Piranhas vs. Grizzlies - 2011-07-06

I made the mistake of staying up too late the night before. I've had an issue with this in the past where I just stay up really late for no reason. Needless to say, I felt tired all day, and I required a solid nap before the game.

The game felt opposite of my most recent Goaldiggers game. I started well, but ended poorly, or at least it felt that way.

My stick handling was off all night. I would catch passes, take them up the ice, but as soon as a defenseman came by me, I would drop it. It became a little frustrating to me. Our team as a whole didn't get a whole lot of shots off, and when I got the puck I was unable to as well. We would scramble in our own zone, and wouldn't spread out to create opportunities to pass.

My line mate had never played with this team, so I was glad to play with him as I still am new. We both were decent skaters, and he was very good, but had some rust. We did trip over each other it seemed. I can remember us trying to go to the same open area, and then noticing each other than we'd try to stay away by changing direction, but then just follow each other. It will take time to see how to play with each other.

I had a glorious opportunity to score, but the goalie made an outstanding save. While I was standing in the slot, the center made a great pass in front of me. I was able to walk in, and get a great shot off. The goalie on the other hand had other plans. He was able to get over, make the save, and cover it to eliminate any second chance opportunities.

I need to work on my stick handeling. Had it been better, we could have had more chances. Additionally, I need to be more discipline about preparing for the game. This includes plenty of rest, being hydrated, and having the right food in my stomach.

Routines

Over the past 18 months, life has changed dramatically for me. I've taken on more responsibilities, and as a result, I haven't been able to prepare for my games in my normal way. When I wasn't working I was able to, and I felt my performance just skyrocket, so I do think it makes a difference.

I bring this up after the two tournaments because you really can't go through your routine. You're not at home, you can't pack your bag, or listen to the music the same way you normally would on the way to the rink. It throws you off.

I've been working on developing my routine again, and it is starting to come back. It starts with food. I like to have just some noodles fried in a pan with some olive oil and garlic. Occasionally I'll throw some chicken in there if I haven't eaten well all day. Shortly after, I brush my teeth and wash my face. It just feels like it helps me breathe or something out there. I usually get dressed to get to the rink after that. Sometimes it just may not happen. If my equipment needs to be put together (jerseys, equipment back in the bag, retape sticks), I take care of it next. Everything gets set by the door, ready to go. I spend some time with the dog before I leave. Usually we rough house a little bit, but sometimes we only have time for a short walk. By then I do a double check of everything, and I'm ready for my trip to the rink.

But I guess really preparation always starts after the last game. I always wash my jerseys, socks and anything else that is easy to wash. I let them air dry, and that all gets done right away, allowing me to play the next night if necessary. I then put the skates in the right spot to make sure they dry and don't rust, and let the equipment out of my bag so that it is mostly dry for the next day. It really hate putting on wet stuff.

Sometimes I can go through all of this, others I can't. It is just interesting to see how it impacted me the past couple of weeks.