another bottom ranked team, but I'm very sure this group will show up since there will be more than 1 day's notice :)

Oh disorganized ball hockey league, just when I think I'm done with you, you come crashing back into my crease for a rebound :) ]]> GoalieInGlasses http://www.goaliecrease.net/blogs/goalieinglasses/168-fall-season-not-over.html Off Season Down Under http://www.goaliecrease.net/blogs/sandmann/167-off-season-down-under.html Sun, 11 Dec 2011 12:46:44 GMT So while the seasons start kicking in up in the Northern Hemisphere down here in the lower part of the world we have no hit off season . While im... So while the seasons start kicking in up in the Northern Hemisphere down here in the lower part of the world we have no hit off season . While im still playing the occasional game on a Friday night the league itself has ground to a shuddering halt until February next year so its now time for offseason training and replacement of required gear .

When the new season kicks into effect I believe that there will be at least 5 new goalies joining the league which means that now I will be a dedicated Goalie for one team rather then for 3 or 4. Yay ...

During this off season I have focused on doing Yoga 2 or 3 times a week to help with the flexiility and mobility and it has helped a little , I have also focused on trying to improve those areas in which I do have a little trouble . Unlike Some of my counterparts in the Northern areas the Goalies Down Under are unable to attend camps and training due to the cost and the lack of coaches anywhere here :) . Plans are afoot for 3 or 4 Goalies from my club to attend a goalie camp at some stage next year if we can all raise the required fundage.


I have also made some changes with my gear by purchasing some Brians and Simmonds gear to replace some very very old gear I was using.

There has also been a few changes within the league itself with a new club joining the ranks making it a 12 team league ( senior A - Non Checking ) which is good for the local scene as well as the Perth Thunder making it into the AHL ( Australian Hockey League ) so the future of the sport within Western Australia is starting to look a little better .


Apart from that I am just working on my General fitness and trying to get as much game time as I can to help with my game but once again without any coaches all the goalies are doing is watching games online and trying to do what we see .. So as you can imagine this can be a little frustrating ..




All the best to you all over your holiday season and merry christmas to all and your familys , Just remember this is a time to slow down and enjoy the company of others

Steve ]]> Sandmann http://www.goaliecrease.net/blogs/sandmann/167-off-season-down-under.html Second shutout! http://www.goaliecrease.net/blogs/hockey-school-dropout/166-second-shutout.html Thu, 08 Dec 2011 18:04:53 GMT I got my second shutout this morning with my pickup group. One of the first mornings in a while I've felt really good going in. There were multiple people away for the white team this morning, and I was worried about getting lots of action. I got peppered Monday morning, and at goalie school on Tuesday morning. The black team was missing one very good player, which helped.

I didn't have a lot of action throughout the game, but I managed to keep focus, and when I did get shots, I made sure to use my best form and focus on rebound control.

I did get some help from a teammate who cleared out a terrible rebound, and had one ring off the post. I got it all on video too, and once I get it up on youtube, I'll post it in the video training for comments.

Can't wait for goalie academy next week, we'll be working on screens, along with some more rebound recovery. ]]> Hockey School Dropout http://www.goaliecrease.net/blogs/hockey-school-dropout/166-second-shutout.html <![CDATA[The loss that shouldn't have been...]]> http://www.goaliecrease.net/blogs/grape-ape-29/165-loss-shouldnt-have-been.html Wed, 30 Nov 2011 14:39:09 GMT The Boston Grizzlies lost last night to the Ducks. On paper, the teams should have been a pretty decent matchup. I was looking forward to playing a... The Boston Grizzlies lost last night to the Ducks. On paper, the teams should have been a pretty decent matchup. I was looking forward to playing a close, fast-paced game. Instead, half my roster called out, and we skated with only 8 against the Ducks' full 15.
Conservative hockey eventually gave way to tired hockey. Neutral zone turnovers and trouble breaking out lead to me vs. the world.
Final score was 6-2. The other goalie wasn't that impressive, but we were shooting from outside the dots and down low (when we shot), and shot weak. Easy saves for him all night long...
I made some pretty spectacular saves, got 2min for tripping, started a fight, and generally played my ass off. Still, it wasn't enough.
I have confidence that the next time we see this team (hopefully with a full bench), the outcome will be much different. ]]> Grape Ape #29 http://www.goaliecrease.net/blogs/grape-ape-29/165-loss-shouldnt-have-been.html Fall season comes to a close http://www.goaliecrease.net/blogs/goalieinglasses/164-fall-season-comes-close.html Wed, 30 Nov 2011 07:40:35 GMT So tonight was my final game for the fall ball hockey league I'm in. Only the top 8 will make it to the playoffs (out of a total of 11 teams in the division I'm in), and my team is dead last. So how did it go:

- We had a record number of players show up for us: 9 in total, while our opponent had no extras for subs. So you'd think we would have an advantage. But long story short, our opponents played way better and way harder than us, while my team was pretty sloppy. Thanks to several turnovers and lack of offense (especially the 3 power plays they couldn't score on), we lost 5-1. Nothing much else to mention regarding this game, it was just poor. I don't have stats yet, but it felt like I faced somewhere between 35-45 shots that game.

- Right afterwards though, I was asked to goalie for the next team to play. I was fairly tired after getting shelled on for 40 minutes, but I can never refuse to mind the net :)

Bonus game:

- The opposing team was one I got blown out 8-1. I wasn't looking forward to that, especially so soon after my first game. I had to dig deep in my reserves to pull off another 40 minutes of play. But holy crap, my team was giving me so much defensive support. I almost forgot what that felt like lol. It was like night and day when comparing my current team with this one. Very few turnovers, not giving easy shots, getting at those rebounds and clearing it. All throughout this game, I kept wishing I had played for this team this season instead.

- At the half the score was tied 1-1. Again, I'm not used to the score being so low...it's usually like 3 or 4 goals against me at this point already. After the second half, the score was tied 3-3. There is no overtime, instead it goes to a shootout. Both teams get 3 shots, and if its still tied, it goes into sudden death shootout.

- Now this is my first ever shootout, but I was totally psyched to get this opportunity. It almost feels like a rite of passage for goalies...it's just you vs the other team. First three shots...I totally brick-walled them with pad saves. Unfortunately, my team didn't score either. Sudden death time. Next shot against me went wide. My team missed again. Alas, the next shot against me got through glove side, and that was the game.

- I got lots of complements on my goaltending from this team. It felt great knowing that even though we lost, it was a very close game and could have gone either way. So despite not winning any games at all this year, I think this was a good way to end off the year.

- I haven't decided if I want to have another go with this league for the January to March season. If I do, I definitely want a different team. I do want to hit the ice and work on my skills there, but most ice leagues around here don't do half seasons like this one, so I'd probably have to go on the spare list and mostly play pick-up games. At least I still have Sunday pickup ball hockey games to look forward to, plus a goalie camp Dec 22-23 I'm registered for. I'll probably blog about the goalie camp next, so stay tuned for that :) ]]> GoalieInGlasses http://www.goaliecrease.net/blogs/goalieinglasses/164-fall-season-comes-close.html Player of the game http://www.goaliecrease.net/blogs/hockey-school-dropout/163-player-game.html Tue, 29 Nov 2011 14:29:25 GMT I spared for a buddies team last night, and I won the Player of the Game award for our team. Considering it was a 6-0 LOSS, you get the idea. Pity... I spared for a buddies team last night, and I won the Player of the Game award for our team. Considering it was a 6-0 LOSS, you get the idea. Pity award! :)

Our guys were completely outplayed, numerous odd man rushes, guys standing alone in the slot.......yeah, it was ugly. They were up 2-0 before we even got a shot on goal.

I gave it everything I had, and 3 of the goals I really should have had. The 3rd goal in particular got under my skin as it was a weak shot from the side boards around the hash marks that went through my 5 hole. It was an easily stoppable shot, but I didn't have my stick down. ARGH!

I managed to make some good saves, and my recent work at goalie camp helped me cover some loose pucks that otherwise could have been banged in. I was busy, but I'd rather be busy and lose than be the other goalie who had maybe 5 shots. Not worth putting on all the gear for such little work.

I will say my game has taken a real upswing in the last month or so. My movement is much smoother, my rebound control has greatly improved, and my scrambling/battling ability has also gone way up. Amazing what a good instructor can do for you! ]]> Hockey School Dropout http://www.goaliecrease.net/blogs/hockey-school-dropout/163-player-game.html Rematch of my worst game http://www.goaliecrease.net/blogs/goalieinglasses/162-rematch-my-worst-game.html Sat, 26 Nov 2011 07:29:25 GMT Had a rematch tonight versus a very solid team in our division. The last time we played against them, they totally blew us out 13-1. Ouch. It was a... Had a rematch tonight versus a very solid team in our division. The last time we played against them, they totally blew us out 13-1. Ouch. It was a very crushing and demoralizing loss, and I was not looking forward to this game. So how did we fare this time around:

- The date for this game bounced around a few times this week. Originally it was set for Saturday, but I think because most of the players on our team had work that day, they agreed to move it. It was rescheduled for next Friday, but for whatever reason it changed again to this Friday. Luckily people didn't get too confused and enough peopel showed up on both sides.

- In the change room, it sounded like a couple of players on my team has a bit of a rivalry or animosity with a player on the other team. The game did kind of reflect that a bit. It was definitely a more physical game than usual. Lots of cross checking and shoving against the boards. No fights though...I don't think my team would do well if one of our players were ejected considering how few players we do have.

- The first half was ok, but definitely not one of my better performances. I felt a little sluggish today, and let in a couple of goals which I should have stopped if I put just a little more effort into it. At the end of the half the score was 5-0 for them. Not looking good at all.

- During the break between periods, was chatting it up with the defensemen about random stuff unrelated to the game. Got a few laughs in. I think that's what I needed to get my head back into a more relaxed state and refocus. I do way better when I'm smiling and having fun out there.

- At the start of the second, my team won the face-off, did a lot of good passing, and after a few shots and rebound opportunities we finally got our first goal. Not too long after, we managed to score a second one on a powerplay to get back into it 5-2. Then something weird happened. I guess one of the opposing players decided to goof off and scored on his own goalie top shelf, and man was the other goalie pissed at that. He started walking off and looked to be leaving the game, but one of the other players talked him down and got him back into the net.

- Another weird situation occurred later in the period. I successfully smothered the ball after shuffling from one post to the other and butterfly slide against the post to stop a rebound from going in. It was a pretty sweet looking save. Unfortunately it also pushed the net several inches away. So I passed the ball to a defensemen and turned around to push the net back into its proper place. When I looked back an opposing player had the ball and was shooting at the wide open net. I tried to dive to save it but it went it. Luckily it didn't count, I guess because the ref didn't blow his whistle to officially restart the game because I was fixing the net.

- Speaking of the net and luck, the posts were particularly helpful for me all night. I counted at least 4 times the ball dinged off the post. Quite fitting after I posted that YouTube video featuring the same thing. Oh posts, how I love your sweet music sometimes lol.

- I got to headbutt a lobbed pass out of the air tonight. Why wait for them to target my head when I can just do it myself :)

- The final score of the night was 5-9 for them unfortunately, but in my head it really should have been 5-6. Goal #7 and #8 were completely my fault. I had very poor positioning and left one side completely open. Goal #9 was in the dying seconds of the game. There was two bodies infront of me and I could not see anything, and suddenly the ball ended up wizzing by me. I think I could have gotten that if I looked to one side of traffic instead of the other, but I chose the wrong side to leer around.

- Stats time: In our first meeting, I faced 38 shots, my SV% was an abysmal 0.658, and my team only managed 23 shots against them. This time around, I faced 44 shots, my SV% was 0.795 (darn, just short of the 0.800 minimum I'm always striving for each game), and my team managed 34 shots against them. Statistics wise, we made a big improvement. However, I felt like we could have won that game if I was more solid tonight.

So yeah, still no wins yet and only one more regular season game left. Still unclear as to how the playoffs will work. Hopefully all teams get put into the bracket. I want a couple more games before the holiday season break. :) ]]> GoalieInGlasses http://www.goaliecrease.net/blogs/goalieinglasses/162-rematch-my-worst-game.html Another loss, but improvements all around http://www.goaliecrease.net/blogs/goalieinglasses/158-another-loss-but-improvements-all-around.html Wed, 23 Nov 2011 16:50:44 GMT As usual, my team lost another game (currently 0-10) with two more games left before playoffs. Not sure how playoffs work yet, whether it's only the top teams or if all teams get put into the playoff bracket. But regardless, here are some of the highlights of my game last night:

- When I got to the arena, usually there is another game going on, but it was completely empty. I was wondering if hockey was cancelled for the evening. Found out nothing was scheduled for the slot before my game. I don't mind that, gives us more time to warm up and practice before our game :)

- During warm-up, there was a guy who wasn't wearing either teams jersey taking shots at me. I figured maybe he was a drop-in and would join our team (again, we had no subs while the other team had 10 players). Though when the game was about to start, he just left and went over to the restaurant bar attached to the arena. Odd, guess he was just bored lol.

- The game itself was actually pretty close. I think this was the first game I faced less than 30 shots. My team put up a good offense and defense overall, and I made some pretty solid saves. The final score was 3-5 for them, though we really should have gotten one extra one. The ball dinged off the post in the inside upper part of the net and dribbled out, all the players just stood around for a couple of seconds waiting for the ref to whistle it, but instead he waved it off. I'm assuming he thought it hit an outside post, or maybe he zoned out, I dunno. No one knew what to do at this point, some of my team were arguing with the ref while everyone else was casually continuing on playing the game. It was an odd situation.

- One of our defensemen scored his first ever league goal. Grats to him :)

- I finished the night with 24 saves against 27 shots for a SV% of 0.889 (darn, so close to 0.900). That brings my overall SV% on 6 games to 0.781. Slowly but surely climbing the goalie leader board :) The goal is to finish the season above 0.800.

- Best save of the night was when the shooter rifled one through a lot of traffic and I had a good twitch reaction with my blocker to stop it. I actually had good reactions with my blocker all night. Worst goal against me was a rebound shot that squeezed through a gap between my left arm and body. I'm usually good about sealing those holes, but a player was just outside my peripheral vision and I was slow to react. Nothing through my 5-hole, which makes me happy :)

- Took a hard shot to the toe. Ouch. Need to look into some kind of toe guard for my sneakers.

- Still playing with the fingers pointed up with my glove and covering top shelft, and again there were very few shots that side. Still not sure if coincidence or Jedi mind-trick :)

- Watched a little bit of the game following ours. One of the goalies had a tear in the back of his pants. It looked like either he was a bunny with a fluffy tail, or he was pooping out a cotton ball lol.

Next game is this Friday...I think. That one game got shuffled around the schedule a couple times yesterday, but I think its finally settled for this Friday. I'll just keep checking the schedule each day just in case :) ]]> GoalieInGlasses http://www.goaliecrease.net/blogs/goalieinglasses/158-another-loss-but-improvements-all-around.html