Grim Reapers and Aces scrimmage

The Reapers and Aces invited me out to a scrimmage to help evaluate a newly formed team. I was asked to play defense, which is something I haven’t done much of in almost two years. New skates, and just a new mindset would make it very different for me. But I did it, not knowing about the team I was playing against. I recognized a few players but not all of them.

I started out a little shaky. I broke the chin strap on my helmet, which threw me off my first shift. But as the night went on, I felt much more comfortable attacking as a defensemen. I had this speed and trust from my forwards that I could take it in, get the puck to the net, and then come back to the blue line before the opponents could regain possession.  I think it is because all night the forwards kept giving up the blue line and coming back when I’m used to a more aggressive fore check.

My positioning needed work. I need to remind myself as I play on the blue line that I need to stay within the dots, and that there isn’t a third guy in the middle to help cover it. I need to push players to the outside, and not give so much space towards the middle of the ice. I did better with that as the night went on.

I am happy with how I played. I had a little rust but it came off quick.

Goaldiggers Game - 2011-07-31

I took a nap after my afternoon skate, and woke up a couple of hours before puck drop to eat and get ready for the game. I went to verify what time the game started, and realized that I was looking at the end time. The game started in less than an hour. I quickly took the dog out, threw my stuff in my bag and got to the rink. The team was just taking the ice as I got there, and we were really short with me being the 7th guy there. I got ready, went to put on my helmet and... it wasn't there. As I was scurrying around, another player came, and I had to run to my car to get my wallet, and buy a new helmet.

My first shift was the start of the 2nd period, and we were down by 4. I knew the team would need a boost as they had to be exhausted, and already down by so many is tough. I set out to just disrupt chances on my first shift. I did fairly well too, directly to contributing to a scoring chance, and a goal. I felt like we were able to start a comeback with two fresh players.

Then I started to slow down. I just didn't have the energy to go full out against their two top players that were obviously ringers. I knew if I did go full out, they'd just go around me without problems, and I'd be extremely tired later in the game.

Other than that, There honestly wasn't a lot worth mentioning.

This was a good experiment for me though. I've often considered doing morning stick and puck sessions on game days when I'm not working. I know if I were to do those, I'd skate hard and work up a good sweat. This was a perfect example of a morning skate, then game. I think that I felt warmed up, but without a full bench, I didn't have the rest I needed while playing.

The being unprepared for games is becoming a problem though. I need to be more focused and prepared for games. No more showing up to games so that I don't get the full warm up experience. I need a few minutes before taking the ice to mentally prepare.

Easton S19 Helmet Curiosity

I’ve always kind of watched the newest technologies that come out in hockey equipment. When I heard about the Easton S19 helmet, I really was curious because it was new, the recent problem of head shots in the NHL, and I’ve loved every Easton product I’ve had.

The S19 is the first one piece helmet. That’s right, there’s no adjusting to it, no screws, no nothing. Well – it does have a little adjustment in the back of it to tighten and loosen it, but only very little. The thing is damn impressive. It was light as hell, and there’s no give in it. I tried to crush it with my hands and it really didn’t budge. I tried that with a normal two piece helmet and was shocked how much you could move it in comparison.

I question how comfortable it will be. Because it is a helmet, and has very little in terms of adjustments, I have to imagine that there are going to be a lot of people who hate the thing. On the inside, the parts where it makes contact with the head, it has this tough little gel. I’m curious as to how it will perform in a game. Instead of the traditional foam that is inside the helmet, it is this strong black Styrofoam stuff.

At $170, it is difficult me to really want to pick it up, but I am excited about this. I think it is going to change how helmets are made. Once a few more are released, and problems are fixed, I will probably pick one of these up based on reviews.

More on the helmet:

• Hockey Us
• NHL Digest
• IW Hockey Blog