Getting the nod.
Tuesday, May 18, 2010

Posted by Bennythetender

I wrestle with my bag, as a juggle my pads and sticks. it doesn't help that the home town rinks parking lot is icyer the the rink its self. it so cold out, and the wind blows threw my team mandated dress pants. The puck doesn't drop for two hours, but its a routine, my routine. The lobby is empty, and only half the lights are on. i head down the long hall way under the empty stands. it sounds like and empty cave. but in two hours it will sound like a roaring ocean, filled with music, people voices and shuffling feet from the rafters above. my back and arms ach from the weight of my gear, so i kick open the door to the dressing room. the lights come on automatically and i drop my gear infront of my spot. Same spot every time. i now i have 30 mins alone, to breath in the atmostpher, to go over the possiblities. i sit. i close my eyes. i invision.

top of the crease. square to the shooter. mind your post. left point shot angle, left foot to blue line dasher, right foot blue line dot. one foot out top of the crease. right side point shot, same, right foot blue line dasher, left foot blue line dot. one foot out of crease. Adjust accordinly. glove up, stick down. the boards are lively, glass is dead. take the shooter. talk to the defence. comunication. paddle down, legs closed. #7 hard shoot, ususally low blocker. # 76 toe drag back hand. # 4, sets up on back door.

for the next hour and a half, i repeat that in my head, adding more and more information. playing out senerios. reviewing past tilts. i start putting on my gear as the boys show up. i keep to myself as i go threw my routine, and listen to the guys telling their stories. i know i don't fit in, if i fit in i wouldn't be a goalie. the noise of the crowd grows and grows, and the boy start settling down, getting their game faces on. i have already played 3 games in my head. i am almost ready. coach gives as the game plan, reminds us of our mistakes and threatens suicides to who ever disobayes. he says nothing to me, he just nods. the buzzer goes and we hit the ice.