Hockey School Dropout

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.