Dr. doggy: . . . . Wed, Jan 6, 3:36PM PST (-0700 GMT)
hey what's up

C5: . . . . Wed, Jan 6, 4:16PM PST (-0700 GMT)
Hello, Chatsters! Drat, with the log scrolling off the way it does, that's no point in posting any of the buttons and homepages, etc....

smott: . . . . Wed, Jan 6, 9:55PM PST (-0700 GMT)
Hi fellas. Survived my first game back in 3 weeks....a mere 11-3 shellacking. I was rusty for the first 35 shots or so but after the end of the first period I felt a little better! :-D

smott: . . . . Wed, Jan 6, 9:56PM PST (-0700 GMT)
My poor Shellack Warriors show up with 18 on the bench, this amounts to maybe 10 new guys, none of whome turned out to be any good. On the other hand, everybody's fresher to make more mistakes now!

desertrat: . . . . Wed, Jan 6, 10:32PM PST (-0700 GMT)
Anyone else run into these problems?? My league has been dormant since about Dec 17th or so with the holidays...now our Playoffs are this Sunday! We haven't even had any rink time or anything. But, there is practice scheduled for Thur pm.....guess I'll go.

gbfreeman: . . . . Wed, Jan 6, 11:34PM PST (-0700 GMT)
desertrat, my league did the same thing. last game on the 23rd playoffs tonight. Guys looked good, we won 3-1, faced 21. Championship next week.

Sieve: . . . . Thu, Jan 7, 5:19AM PST (-0700 GMT)
dr, same here on the holiday break. AND our first game back got canceled due to snow. looking at 3 1/2 weeks off. drop in, drop in, drop in...

Goal35: . . . . Thu, Jan 7, 6:17AM PST (-0700 GMT)
had similar league layoff here, but we go until mid-march before playoffs - first game back Sun was a forfeit, for the otehr team for a change.. was surprised they played after "the blizzard" anyway... was glad for jsut the scrimmage time to get back in the swing

smott: . . . . Thu, Jan 7, 7:05AM PST (-0700 GMT)
All 3 of my leagues managed to cap off playoffs before Christmas....so that worked out OK, except for the 3 week break....I would have gone to some drop-ins but ankle was sore. SO now I'll be knocking rust off the hard way!

Sieve: . . . . Thu, Jan 7, 7:34AM PST (-0700 GMT)
Today's factoid goes like this: The Great One is averaging 1.95 pts/gm. for his NHL career. umm, he might just make it in this league...

smott: . . . . Thu, Jan 7, 7:35AM PST (-0700 GMT)
Not too shabby!

smott: . . . . Thu, Jan 7, 7:37AM PST (-0700 GMT)
News from the Burgh....Pens make GM Craig Patrick their new Prez and CEO....that is an interesting move, signalling that the owners are committed to staying in Pgh. Now where Craig's going to get the 127 mil to bail the team out I don't know. Oh, yeah, and a new arena.

smott: . . . . Thu, Jan 7, 7:38AM PST (-0700 GMT)
...and did I hear that Byron Dafoe now made the All Star roster for the World team?? Didn't even think he was on the ballot....Turns out he was born in Sussex England so he goes with the Euros...

smott: . . . . Thu, Jan 7, 7:38AM PST (-0700 GMT)
...coincidentally, Sussex would also happen to the birthplace of yours truly smottsie....

Sieve: . . . . Thu, Jan 7, 7:58AM PST (-0700 GMT)
cool, I think I'll go deep fry some toast in your (and Byron's) honor. : >0

smott: . . . . Thu, Jan 7, 8:44AM PST (-0700 GMT)
arrgh what's with you guys up North sending all this weather our way??? 5 inches last night, another storm warning tonight, then freezing rain Friday. GEEZ.

Beatts: . . . . Thu, Jan 7, 9:53AM PST (-0700 GMT)
C'mon Smottsie, It's just good old fashioned Canadian Hockey weather !! Put on the touque, strap on the newspaper shinpads and cheesecutter skates and lets play some pond hockey !!

Tripp: . . . . Thu, Jan 7, 9:53AM PST (-0700 GMT)
I told ya Mrs. Dafoe and I were gonna stuff the ballot box to get Byron in the game, didn't I? :-)

Tripp: . . . . Thu, Jan 7, 9:56AM PST (-0700 GMT)
Auuugh pond hockey... 6 hours worth of pond hockey for yours truly on Tuesday. My legs were killing me for my first game since December 16th. Played surprisingly well, only losing 4-2. We had 4...yes 4...shots. They only managed to snap 56 at me. I'm one sore hombre today. What I wouldn't give for some defense.

smott: . . . . Thu, Jan 7, 10:49AM PST (-0700 GMT)
Heh heh Tripp I'v got about 16 of my 18 guys last night I'd be willing to send your way!...

smott: . . . . Thu, Jan 7, 10:50AM PST (-0700 GMT)
Yuck, pond hockey, nothing like catching one on the toe of your skate when your feet are half-frozen!

Tripp: . . . . Thu, Jan 7, 11:08AM PST (-0700 GMT)
The best part was after the game when they were patting me on the mask and saying "Don't worry, Matty... this wasn't your fault". Real comforting to know that getting outshot 56-4 isn't my fault. Where would I be without these guys to tell me things like that? Jeez.

J.T.: . . . . Thu, Jan 7, 11:45AM PST (-0700 GMT)
See, we give you Smott's 14 and maybe it'll come down to 56-6 or so. Watch out then though, because things will become your fault really fast! Re: pond hockey...what a blast. Fond memories of living in Minnesota and Manitoba as a kid and freezing my butt off all winter....

smott: . . . . Thu, Jan 7, 12:28AM PST (-0700 GMT)
...OW you guys are nuts!! Give me a nice 90 degree high humidity day, out on the tennis court.

smott: . . . . Thu, Jan 7, 12:30AM PST (-0700 GMT)
Got spoiled last year when we had a mild winter....spent another lovely hour hacking ice off my driveway...oh the joys of homeownership. On the plus side my Volvo has those neato heated seats.....

Tripp: . . . . Thu, Jan 7, 12:32AM PST (-0700 GMT)
Me too, smottsie... I think I need to rent one of those PennDOT salt trucks just to clear my driveway

smott: . . . . Thu, Jan 7, 12:48AM PST (-0700 GMT)
In fact PennDot woke me up early this AM, that nice bweep-bweep-bweep as they tried to turn the plow around at the end of my street. Why they couldn't have kept going another 50 feet up my driveway I don't know.....

Tripp: . . . . Thu, Jan 7, 5:18PM PST (-0700 GMT)
Jeez... glad the folks at Vaughn decided to get my glove out to me. And after a mere 14 weeks. >:-( grrrr. Anyhoo, I have an almost new all black Vaughn 5500 trapper to get rid of, if anyone's in need. I wore it twice. No marks. Just wanted to give my chat buddies the first crack at it.

Carpe de Puck: . . . . Thu, Jan 7, 8:00PM PST (-0700 GMT)
How much are you asking for it Tripp and is it for the left hand or right hand?

Sieve: . . . . Fri, Jan 8, 5:37AM PST (-0700 GMT)
Morning all. Yes Tripp, how much?

smott: . . . . Fri, Jan 8, 5:55AM PST (-0700 GMT)
Tripp how come you're dumping it after only 2 uses?...

smott: . . . . Fri, Jan 8, 5:56AM PST (-0700 GMT)
...speaking of dumping you Northern Boys have GOT to cut it out with this snow!! In the middle of another blizzrd here, then more freezing rain/ice then back to snow tomorrow! GEEZ!!

Sieve: . . . . Fri, Jan 8, 6:22AM PST (-0700 GMT)
hi smott, another half foot or so due here today. to bring our total on the ground to around 22in. Love it!

C5: . . . . Fri, Jan 8, 6:41AM PST (-0700 GMT)
Is this a mistake? A caption under a pic of Fuhr on CNNSI reads: "Fuhr signed with St. Louis in 1995 and won the Vezina trophy in 1998 AP"

C5: . . . . Fri, Jan 8, 6:42AM PST (-0700 GMT)
Ah. It WAS a mistake. 1988, guys.

Sieve: . . . . Fri, Jan 8, 7:09AM PST (-0700 GMT)
speaking of the Fuhrer, ESPN reports that after he found out McLennan was starting his third in a row last night, GF said he would retire end of season. long career eh? Rookie season sometime in the real early 80's. '81?

Sieve: . . . . Fri, Jan 8, 7:10AM PST (-0700 GMT)
4 or 5 cups, and a lot of ugly ass pads! hehe

smott: . . . . Fri, Jan 8, 9:17AM PST (-0700 GMT)
Yep remeber those old D&Rs?....

smott: . . . . Fri, Jan 8, 9:18AM PST (-0700 GMT)
...anyway retirement? Has Fuhr been that bad or Mclennan been that great?...

Sieve: . . . . Fri, Jan 8, 9:21AM PST (-0700 GMT)
neither I would say, I think StL is just "grooming"

smott: . . . . Fri, Jan 8, 10:01AM PST (-0700 GMT)
Pens welcome back Ronnie Francis last night, a great reception and a framed jersey from Jags & Barrasso for our old Captain...then Jags gets a handful of assists and TB stuffs a penalty shot in the last minute to preserve the win. Titov gets an EN for his first goal since October. What's not to like?

Tripp: . . . . Fri, Jan 8, 10:35AM PST (-0700 GMT)
Hey guys... I'm thinking $175 bones for the glove. It was nearly $300 new, and I don't want to take too much of a loss on it, ya know? If you'd be interested, you can reach me at Hockygolie@AOL.com Please put "Vaughn Glove" in the subject of the e-mail so I don't mistake it for the tons of junk porno e-mail and read...errr, I mean, delete it.

Tripp: . . . . Fri, Jan 8, 10:41AM PST (-0700 GMT)
I dunno, smott. To be honest with ya, I'm very picky about my gloves. I really try to custom order them whenever I can. This one I'm selling was kind of a fill in until my new one came in. I didn't realize it'd take 14 weeks for them to finish one lousy glove, but I couldn't cancel the one I already had on order. So... I don't really have any use for the older one now.

Tripp: . . . . Fri, Jan 8, 10:45AM PST (-0700 GMT)
Man... my Oilers go postal for 7 goals on Jimmy Waite and Bob Essensa remembers that the puck is supposed to stay out of the net for a change. And lo and behold they get a win! Hallelujah!!! I can't wait til Dougie Weight comes back in 3 weeks. They're fun to watch when he's healthy. On another note, I just realized that I used "wait" 3 times in this post, and spelled it differently each time. I gotz skillz.

Sieve: . . . . Fri, Jan 8, 11:06AM PST (-0700 GMT)
Tripp, sounds interesting... its a Lefty yes? I'm gonna go to my local shop and throw a 5500 on my hand again. I think I like them very well. I'll E you from here on out.

Tripp: . . . . Fri, Jan 8, 11:17AM PST (-0700 GMT)
Ooops... yeah, for the left hand. I also had an extra wrist strap put in it. There are 2 straps for the wrist and one across the back o' the hand.

smott: . . . . Fri, Jan 8, 11:19AM PST (-0700 GMT)
Well it sounds like a deal but I have what I need in my faithful Koho. A rare ifnd in that it not only prevents me from gettign bit, but also fits my hand like a ....well, a glove! :-D

Tripp: . . . . Fri, Jan 8, 11:23AM PST (-0700 GMT)
Fits like a glove, eh? hhhmm....How ironic ;-)

smott: . . . . Fri, Jan 8, 11:33AM PST (-0700 GMT)
Arrrgghh the weather!!! Raining ice now. Sending people home. I will be OUTTA HERE soon too, though whether the buses are runnign is anotherm atter entirely...

Sieve: . . . . Fri, Jan 8, 11:36AM PST (-0700 GMT)
I like my Koho pretty well too, but I cant get a grip on the paddle of my stick worth a darn. I think I might have broke it in weird. like the fold is off just a tad or something. oops, I'll never be able to sell it here now... : >o

Sieve: . . . . Fri, Jan 8, 12:58AM PST (-0700 GMT)
woops, just read my paper, Fuhr says he say goodbye after NEXT year. thats when his contract runs out. (3mil./year)

fourqts: . . . . Fri, Jan 8, 12:59AM PST (-0700 GMT)
LTNC all been up in Lake Havasu city on work reading youall but no time to post.... Heard my yotes got whacked last night good 7-1 but the good news is Oleg and Roenick go at it three times in practice.... I guess one of them thinks the other has lacked intensity.... I wonder which is which... Drake back tonight in Anaheim... Hope I catch the game when I finally get home only to do laundry and work through the weekend then drive back up on sunday night after league game... Hmmm 10:00 game means i get showered and ready to leave at about midnight.... Then a 3 hour drive.... And have to be at work at 7 the next morning..... WEEEE maybe I'll just stay up all night...

smott: . . . . Fri, Jan 8, 1:06PM PST (-0700 GMT)
Owww 4q your candle is blazin' at both ends pal...

Goal35: . . . . Fri, Jan 8, 1:19PM PST (-0700 GMT)
had a good skate this morn, but took 2 off the melon, have a bit of a headache yet... speaking of masks, saw the new NXI masks... apparantly Badger didn't die after all... even after selling to Koho.. they look really nice, light, but they wont tell you what they are made of.. is a secret, but are guaranteeed not to break or delaminate. well, have to see what kinda shape i'm in after the back to back games tommorrow night... 1st B then sub in A.... hmmm, i'm getting too old for this.

: . . . . Fri, Jan 8, 3:32PM PST (-0700 GMT)
With the snow & ice falling all aound me and reading about pond hockey....brings back some real fun times of skating on the frozen water. Twigs sticking up...and that sinking feeling when you are in your gear and the ice starts to break........crrraaccckkkk!!! Uh oh I guess the game is off now!

snowman: . . . . Fri, Jan 8, 3:34PM PST (-0700 GMT)
sorry that was me.... He smott sounds like my team I threw together. Although I am going to have to cut some off the team or lose my best skaters who are extremely frustrated

fourqts: . . . . Fri, Jan 8, 7:07PM PST (-0700 GMT)
TO all those in the bad weather...... Was about 70 here today not a cloud in sight..... Sux to be me

Carpe de Puck: . . . . Sat, Jan 9, 11:53AM PST (-0700 GMT)
Looks like Lord Byron will be getting some props after all. I see he will be a guest speaker on ESPN on Tuesday and that he has been added to the world list. The ESPN ticker says hes doing pretty good right now as well with % and GA. Good to see that something is finially being said about him.

Carpe de Puck: . . . . Sat, Jan 9, 12:00AM PST (-0700 GMT)
OOOpS, just read that the Dom was choosen for the world team.

Tripp: . . . . Sat, Jan 9, 2:02PM PST (-0700 GMT)
Finally the Leafs trade Felix Potvin. Potvin to the Islanders for Bryan Berard. Each team also swaps 6th round draft picks. Bout damn time!!

Tripp: . . . . Sat, Jan 9, 2:04PM PST (-0700 GMT)
here's the article: button

: . . . . Sat, Jan 9, 3:37PM PST (-0700 GMT)
Hi everyone,where can I go to get HOME/away GOALIE STATS?THANKS,KARL

: . . . . Sat, Jan 9, 3:38PM PST (-0700 GMT)
Hi everyone,where can I go to get HOME/away GOALIE STATS?THANKS,KARL

smott: . . . . Sun, Jan 10, 7:41AM PST (-0700 GMT)
Hmmm yes I see Felix is now an Isle....what does this mean for Salo?...especially now that they've signed Luongo....

: . . . . Sun, Jan 10, 7:51AM PST (-0700 GMT)
Arrevidirci salo!

C5: . . . . Sun, Jan 10, 8:47AM PST (-0700 GMT)
Islanders??? They seemed fine with their goaltending situation, at least, to me... As long as Salo's shoulder remained in place, they had good goaltending... and yes, with Luongo on the way. Maybe Luongo will be the card dealt away. The speculative teams might be willing to give up a couple good D's and perhaps a winger for him. The isles could use it.

desertrat: . . . . Sun, Jan 10, 11:02PM PST (-0700 GMT)
Hey Gang...we played our league playoffs today. Won the quarter-final game 6-2. Funny, I was running late, forgot my mask (IDIOT!) and they actually started the game without me! I got on at 13:40 in the first (16 min periods) with us down 1-0. But, we still won! Lost the second game 7-6 in sudden death OT to the best team in the league. Great game for 2 1/2 periods, then we all were skating on our heels. Oh well, next season starts up the 27th. I think we ended up in 3rd place.

smott: . . . . Mon, Jan 11, 5:39AM PST (-0700 GMT)
Hmmm mask eh? I did last year forget my gloves, which has resulted in an obsessive-compulsive disorder of checking my bag like a million times before I leave to make sure everythings in there....

smott: . . . . Mon, Jan 11, 5:41AM PST (-0700 GMT)
And WOW the Blues come to town and suffocate my Pens to a measly 14 shots, yet the Birds squeak it out 2-1. Tommy B stuffs 29 of 30, very sharp, Pens now have 6-game win streak..only Dallas and the Dogs have topped that this year....

smott: . . . . Mon, Jan 11, 5:41AM PST (-0700 GMT)
...and for Trivia Hounds....what's the NHL record for longest streak and who owns it?...

Goal35: . . . . Mon, Jan 11, 6:24AM PST (-0700 GMT)
morn all, had fun sat night trying to play ironman.... NOT! won my first game 8-4, although the other team had the same refs as the 49'rs the last 2 weeks, one goal kicked in, another swatted/thrown in with a glove from 8 ft out..... the 2nd game was the A game, played strong for period and 1/2, but they played little to no D.... was outta gas and cramping by the 3rd, lost 10-6, refs said this team is all O no D. am pretty sore today, plus ended up with another 2-3" of snow to shovel yesterday... yuk

smott: . . . . Mon, Jan 11, 6:36AM PST (-0700 GMT)
...not to worry G35 A-league always seems to be like that....I am looking forward to a lovely 11 PM game tonight in B...tomorrow after 4 hrs sleep I will look like something my cat dragged in....

Vile: . . . . Mon, Jan 11, 7:30AM PST (-0700 GMT)
Smott, Flyers 78 or 79 I think at 35 games, and Montreal won the cup that year.

Vile: . . . . Mon, Jan 11, 7:37AM PST (-0700 GMT)
One writer in Dallas has specifically mentioned Potvin is going to backup Salo, but I would be concerned if I was Salo. This trade surprises me. I guess The Isles feel they still need to mix things up to spark some sustained winning...

Vile: . . . . Mon, Jan 11, 8:19AM PST (-0700 GMT)
I am kinda curious how you other chatsters tape your sticks, if at all.

smott: . . . . Mon, Jan 11, 8:24AM PST (-0700 GMT)
..taping: black friction, toe first, up & around the heel....

Vile: . . . . Mon, Jan 11, 8:26AM PST (-0700 GMT)
Wow, just thought I'd quote this from the espn sportzone wire. 'Tommy Salo has been the Islanders' No. 1 netminder, posting a 12-17-1 mark with a 2.62 GAA. But Milbury hinted tonight that Salo's days with the team are numbered. "I told Tommy to stay away from the rink. This is all like scrambled eggs for Salo," he said. "Obviously, there's not enough work for Felix and Tom. We will address that situation. Salo hasn't got the same experience." '

smott: . . . . Mon, Jan 11, 8:45AM PST (-0700 GMT)
..taping: black friction, toe first, up & around the heel....

smott: . . . . Mon, Jan 11, 8:45AM PST (-0700 GMT)
OOOPs the DP bandit!....

smott: . . . . Mon, Jan 11, 8:46AM PST (-0700 GMT)
AH I believe that 35 is unbeaten streak, not win streak...we are talking overall (home & away) win streak...

Sieve: . . . . Mon, Jan 11, 9:03AM PST (-0700 GMT)
hi all. white tape, toe to heel, around the heel if using a weak healed stick (i.e Christian). smott, am thinking Isles, or maybe Edmonton? don't know a number... 15ish?

Vile: . . . . Mon, Jan 11, 9:32AM PST (-0700 GMT)
Yep, you are right, Smott, that is the unbeaten streak, my bad. With the Stars previous mark this year, it was all over the media. I expect the Stars are gonna struggle until the All-star break. Afterwards, I think we'll begin to see the true worth of various teams around the league.

Vile: . . . . Mon, Jan 11, 9:34AM PST (-0700 GMT)
Anyone heard much or used Braches brand sticks? I found one kinda cheap at a local hockey store, so I thought I'd try it.

smott: . . . . Mon, Jan 11, 9:48AM PST (-0700 GMT)
Heard of Branch never used them...I'm sticking with my Kohos...

Beatts: . . . . Mon, Jan 11, 9:52AM PST (-0700 GMT)
Don't think for a second that Cash Strapped N.Y.I. are going to pay 2.7 mil for Potvin and have him warming the bench...Say goodbye Tommy, you and you 1.1 Mil Contract are probably going to Edmonton or Calgary. Louongo will be at least a year or more in the Quebec league then he'll be groomed to eventually take over the full time duties...For us Leaf fans lets hope headcase Berard uses his offensive potential to the Leafs Benefit. He should fit in nicely. It looks like they will be getting rid of defenseman Jason Smith, that sucks, He's probably one of their best "stay at home" tough as nails "D"...

Beatts: . . . . Mon, Jan 11, 9:54AM PST (-0700 GMT)
What model Koho smott ?? What colour is it ? (Do you like the Canadian way of spelling Colour...Kind of Corny, Eh)

smott: . . . . Mon, Jan 11, 10:12AM PST (-0700 GMT)
Heh heh Beatts in fact being English I am right at ome with the canadian spellings...and resent beingindoctrinated into the Americanization of the King's ENglish!

gbfreeman: . . . . Mon, Jan 11, 10:12AM PST (-0700 GMT)
Vile, I have used Branches when I can find them. I like the feel for the puck I get. Kinda heavy though. The one I used was a wood laminate that had the feel of an all wood stick. Very durable. Busy this week, two makeup games tonight, Two (or three, depending on tonight) playoff games tomorrow, championship game Wednesday, and depending on playoffs Tuesday, One or two championship games on Thursday. Getting over the flu though. This week may kill me.

smott: . . . . Mon, Jan 11, 10:33AM PST (-0700 GMT)
Anyway I use the Koho Rev ROy model, the Potvin is too flat. It is black with white/red lettering a la the 'Lanche, though I preferred the white sticks I used to get when ROy was a Hab....

smott: . . . . Mon, Jan 11, 10:34AM PST (-0700 GMT)
..also use the Intermediate model (Intermedierre heh heh)as jrs too small and srs too tall for moi...

smott: . . . . Mon, Jan 11, 10:36AM PST (-0700 GMT)
Wow take it easy gbf I am getting over a cold myself and hoping to make it through my 2 games this week.....

Tripp: . . . . Mon, Jan 11, 10:48AM PST (-0700 GMT)
Myself, I stay with the Helite IV Byron Dafoe model sticks. I use that low, crouched stance like he does and the lie on those sticks is perfect for me. The Helite's seem to be durable, and they're pretty light. I use white tape from toe to heel, and bright orange tape on the butt end with a white knob.

smott: . . . . Mon, Jan 11, 10:57AM PST (-0700 GMT)
...is it just me or are a lot of goalies using Bauer gloves this year?...

Tripp: . . . . Mon, Jan 11, 11:00AM PST (-0700 GMT)
I noticed that too, smottsie. Has anyone here tried the Bauer gloves?

smott: . . . . Mon, Jan 11, 11:19AM PST (-0700 GMT)
...only back when they were Coopers and the only thing going besides Brown. Remember the old GP21?

Tripp: . . . . Mon, Jan 11, 11:26AM PST (-0700 GMT)
Regretfully... yes. Equipment has come a loooong way in the last 5-10 years.

Tripp: . . . . Mon, Jan 11, 11:27AM PST (-0700 GMT)
hey there smottsie. Just on my way out. Hope you're having a good one!

smott: . . . . Mon, Jan 11, 11:41AM PST (-0700 GMT)
....actually a REALLY stiff neck today...more home stuff over the weekend, wrestling with a stuck garage door in sub-freezing temps (my car was trapped inside, natch) also installing new kitchen countertop yestedray (them things are HEAVY!!)....now I'm contemplating a trip to the chiros....

smott: . . . . Mon, Jan 11, 11:58AM PST (-0700 GMT)
...and speaking of post All star break team performance...are the Wings now just a decent but not great team as their record would suggest? I was startled looking at stats this AM to see my Birds 3 points ahead of them with 4 games in hand. So, hmm.

C5: . . . . Mon, Jan 11, 12:06AM PST (-0700 GMT)
Smottie, you and me both! Got the stiff neck last night in an absolute shellacking of a loss, 9-2. This team, the Demons, just skates the hell out of you and they seem to have a player everywhere on the ice. I spent the entire game counting jerseys, swearing that either they were stuttering their shifts when I'm not looking or I need my eyes checked. Faced 45 shots, easily. Made all but one of the first saves and the rest of the goals were 2 on 1's or on the 2nd and 3rd rebound. Normally I rail against my D-- "Third shot's yours, guys!"-- but this time I couldn't really say much. That team was so fast, they were everywhere.

C5: . . . . Mon, Jan 11, 12:06AM PST (-0700 GMT)
Chiros?

smott: . . . . Mon, Jan 11, 12:16AM PST (-0700 GMT)
chirpractic....don'tlike the hard adjustments but Ineed some serious acupressure I think

Sieve: . . . . Mon, Jan 11, 1:44PM PST (-0700 GMT)
smott, I've been in denial for a couple months now, but the facts are that the Wings are something like 1-12 against teams with top 10 records. Their usually dominant offense has been semi-ravaged by injury all season and the O went into a scoring slump around mid-November. YUCK! On the same note, somebody please tell me how Uwe Krupp got the votes to make world starter. Certainly not based on this year's play!!!

Sieve: . . . . Mon, Jan 11, 1:48PM PST (-0700 GMT)
All of you Ozzie lovers will be happy to know yesterday's Wings/Sens game had to be stopped for a couple mins. while the Wiz got his forehead patched up. I sure as heck wouldnt wear a plastic bucket in that league...

Carpe de Puck: . . . . Mon, Jan 11, 1:53PM PST (-0700 GMT)
I tape my sticks from heel to toe with white athletic tape. I have also used the Bauer Reactor 6 gloves. Nice catcher, especially the snag but just like the blocker, very different looking. The blocker worked extremly well due to it's weird shape, it actually directed pucks to the corner for me in some instances. I think they are outrageously priced but well made and functional too boot.

deke: . . . . Mon, Jan 11, 6:37PM PST (-0700 GMT)
smott: was your observation about Bauer gloves directed at NHL'ers or are you also seeing them turn up at local rinks? I ask because I haven't seen many Bauers in local games but certainly have seen many on the tube.

C5: . . . . Mon, Jan 11, 8:36PM PST (-0700 GMT)
You may notice that the banner has changed. It's a bit... different...

C5: . . . . Mon, Jan 11, 8:41PM PST (-0700 GMT)
Not too many Bauers down at my local rink, but then again, goalies in the rec.leagues aren't exactly always up to date on the latest and greatest stuff. Although, one goalie has the new MCM block/catch combo with the reflector thing. I think that would seriously help me, as I suspect that thousands of CAD time was spent designing my glove so that it would deposit rebounds right on the onrushing O's tape. If they can put a man on the moon...

C5: . . . . Mon, Jan 11, 8:41PM PST (-0700 GMT)
...they can make a self-shovelling driveway, right Smottie?

Tripp: . . . . Mon, Jan 11, 9:02PM PST (-0700 GMT)
Hey C5... I've got an awesome Dafoe pic for the banner if you'd like it. Just gimme an e-mail address and I'll pass it along. BTW, thanks for keeping him up there.

deke: . . . . Mon, Jan 11, 9:59PM PST (-0700 GMT)
C5: I like the new banner, but it looks like goals being scored in two out of three pics. That's about my average. The photo of Richter is especially agonizing.

Tripp: . . . . Mon, Jan 11, 10:20PM PST (-0700 GMT)
...and it looks like old man Hex just got shot

snowman: . . . . Tue, Jan 12, 3:32AM PST (-0700 GMT)
C-5: the banner as always looks great!! (any more mystery goalies on the horizon?)

smott: . . . . Tue, Jan 12, 5:47AM PST (-0700 GMT)
Hi guys...hmmm so Oz got his head split open? Did not see it....but I recieved my stitches/concussion through the same Cooper bucket I believe. Wouldn't dare wear it now. As for gloevs, I was thinking pros, not rec/HS.....around here it's primarily Heatons/Brians/some Koho for the kids with the rich parents, and McM stuff for the pauper rec folks. Unless they are like me wearing unbelievably scruffy old Louisvilles.....even my nice white Koho gloves are lookin' pretty lived-in now....

C5: . . . . Tue, Jan 12, 5:49AM PST (-0700 GMT)
Cool, glad the banner getting a good reception. Yes, there is a goal being scored both on Dafoe and Richter, unfortunately. Anyone get any other pix from somewhere other than CNNSI, where I get these, should send them to this button ...

smott: . . . . Tue, Jan 12, 5:49AM PST (-0700 GMT)
C5 niiiice job on the new banner!....Though may I add to the request list that Tommy B get his chance up there at some point? Guy is working on 350 wins not too shabby and has all time assist record. Plus it would be nice to see some pads uglier than mine.....

smott: . . . . Tue, Jan 12, 5:50AM PST (-0700 GMT)
...and there is banner-meister himself!

C5: . . . . Tue, Jan 12, 5:55AM PST (-0700 GMT)
Hi Smottie!

C5: . . . . Tue, Jan 12, 5:59AM PST (-0700 GMT)
I'm going to try and do the banner more often, come up with a simpler title, and use one goalie per banner. But I'm not sure it'll work out that way.

smott: . . . . Tue, Jan 12, 6:11AM PST (-0700 GMT)
As for La Femme Smottsie I got dunked back in B league last night and you could really tell most of the guys had been off for the holidays, pretty scratchy stuff! Did my impression of The INvisible Goalie in warmup, geez I was bad, but managed to get in the way after that and we won 5-2.

C5: . . . . Tue, Jan 12, 6:16AM PST (-0700 GMT)
Felix sure looks strange wearing his Leafs equipment and an Islanders jersey! Check it out at this button ...

C5: . . . . Tue, Jan 12, 6:18AM PST (-0700 GMT)
In practice I don't worry about what goes in. I try to make thinking saves and get my body warmed up and get my muscles to remember how to make saves. I used to hate warmups and get no benefit out of it, now I ask the guys to come in off the blue line and fill the net, which they do.

Sieve: . . . . Tue, Jan 12, 7:32AM PST (-0700 GMT)
c5, yeah I think Felix's lack of color coordination affected his mojo. he had a gross game last night. Hope he gets his groove back quickly. so smott, whats the answer to yesterday's triv? (or did I miss it)?

Sieve: . . . . Tue, Jan 12, 7:33AM PST (-0700 GMT)
btw c5, thanks for making me feel more at home with the new banner : >)

Vile: . . . . Tue, Jan 12, 8:05AM PST (-0700 GMT)
I have a reactor 4 catcher and 1 blocker. But since these are my first set of gloves, I can't compare. I got them pretty cheap from Sports Exchange.

smott: . . . . Tue, Jan 12, 8:19AM PST (-0700 GMT)
Heh heh C5 yes as for warm up I basically try to get moving etc and get some timing and avoid getting killed. But it's also good to avoid complete humiliation, so the guys aren't thinking "Geez let's get the Zamboni guy to strap on some pads or somethin'...."

smott: . . . . Tue, Jan 12, 8:20AM PST (-0700 GMT)
And as for yesterday's Trivia - well the Oilers were a pretty obvious pick, however believe it or not it's my fave flightless fowl, the Pens, with 17 straight wins back in 93. Followed shortly by crash/burn in the playoffs, the exodus of Scotty B, and the end of any dynasty potential.

smott: . . . . Tue, Jan 12, 8:24AM PST (-0700 GMT)
...also last night I got my Emmy nomination heh heh heh, drawing a nice goalie interference penalty. Guy ran through the crease and basically right over me, it was definitely a penalty but I may have embellished it just a wee tad, taking the net out and flailing arms & legs etc. On his way to the box the guy screams "8 point 5!!!!" Guess I forgot to point my toes... :-D

smott: . . . . Tue, Jan 12, 8:26AM PST (-0700 GMT)
...plus I welcomed back my toughest D who had been AWOL last session. While I was grabbing a loose puck with their guy charging, he ran the fellow right into the boards behind the net. WHAM he flattened him, guy gets up crying, my D growls "Don't run the goalie." Just gives me the warm fuzzies y'know?

Sieve: . . . . Tue, Jan 12, 8:42AM PST (-0700 GMT)
Chivalry is not dead after all... Today's think-fast trivia Q of the day: name all six Sutter brothers.

Sieve: . . . . Tue, Jan 12, 8:45AM PST (-0700 GMT)
Anyone with the 1999 NHL Page-a-day calender should have no problem...

smott: . . . . Tue, Jan 12, 9:14AM PST (-0700 GMT)
Oh dear...Brian & Daryl are the only 2 that pop to mind...

Tripp: . . . . Tue, Jan 12, 9:33AM PST (-0700 GMT)
Howdy everyone. Hhmmm...Sutter brudders, eh? Brian, Daryl, Rich, Bobby...umm... Cubby...Groucho? Was I close?

: . . . . Tue, Jan 12, 10:23AM PST (-0700 GMT)
Anyone here?

smott: . . . . Tue, Jan 12, 10:30AM PST (-0700 GMT)
....yoo hoo

: . . . . Tue, Jan 12, 10:49AM PST (-0700 GMT)
I can name 2 Hatcher brothers

Vile: . . . . Tue, Jan 12, 10:50AM PST (-0700 GMT)
that was me

Tripp: . . . . Tue, Jan 12, 11:21AM PST (-0700 GMT)
Hey smottsie... do you have the Koho Roy blocker, or the Lefevre blocker? I had one of the Lefevre ones on my hand last night, and it seems like it would take some getting used to. I've been using the Roy blocker lately -- the first Koho glove I've ever owned-- and I like it a lot. Just wondering how the two compare in your opinion.

Beatts: . . . . Tue, Jan 12, 12:04AM PST (-0700 GMT)
Brent, Brian, Rich, Darryl, Duane, Ron....Tada !!!

Sieve: . . . . Tue, Jan 12, 12:35AM PST (-0700 GMT)
Nice job Beatts, I figured it would be you or Toast to come up with it. Nice try also Tripp. Hmm, No Shemp?

Tripp: . . . . Tue, Jan 12, 2:40PM PST (-0700 GMT)
::::applauding Beatts:::: well done... although I coulda sworn there was a Cubby in there. Or was it Grag, Peter and Bobby?

Tripp: . . . . Tue, Jan 12, 2:41PM PST (-0700 GMT)
hmmm... Grag? Try GREG. Maybe I should have let my hands thaw out before I tried typing. Dumb pond hockey again

C5: . . . . Tue, Jan 12, 7:26PM PST (-0700 GMT)
Oh, you guys. Smott, gawd, I'd give anything to feel like a lady again... I mean, to have my D defend my honor... I don't care what the other guy weigs... 175 lbs come at you like that still looks scary.

Tripp: . . . . Tue, Jan 12, 8:54PM PST (-0700 GMT)
Awwww man. My idol Dafoe getting some mug time tonight as a guest host on NHL2night. Bout time he gets a little recognition. He did a pretty good job, too.

smott: . . . . Wed, Jan 13, 6:21AM PST (-0700 GMT)
C5 heh heh yes it was kinda nice to have men fighting over me...

smott: . . . . Wed, Jan 13, 6:21AM PST (-0700 GMT)
WOOF WOOF AWOOOOO my Pens visit the Prairie Pups tonight!....

smott: . . . . Wed, Jan 13, 6:26AM PST (-0700 GMT)
Trippster I now havethe Koho LeFevre model blocker, I used tohave the Roy model. Both are very ridgid. The differences are that the Roy had a floating cuff while the Lefevre it's all one unit, and the inside of the blocker, closest to your body, is really built up into a solid panel, so wide it almost looks illegal. Superior thumb protection to the Roy. Also the front edge of the LeFevre is tapered slightly to go paddle down a little better. And there is a little curved ridge inside that locks over your wrist very securely, no flopping around withthis blocker. On the whole I like it better than the Roy, but if you like lots of wrist movement the Roy could be better for you.

smott: . . . . Wed, Jan 13, 6:28AM PST (-0700 GMT)
My weekly Shellack Entry: a 9-1 flogging last night. I am not in shape yet for this kind of carnage. Shots were 40-5 over 2 periods, score was 6-0....ended up 51 to 10, 9-1 and I was needing an oxygen tank in the 3rd. Gee 3 weeks off and I'm a wimp....

Sieve: . . . . Wed, Jan 13, 6:48AM PST (-0700 GMT)
boy-o smott, i dont know how you get up to play with those guys every week. Wingos wrecked Hack's streak last night. He had gone 7-0-0 before last night. Yanked in favor of Fred Chabot by end of the first. To add insult to injury he got in a shouting match with fans in the tunnel. Sorry Jeff, the Joe not always the friendliest place to visit. Although tending net in Montreal...

smott: . . . . Wed, Jan 13, 7:47AM PST (-0700 GMT)
Yah Montreal waking up a bit, so is Wash....out West it's really only the Stars and Pups looking elite right now however...though even the doggies on a little skid lately right...?

smott: . . . . Wed, Jan 13, 7:53AM PST (-0700 GMT)
Hmmm well Sieve I was ready to dump these guys for another team whose goalie was going on night shift, but they got him back on days unfortunately so I remain Shellack Queen every week. Though y'know once a week seeing a bunch of rubber isn't all that bad, it makes the normal games seem so much easier. Won 5-2 on Monday, guys said I played good, couldn't remember making but about one decent save all night. So hmmm.

Tripp: . . . . Wed, Jan 13, 8:10AM PST (-0700 GMT)
Thanks for the blocker info, shellack queen. I had the Vaughn 2500/4000 for a long time, and the WAH model blockers are much stiffer. I do like the floating cuff on the WAH, but that Lefevre felt awfully comfy. And damnit...if it's good enough for smott, it's good enough for me!!

Tripp: . . . . Wed, Jan 13, 8:14AM PST (-0700 GMT)
Supposed to have a game tonight, but with the ice storm coming I have no idea what's going on. Kinda throws me out of my gameday routine when I'm not even sure if I'll be playing. So far I've faced the most shots of any goalie...my GAA is 2.11 and I have a .927 svs%.. we're 2-2-1. I'm dying for some goal support. Hopefully our guys will start filling the net soon and give the Trippster a well deserved rest.

deke: . . . . Wed, Jan 13, 8:28AM PST (-0700 GMT)
Tripp: Wasn't it you looking to sell a Vaughn trapper? I couldn't use yours since I'm full right, but I am looking at a new glove. Any thoughts on the 5500 vs. the new 4000?

Tripp: . . . . Wed, Jan 13, 8:41AM PST (-0700 GMT)
I've never worn the 4000, but I like the 5500 a lot. I have mine custom made with a single T instead of that triple T pocket, because I prefer the lighter weight... and I'll admit it, I'm downright anal about the fit of my gloves and don't like buying them off the shelf. If you don't want to wait for the custom (it took like 13 weeks for mine to come in) SFSL sells them with the single T. It's well made and comfortable. I hardly ever get stung. The 4000 is supposed to be a bit lighter weight, and it's a little bit wider.

smott: . . . . Wed, Jan 13, 8:52AM PST (-0700 GMT)
Tripp your numbers are awesome! With my shellack troops if I can maybe maintain above .800 % I'm doing all right....

Vile: . . . . Wed, Jan 13, 10:36AM PST (-0700 GMT)
what does the term full right mean?

Tripp: . . . . Wed, Jan 13, 10:39AM PST (-0700 GMT)
I think this weather is making me grumpy. I'm trying to get a forecast from the Weather Channel, and I'll be damned if this Jeanetta Jones girl doesn't look like a rabbit. I wish I knew if my game is gonna be snow/sleet/freezing rained out tonight. BTW, thanks for the compliment on my numbers smott. Frustrating to play as well as I can and still be .500

Vile: . . . . Wed, Jan 13, 10:40AM PST (-0700 GMT)
And on another note... I like Belfour. I like watching him. He is a hot head, and takes dumb penalties even in deciding games of playoff series. He has had a pretty good year, during which he has benefitted by a defensive forechecking game in front of him. I don't think he is neccesarily an All-Star. But on the other hand, I can't name someone else who is more deserving off hand.

Tripp: . . . . Wed, Jan 13, 10:43AM PST (-0700 GMT)
Hey, I know a few weeks ago someone asked if there are any other goalie chat boards like this... I'd have to say no. The people here are way cooler than any of the other boards I've seen. Of course, if there are any other boards out there worth checking out, could you guys please tell me about em? I can never learn enough, or get enough pointers.

Tripp: . . . . Wed, Jan 13, 10:48AM PST (-0700 GMT)
Brodeur and CuJo are gimme's for the North American squad... I guess Eddie's a good choice as the third. Beezer might deserve a look, especially with the way he's been playing lately.

smott: . . . . Wed, Jan 13, 10:55AM PST (-0700 GMT)
Tripp heh heh with your numbers sounds like you're learning just fine!

smott: . . . . Wed, Jan 13, 10:55AM PST (-0700 GMT)
Full right I believe is the reference for the goalie who catches with left hand, stick in right hand.

smott: . . . . Wed, Jan 13, 10:57AM PST (-0700 GMT)
...and afraid I am still not sold on hot-head Eddie...believe he has been a little overrated and never has shown that next level at crunch time. (Of course Hasek hasn't either in Cup play...) But I think he's improved since he's worked with Tretiak.

Vile: . . . . Wed, Jan 13, 11:08AM PST (-0700 GMT)
Dallas is full of people that haven't proven the next step, and then of course several that have. Belfour has made deep runs into the playoffs without a cup. He has at least made it to the finals. But players in all sports are ultimately judged by championships. In Hasek's defense, with a good team in front of him, he won a Gold Metal, although that wasn't series play like the cup. I am very happy to see Irbe get the call.

Vile: . . . . Wed, Jan 13, 11:10AM PST (-0700 GMT)
Man, that was a random collection of statements.

Vile: . . . . Wed, Jan 13, 11:10AM PST (-0700 GMT)
I was wondering why the term "FULL" right, as if there is a half right etc... the full was throwing me off.

Carpe de Puck: . . . . Wed, Jan 13, 1:21PM PST (-0700 GMT)
The term "full right" is for those people who CATCH with their right hand and Block(hold stick) with their left hand. In short, a left handed person. Why it has received that term I do not know.

deke: . . . . Wed, Jan 13, 6:20PM PST (-0700 GMT)
Full right is, as CdP said, catch right, block left. I believe that the term refers to the fact that the left handed goalie both catches and shoots right. Not certain on that but its what I've always heard.

C5: . . . . Wed, Jan 13, 9:10PM PST (-0700 GMT)
Just got back from losing 7-4 to an undefeated team. Went into the 3rd tied 4-4, but we seemed to come out of the intermission asleep, even me. Only after a HUGELY lucky two-post, roll around in the crease, every-guy-on-the-ice takes-a-swipe-at-it-but-me play, I woke up and began playing well again. Very happy with my play, made a few good saves (two really nice stack the pad plays, one each way, which shocked me), but of course, from what I know about goaltending, I try to gently coach myself since I pretty much know what I did wrong on some goals. OH-- BTW-- This was cool. Tonight was the first penalty shot I've ever had in a game in four seasons! It was FOR us, and we scored!

C5: . . . . Wed, Jan 13, 9:11PM PST (-0700 GMT)
Oh, and I had to think of Hackett on one save. Guy tried to blast one under me, amazing shot, puck just seemed to burrow down under the ice, but I managed to keep my stick in play as I went down. That used to drive me NUTS, I mean seriously, but I don't do it as often, because I rode myself so hard to remember that. Keep the stick, it's easily the first and best defense against five-hole shots, I don't care what anyone says.

C5: . . . . Wed, Jan 13, 9:12PM PST (-0700 GMT)
Well, 'cept maybe you guys... ;-)

gbfreeman: . . . . Wed, Jan 13, 11:48PM PST (-0700 GMT)
Wierd week. Get a shutout monday. Lose the next game 5-4. Get crushed in playoff game Tuesday 7-1. Second playoff game scrub team takes tie through regulation and overtime. Heartburn city. Shootout. Six rounds. Lose 1-0. Crap shot, wanted to crawl under the crease. We got outshot 38-20 for the game. And then tonight. Different league. Tied at three through regulation and overtime. AAAARRRRGGGGHHHH. Shootout again. Stoned the first guy. We score. Stone the second guy. We score. About this time, my teammates notice I still haven't got up. Pulled groin. Have to stop one of the two remaining skaters. So, sucked it up, and somehow poke-checked (for the first time ever) the puck away from the guy. After three seasons (one ending in overtime in the championship) finally, CHAMPIONS. Kinda makes the groin feel better.

gbfreeman: . . . . Wed, Jan 13, 11:49PM PST (-0700 GMT)
So is Beezer peaking to early? Roman Turek (stars) looks pretty good.

smott: . . . . Thu, Jan 14, 6:29AM PST (-0700 GMT)
gbf WAY TO GO!!!

C5: . . . . Thu, Jan 14, 6:45AM PST (-0700 GMT)
Holy COW, GB, great going!!!

smott: . . . . Thu, Jan 14, 7:02AM PST (-0700 GMT)
Hmmm OUCH my birds get spanked by the Pups last night! Two goals in 6 seconds!!! Ian Moran did his best imitation of one of smottsie's defenseman, falling on his butt after a faceoff and giving JR an invitation to the net. ICK!!! Oh well. Birds not up to that level I guess but they looked OK for 2 1/2 periods or so....

Vile: . . . . Thu, Jan 14, 8:01AM PST (-0700 GMT)
Kudos GB. I have always liked Turek, but not many peoiple get a chance to see him.

smott: . . . . Thu, Jan 14, 9:11AM PST (-0700 GMT)
OK you Norhterners CUT IT OUT willya??? Another ice storm last night, raining sleet this AM, 1-3 inches of ice today. And I came in to work today!!

Tripp: . . . . Thu, Jan 14, 9:35AM PST (-0700 GMT)
Way to be, Gbf.... congrats

smott: . . . . Thu, Jan 14, 9:36AM PST (-0700 GMT)
And speaking of when it rains it pours, I now have 3 permanent teams, and THREE MORE that want to sign me up. 2 of the 3 I think are C but one is decent-B I used to play for, and they dumped me for a better goalie. Now he's injured and they asked me back. What to do???

Tripp: . . . . Thu, Jan 14, 10:01AM PST (-0700 GMT)
I guess it all depends on how badly you want to play, smott. I know that if some team dumped me, I'd never play for them again. They had their chance to have my immense talent on their team (he said sarcastically) and blew it. So just how many teams can you play for at one time? Don't go getting yourself killed on us!!!

Toast: . . . . Thu, Jan 14, 10:17AM PST (-0700 GMT)
Gee - go to Florida for a week and what happens...miss everything in hockey. Only found out about the Potvin trade via an accidental glance at a newspaper over someone's shoulder. So I have no idea on the selections for the All-Star team. As for the Potvin trade, I have not heard any commentary on it locally yet, so I am not sure what folks think around here. However, Isles did need a front-line NHL goalie...Salo was not the answer there.

Toast: . . . . Thu, Jan 14, 10:17AM PST (-0700 GMT)
Oh yeah C5...re the email - Mntender.

smott: . . . . Thu, Jan 14, 10:30AM PST (-0700 GMT)
I guess the NYRs nipped Felix last night.....

Sieve: . . . . Thu, Jan 14, 10:31AM PST (-0700 GMT)
so far on the Island, Felix not fare so well... looks like he picked up a gaping 5 hole on the drive to NY. hope the fans there give him a chance to shake the cobwebs.

Sieve: . . . . Thu, Jan 14, 10:31AM PST (-0700 GMT)
hi smotts, I know what i'd tell that team that dumped you... heck , doesnt sound like you need them much with all of your other teams.

Tripp: . . . . Thu, Jan 14, 10:32AM PST (-0700 GMT)
yeah... those New York fans are so patient and understanding ;-)

Sieve: . . . . Thu, Jan 14, 10:34AM PST (-0700 GMT)
hi Tripp, just E'd you.

smott: . . . . Thu, Jan 14, 10:38AM PST (-0700 GMT)
Well I wish the best for The Cat, though I think he has merely wound up on another non-contender...

tender: . . . . Thu, Jan 14, 11:10AM PST (-0700 GMT)
Hi...

Goal35: . . . . Thu, Jan 14, 11:45AM PST (-0700 GMT)
Congrats gbf!! and who before thought Beezer going to Philly wouldnt make a difference? must be the new masks... lol As for me, cancelled out on subbing tonite and playing tom morn, had some male elective surgery tues..... am going to try and play in my games Fri & Sun night.... with an over-compensated 5-hole.... and against doctors suggestions..

Sieve: . . . . Thu, Jan 14, 12:04AM PST (-0700 GMT)
g35, best wishes for a speedy recovery to you and your package... oof...

smott: . . . . Thu, Jan 14, 12:12AM PST (-0700 GMT)
Um G35 don't ah pull any stitches...or whatever...you know.

Vile: . . . . Thu, Jan 14, 1:25PM PST (-0700 GMT)
that might go well beyond "commitment to the game", G35

C5: . . . . Thu, Jan 14, 3:51PM PST (-0700 GMT)
Be merciful on G35... Don't worry, buddy, I'll carry the torch for ya. (Say. After that operation, does that mean you're riding the pine?)

Goal35: . . . . Thu, Jan 14, 4:07PM PST (-0700 GMT)
C5- naw, just my pine doesnt have the same sap it used to.... LOL, and no stitches, just feels like one of those nasty 5-hole shots that drives your cup.... ewwwww, hurts even more thinkin bout it.... and thanks all for the .... support.... hahahaha, must be why I spared no expense on the goal cup

smott: . . . . Fri, Jan 15, 5:03AM PST (-0700 GMT)
Hmmm cup-chat....can't relate fellas, sorry!

smott: . . . . Fri, Jan 15, 5:14AM PST (-0700 GMT)
....meanwhile, ENOUGH OF THIS WEATHER ALREADY!!

smott: . . . . Fri, Jan 15, 5:16AM PST (-0700 GMT)
3 inches of ice all over everything last night (yes I have an uphill driveway which necessitated an embarrassing episode of on-all-fours-in-the-yard to get to the door) and now 4 more inches of snow on top of it!! No plow or salt trucks on my road since Wednesday! GEEZ!

smott: . . . . Fri, Jan 15, 5:16AM PST (-0700 GMT)
....of course, today I bagged work, I'm surfing the net, and I'm still in my jammies, so, I guess things could be worse. :-D

Goal35: . . . . Fri, Jan 15, 6:24AM PST (-0700 GMT)
I hear ya smott, at least we didn't get any of the ice... but i think today is the first morn all week I didn't have to shovel... we've gotten over 25" of snow in Jan so far. Speaking of cup-chat, saw the new Brians goal cup in leopard skin spots... sorry not... the stiches one was funny though

C5: . . . . Fri, Jan 15, 6:28AM PST (-0700 GMT)
G35, *LOL*, you're a sport, I checked in this AM just to make sure I shouldn't apologize for needlin' ya... ooops

C5: . . . . Fri, Jan 15, 6:29AM PST (-0700 GMT)
That was brave, though. I'm sure that it helps you understand women trouble a lot more. They go through a lot, and men don't really understand.

smott: . . . . Fri, Jan 15, 6:49AM PST (-0700 GMT)
Ah well C5 you Chatsters are amongst the most understanding group of guys I know!

smott: . . . . Fri, Jan 15, 6:49AM PST (-0700 GMT)
Anyway when it comes to estrogen vs testosterone, well...yes we chicks do get pushed around by our hormones once a month....

smott: . . . . Fri, Jan 15, 6:50AM PST (-0700 GMT)
On the other hand, heh heh, as the impeachment trial surely demonstrates, you guys are in the grip of your hormones oh like 24 hours a day!!!

Toast: . . . . Fri, Jan 15, 8:07AM PST (-0700 GMT)
Dang Y chromosone...anyway - no work for me today either. So just puttering around the apt today.

deke: . . . . Fri, Jan 15, 8:07AM PST (-0700 GMT)
I'm shopping for a new trapper. What's the consensus on the Battram glove?

J.T.: . . . . Fri, Jan 15, 8:10AM PST (-0700 GMT)
Hmmm, we got 1/2 an inch of ice here in DC as well, but I just couldn't justify (as a good northerner) staying home like 90% of the office did. Good day to sit in the office, surf the web, and eat M&Ms all day. In related news, you're all in trouble, and it's all your fault! Yes, I signed up for a hockey clinic to begin in a few weeks, so looks like this whole return thing may become a reality... um, yikes?

Toast: . . . . Fri, Jan 15, 8:15AM PST (-0700 GMT)
What is the content of the clinic? As for me, first game in 11 days because of vacation tonight.

smott: . . . . Fri, Jan 15, 8:30AM PST (-0700 GMT)
good luck both you guys

smott: . . . . Fri, Jan 15, 8:31AM PST (-0700 GMT)
....still here waiting for a snowplow....spent a couple hours getting about half my driveway shovelled, but zero response from the city thus far clearing/salting the street. Gotta love it. I am down to the last can of soup in the house.

Carpe de Puck: . . . . Fri, Jan 15, 8:51AM PST (-0700 GMT)
Deke, check out my review on Battram equipment on the review board. I think you'll like Battram catchers as well as price

J.T.: . . . . Fri, Jan 15, 8:57AM PST (-0700 GMT)
As far as I know Toast, it's a fairly basic skating and stickhandling type of thing. Not goalie specific (and probably not even taken into consideration) but it'll be a good introduction to getting back into things after having not played for like 15 years. Ice has stopped here and now we have bright sun. Go figure....maybe I'll get that 6mi run in tonight after all...

fourqts: . . . . Fri, Jan 15, 9:13AM PST (-0700 GMT)
Still in Havasu gang and enjoying like 80 degree days.... ICE? isn't that the stuff they sell from the big coolers at the circle K???? You mean they have to collect it as it is falls from the sky? always wondered where it came from. And the yotes visit the preds tonight.... Reunion for ronning (sp) of sorts....

Toast: . . . . Fri, Jan 15, 9:15AM PST (-0700 GMT)
Good stuff. Nothing more important than skating. A lot of young goalies don't want to spend time on that skill, but it pays dividends later on. Strong skating and good positioning will serve you well for many years.

J.T.: . . . . Fri, Jan 15, 9:31AM PST (-0700 GMT)
I'm old and I hurt...I don't have many years left. ;-) (Ok, so I exaggerate a bit, but you get my point...) As far as the ice goes, DC got pretty much spared, but I heard the outer suburbs got nailed....almost all area schools closed today. As far as the 'yotes go, it FIGURES as soon as you steal my hometown team and move them to the sunbelt they figure out how to win. Grrr....

Toast: . . . . Fri, Jan 15, 9:33AM PST (-0700 GMT)
You are from Winterpeg? I was going to say neophyte goalie...as for the Coyotes - no worries, as I predicted earlier in the chat, they are this year's do well in the regular season/bow out early in the playoffs team. Not a knock, but it seems to be the learning curve for teams.

J.T.: . . . . Fri, Jan 15, 10:27AM PST (-0700 GMT)
Actually from Minnesnowta, where they also had their team stolen and moved to sacreligious climes. Just became a Winterpeg fan anyways....ah, the Essensa days....

Vile: . . . . Fri, Jan 15, 10:36AM PST (-0700 GMT)
I am the resident 20 something Neophyte goalie here :) I am scheduled to play in an 8 week developemental league at the Stars Practice facility in March. I need skates still, then I'll be ready to hop into stick time and pick-up games. My wife and I are both trying to start league play.

Tripp: . . . . Fri, Jan 15, 10:39AM PST (-0700 GMT)
Speaking of Senzo... do my Oilers go after Tommy Salo? Is he really that much better than Senz or Shtalenkov? Personally, I'd like to see Steve Passmore get a shot. With everything he's been through, it would be nice to see him get a chance... but I think he'll have to wait for the expansion draft for that.

smott: . . . . Fri, Jan 15, 11:04AM PST (-0700 GMT)
My Birds visit SJ tonight a lovely change of clime road trip...they played a good 2+ periods against the doggies Wed but collapsed in the 3rd. We shall see how they do against Vernie and Co...

Goal35: . . . . Fri, Jan 15, 11:04AM PST (-0700 GMT)
C5 - no need for any apologies, gotta be a sport on this kinda thing, told the nurses/doc, only thing I don't want to hear is any laughing or the word ooops. smottsie - whada you mean once a month.... lol thought it was 28 on 3 off... :)

Goal35: . . . . Fri, Jan 15, 11:05AM PST (-0700 GMT)
if i find a good deal on a flamethrower, you want em to pick you one up smott?

smott: . . . . Fri, Jan 15, 11:05AM PST (-0700 GMT)
Hmmm, skating yes I sure wish I'd started when I was a squirt, instead of waiting til late teens. I will never be strong in that dept unfortunately and it matters so much when you're getting old and losing those reflexes!!

smott: . . . . Fri, Jan 15, 11:06AM PST (-0700 GMT)
ROFL G35 YAH RIGHT 28 on as far as you guys care!

Goal35: . . . . Fri, Jan 15, 11:07AM PST (-0700 GMT)
come on, iv'e been married almost 17 yrs.... battle tested.

smott: . . . . Fri, Jan 15, 11:09AM PST (-0700 GMT)
heh heh well I'm sure you'll be right back in the thick of things soon at home and on the ice!...

Goal35: . . . . Fri, Jan 15, 11:11AM PST (-0700 GMT)
not sure which to try first - if i go play hockey then i have no excuses for the other, and the wedding reception i was hoping on weaseling out of tomorrow.... LOL

smott: . . . . Fri, Jan 15, 11:11AM PST (-0700 GMT)
Yes arrggh I need a flamethrower, still no trucks down my street I am just going to have to roll the car down the drive and hope to heck I can get back up later today....little food in the house for the cat or moi....

smott: . . . . Fri, Jan 15, 11:12AM PST (-0700 GMT)
...you mean you're not truly looking forward to that reception?? :-D

Goal35: . . . . Fri, Jan 15, 11:12AM PST (-0700 GMT)
is the 1st day in almost a week it didnt snow here... have no place to put it- am glad no ice storm though

smott: . . . . Fri, Jan 15, 11:12AM PST (-0700 GMT)
...for moi I am looking at 4 straight games though one is just pickup....Sat-Tues...the weather is rumored to go up to 40+, I can only dream...

Tripp: . . . . Fri, Jan 15, 11:13AM PST (-0700 GMT)
On a positive note, you can consider your post some community service, G35. It was good 5 hole practice for me. As soon as I read it, my knees slammed shut in a hurry! I wish they'd close that fast on the ice!

Goal35: . . . . Fri, Jan 15, 11:13AM PST (-0700 GMT)
yea, I think id rather do the ice pack thing than a wedding reception for someone i don't know.... plus then - dancing - yuk....

smott: . . . . Fri, Jan 15, 11:13AM PST (-0700 GMT)
Yah the ice was incredible yesterday in Pgh. Approx 3 inches over everything, it just came down all day steadily. Our street melted smooth and just froze solid. Unbelievable. It's actually better today because there's 4-6 in snow on top of it.....

smott: . . . . Fri, Jan 15, 11:14AM PST (-0700 GMT)
...oh yes dancing, you mean you won't be doing the splits out there on the floor????

Goal35: . . . . Fri, Jan 15, 11:14AM PST (-0700 GMT)
LOL Tripp - anything I can do to help..... hehehe

smott: . . . . Fri, Jan 15, 11:15AM PST (-0700 GMT)
...gee you guys are so sensitive about this 5 hole stuff!

Goal35: . . . . Fri, Jan 15, 11:15AM PST (-0700 GMT)
am hoping not to be gun-shy as it is and just go play, but will not do breakaways during warm-ups...

Goal35: . . . . Fri, Jan 15, 11:17AM PST (-0700 GMT)
well, hope you can get out of your drive, and we both get the warmer weather to thaw some of this junk.... have a good weekend

smott: . . . . Fri, Jan 15, 11:17AM PST (-0700 GMT)
...It is hard to relate for me! But I did once hit my brother with a tennis ball (by accident, really) and I never saw anybody get so pale so fast. Like a ghost he was. I said "Um did that hurt?" (OK dumb question) He goes "Yes and it's going to get a lot worse." I imagine a tennis ball ain't got nuthin on a hockey puck!...

Tripp: . . . . Fri, Jan 15, 11:22AM PST (-0700 GMT)
I can't believe this ice. The road crews haven't done much here, either. I'm actually stuck in the house watching Jerry Springer. I even watched the ECHL All-Star game yesterday. Yes, I am THAT bored

J.T.: . . . . Fri, Jan 15, 11:51AM PST (-0700 GMT)
Well, we have recently gotten a visit from Mr Sun here in DC and the ice is almost gone...can't/won't speak for the suburbs. I *am*, however, about ready to shoot anyone else that suggests skating comes back as easily as riding a bike. Took all of a week to remaster riding a bike a couple of years ago....skating is taking much longer. Of course, I never was that great at it 15 years ago anyways...

gbfreeman: . . . . Fri, Jan 15, 1:41PM PST (-0700 GMT)
G35, as one who has been there, let me give you some advice. DON'T RUSH IT. You may feel fine, however, you can experience swelling (size of oranges) if you are not careful. May not be evident when you finish playing, but man are you going to enjoy the next morning.

gbfreeman: . . . . Fri, Jan 15, 1:42PM PST (-0700 GMT)
Everyone seems stuck on Salo. How about Manny Legace (Sitting in the IHL) for one of Edmonton's young D? L.A. has Stephan Fiset and Jamie Storr (not exactly over the hill types) with the big club.

Sieve: . . . . Fri, Jan 15, 2:32PM PST (-0700 GMT)
oh no, references to fruit, I gotta go sit on some ice... : >)

Carpe de Puck: . . . . Fri, Jan 15, 6:58PM PST (-0700 GMT)
Well Montreal owned the Caps tonight, no doubt about that. Hackett was looking good as was Kolzig but he had no team in front of him. Looks like Hackett got a VIC sponsor instead of Vaughn. Is it me or does that catch glove look really huge?

smott: . . . . Sat, Jan 16, 5:57AM PST (-0700 GMT)
SALT TRUCK ALERT!!!!! WOOHOOOO we finally get some salt on our street Sat AM, geez a mere 50+ hours after the ice storm began! Who says the City of Pgh doesn't have quick response????

smott: . . . . Sat, Jan 16, 5:58AM PST (-0700 GMT)
Hmmm yeah CdP I saw some highlights and Hackett's glove did look pretty enormous....meanwhile arrggh my Pens blow a 3rd period lead, give up 3 and go down to SJ. Yuck.

smott: . . . . Sat, Jan 16, 5:59AM PST (-0700 GMT)
Some scary low scores in the NHL last night....2-1, 2-0, 3-0 etc etc....but who's worried?? Those new rules should shape up the scoring in no time...

Grass: . . . . Sat, Jan 16, 7:46AM PST (-0700 GMT)
Yeeha!! It's Saturday and we have current flowing again! Lost power Thursday night and it's been a mite chilly in stately Grass manor. (I told my lovely bride that we should pay the electric bill, but no!) I've got that heat pump humming now. Should only take about three days to get the inside temp out of the low forties...

Grass: . . . . Sat, Jan 16, 7:50AM PST (-0700 GMT)
Last game I played was Thursday night and had to park about 1/2 mile away. Couldn't get the car to move on the ice. I too had to do the hands/knees thing across the driveways. (Laughing all the way! Thinking I could have had more beer if I knew I was going to be crawling anyway!)

Grass: . . . . Sat, Jan 16, 7:54AM PST (-0700 GMT)
G35 -- Your stories reminded me of my operation seven years ago. As I'm walking out of the clinic the nurse hands me a 10oz specimen cup and tells me to bring in a 'sample' in a few months. Her parting comment: "You don't have to fill it."

Grass: . . . . Sat, Jan 16, 7:56AM PST (-0700 GMT)
I guess I should warn you... I have a beautiful five year old daughter. I guess that's why doctors 'practice' medicine...

: . . . . Sat, Jan 16, 8:57AM PST (-0700 GMT)
Grass, over Xmas I stayed with my family in a friend's cabin in the B.C. mountains. It was great! But I relate to the heat thing. With the wood stove cranking it still took all night for all the lamps, furniture, appliances, everything, to get up to room temperature!

Toast: . . . . Sat, Jan 16, 10:31AM PST (-0700 GMT)
YUCK! First game back in 11 days, give up 2 goals in the first four minutes, then watch as they stand up in a 2-1 loss. A one-timer thru the triangle of death, got most of it but it trickled home, followed up by a sharp angle blast that I blew the angle on, gave the guy a few too many inches far side. Started to feel more like a goalie as the game wore on, but have some rust.

Toast: . . . . Sat, Jan 16, 10:32AM PST (-0700 GMT)
BTW, all this talk about a certain operation - anyone wanna bet me there will be a mini baby boom in say, 8 months, 3 weeks?

Goal35: . . . . Sat, Jan 16, 11:45AM PST (-0700 GMT)
well, made it thru last nite, you would think it was the rest of my team that had the operation, we played like crap we lose 4-3 get outshot 39-21, and yes If i would have been 100% i have to believe we would have won, was a bit tenative in my drops and gave up 2 5-hole... but on the plus side, no swelling or pain, so i should be good to go tomorrow night....

Goal35: . . . . Sat, Jan 16, 11:47AM PST (-0700 GMT)
Toast/Grass - it better not be from this end... is why i did it, am doubling up and hopefully keeping the wife on the pill so no chance for "oops" from what i understand is pretty hard for this newer procedure to fail, with the removal of tissue and cauterizing... but enough chat of that, sorry smott.

smott: . . . . Sat, Jan 16, 2:10PM PST (-0700 GMT)
Heh heh no worries G35 just listening in and grinning from ear to ear....I do love it when guys step up to the bat on planned-parenthood-type responsibilities. Too often that kind of concern is merely left to the chicks!

smott: . . . . Sat, Jan 16, 2:11PM PST (-0700 GMT)
...and the pill & it's possible side-effects isn't always the answer either....

smott: . . . . Sat, Jan 16, 2:12PM PST (-0700 GMT)
Hmmm, now what with the nation steeped in impeachment mania, I'm just wondering if, after such an operation , you can really "have sex" anymore! Given the prez' tortured definition of what does & does not constitute the actual act!....

smott: . . . . Sat, Jan 16, 2:12PM PST (-0700 GMT)
Best chick-quote re Clinton: "By the time he gets through definingsex, I think I'll discover I'm actually a virgin!"

smott: . . . . Sat, Jan 16, 2:14PM PST (-0700 GMT)
Anyway...sorry to hear of the post vaca rust Toastie we are all going through a bit of that I guess. I'm now up for 4 days' straight which should shape me up I hope....a little gasping and wheezing in the 3rd last week. Need to get more fit!...

smott: . . . . Sat, Jan 16, 2:15PM PST (-0700 GMT)
BTW G35 will you make it to that reception? Dancing on the tables I hope? :-D

Carpe de Puck: . . . . Sat, Jan 16, 11:40PM PST (-0700 GMT)
Well I had the worst game tonight. Local post team (Army) played Navy(they have funding and drove down) and we had 4 goalies and enough players for another team show up. So the coach dresses 3 goalies and decides to play a goalie a period.I get a crappy warm up but shrug it off. 1st period golaie pitched a donut on several good shots. I figure the coach is going to keep him in since he's hot. But I get the nod at the end of the first and go in feeling cold. Get a 2 on 1 and the guy sends a slapper from just inside the blue line along the ice. Easy shot, so I kick out for the skate save and blow it. Navy scores 1 to our 4. I think nothing of it and chalk it up to the lack of a warm up. Get to about 10 min remaining and get a shot from on top of the right circle with lots of traffic in front. I loose the puck for a second but I see the shot and go into a half fly and am watching it go into my glove when wham. It hits the glove I'm thinking I got it and it rebounds almost 90 degrees off of my cuff and into the net. I felt like crap to say the least. Coach pulls me and sends in the 3rd goalie to finish the period. He ends up letting 2 in as well but we played an incredible game and won, beating Navy 7-4. Later I told the coach the 3 man goalie stuff is going to have to stop as did goalie #3. Sitting on the bench for 20 mins then going in cold never allows you to get warmed up let alone get your mind into things. Talk about a bad night. I just can't believe I played the way I did. I just want to laugh. Fans came up and said congrats to me like I earned a goose egg so now I don't know what to think. Should I be bummed because of my play or go with what the crowd was saying? Kind of makes you wonder about perspectives from ice level to crowd level. OH WELL, one of them days :-)

smott: . . . . Sun, Jan 17, 6:34AM PST (-0700 GMT)
Ah shrug it off CdP...we should all be so lucky as to play at your level!....You're absolutely right the 3-g rotation is no good, can't expect to sit and get cold for that long and come in with timing and reflexes on the button. Who is this coach anyway?

smott: . . . . Sun, Jan 17, 6:37AM PST (-0700 GMT)
I had an awful warmup myself last night, first game back in C league...but we win 5-3, and the other guy was very hot or it would have been worse. I gave up 3 goals on rebounds from in front, the 2nd an especially nifty blocker save that I directed precisely on to the tape of teh trailer. Geez guys don't pass the puck as well as I do with this blocker. But I did stone 5 breakaways, 4 on the same guy, so cannot complain.

smott: . . . . Sun, Jan 17, 6:38AM PST (-0700 GMT)
Hmmm finally the Blue Heroes snap Beezer's streak! My Pens figure out how to play a 3rd period....and did I see poor Felix go down 1-0?...

C5: . . . . Sun, Jan 17, 3:37PM PST (-0700 GMT)
CdP, There should be someone hanging from the yardarm-- the coach! What a silly system. '97 Flyers, anyone?? HELLO?? Still, you should go with your gut instinct as to how you played. Often I come home from a win kicking myself, and from a loss thinking I did OK... it doesn't reflect on the scoreboard (hence why I think goalies are understood more by fans than actual players sometimes)...

C5: . . . . Sun, Jan 17, 3:42PM PST (-0700 GMT)
(GO FALCONS??)

Toast: . . . . Sun, Jan 17, 6:43PM PST (-0700 GMT)
Hmmm...after a rocky first period Friday, now the puck just seems to be hitting me. Came out on the right side of a 1-0 game Sat. afternoon. Must be the hockey weather...

Tripp: . . . . Sun, Jan 17, 8:49PM PST (-0700 GMT)
and Bure is now a Florida Panther. Jeez, I was the first one with the Potvin trade, and now this! What would you people do with out me (and TV...and radio...and newspapers... and the internet...)??

C5: . . . . Sun, Jan 17, 8:51PM PST (-0700 GMT)
Hi, Tripp. Nice to see you on. Can't talk-- too busy with these damned Falcons fans. They're driving all over my neighborhood honking their horns!

Tripp: . . . . Sun, Jan 17, 9:53PM PST (-0700 GMT)
hmm... must've just missed ya, C5. Sorry, chief. All we have 'round here is Steelers, Eagles, and Ravens fans. And as we all know, they all suck!! *hiding before smott hits me*

Goal35: . . . . Mon, Jan 18, 6:39AM PST (-0700 GMT)
well it went from bad to worse... played like crap last night - bad bounce night, 2 off post and my back and in, 3 from nowhere near the net redirections... couldn't stop a rebound to save my life - couldnt get up fast enough - end up losing 9-8, feel pretty bad, my guys score 8 and we lose - game was chippy, they had 3 5-3 PPs, and I also picked up some PIMS last night in frustration - shouldn't have played this weekned, cost my team 2 games... damn ego. plus, think I might have hurt something, am on way to doc's this morn at 9.... :(

C5: . . . . Mon, Jan 18, 7:40AM PST (-0700 GMT)
Quick offsides question: What is the policy in the NHL? Is it tag onside, or immediate whistle?

smott: . . . . Mon, Jan 18, 8:00AM PST (-0700 GMT)
Heh heh Tripp, nah we Steelers fans are keeping a low profile. After the season we just had ain't no braggin' rights in the Burgh. It will be interestign to see whether Superstar-in-his-own-mind Kordell Stewart gets any endorsement $$ this summer. Doubt it unless there's a market for Cry-baby Kordell Dolls... :-D

smott: . . . . Mon, Jan 18, 8:01AM PST (-0700 GMT)
...and I see the Minnesota Jinx lives on. Even Perfect Gary gets burned, and the Dirty Birds are dancin' in downtown Atlanta.

smott: . . . . Mon, Jan 18, 8:03AM PST (-0700 GMT)
...speaking of Birds my Pens better beat the Ducks tonight and salvage their West trip. COuple of bad losses already they can't afford. Funny, with their record they have enough points to lead 3 of 6 divisions, but with the East so tough, they're only clinging to 7th playoff spot. Yikes.

smott: . . . . Mon, Jan 18, 8:04AM PST (-0700 GMT)
Sorry to hear your struggles G35, remember you aren't 100% yet! Take it easy and good luck w/doc!

smott: . . . . Mon, Jan 18, 8:07AM PST (-0700 GMT)
...and in the Smottsie Saga Dept...on ice twice last night, one a practice with a possible new team, then a 10 PM sub game at a differemt rink....driving to the game in half my soggy equip, pouring rain, WHAM I hit a pothole big enough to swallow my car. Right front tire shredded. Luckily they are the tubeless type which don't go flat immediately and spin you into the wall! I limp another mile or so, luckily near the house of a pal. He has the great good-nature to drag himself out in the rain and help me jack up the car and change the tire....now I'm 20 mins late, limping along on one of those embarrassing little bicycle tire spares, arrive at the rink just at game time, but....

smott: . . . . Mon, Jan 18, 8:11AM PST (-0700 GMT)
....oh, junior tournament running late. STill in teh 2nd period of the last game. YUCK!!! So we sit around and wait....turns out the team I'm subbing for are the cellar-dweallars, yay. We get pasted 7-1.

smott: . . . . Mon, Jan 18, 8:14AM PST (-0700 GMT)
Funny thing is, I was pretty charged up with the aggravation of the whole thing...if I'd gotten straight on the ice I think I would have played better. But by the time I'd sat in the freezing cold stands for 1/2 an hour, I was flatter than my tire. A couple more poor rebounds, score should've been maybe 3,4 to 1....Oh well.

Carpe de Puck: . . . . Mon, Jan 18, 8:51AM PST (-0700 GMT)
Sounds like the hockey gods are busy smiling on someone other than the goalies on the chat right now. Could it be synchronization, kinda like when women live together they start to have their periods close to one another(don't be mad at me Smott)? Food for thougth, maybe we can get a grant to study this eh? Well I have a game tonight with my mens league team so I can expect about 50 some shots but I'm feeling hot right now for some reason and I hope that I can pass some of my Mojo on to all the other goalies here on the chat.

Sieve: . . . . Mon, Jan 18, 9:10AM PST (-0700 GMT)
send some this way please CdP... Playing tonite with my main team. We're 3-9-0 , I'm something like 4 GAA. Thinking of going back to the bucket tonite to if it improves my kwan.

Sieve: . . . . Mon, Jan 18, 9:11AM PST (-0700 GMT)
everybody playing tonite concentrate on collective/combined Mojo-lation and we'll see what happens. Who needs a grant... : >)

Sieve: . . . . Mon, Jan 18, 10:44AM PST (-0700 GMT)
just checked, make that a 4.27 gaa. baaaaaaaaaarf. my kingdom for the 2.60 of last season...

C5: . . . . Mon, Jan 18, 3:32PM PST (-0700 GMT)
Help, that was a real question about offsides... how are they calling it this season?

GoalieHawk: . . . . Mon, Jan 18, 7:02PM PST (-0700 GMT)
Hey guys, remember me? I'm back. Haven't talked in here for a long time. Well my ice hockey season is perfect, we're 9-0-0. My stats are 9-0-0, 2.22 GAA, .914 SAVE%, 1 SHUTOUT. I just got back from Spokane, I was in an ice hockey tournament. We were in the championship game, we lost, so we ended up in 2nd place. In those 4 tournament games, I earned one shutout. It was pretty fun..... hockey is going great. I am a try-out for the Utah Valley Golden Eagles of the WSHL. You can check out the Golden Eagles site at wwwh.uvgoldeneagles.com and the WSHL site at www.wshl.com..... I can't wait for this summer. This is what I've been wating for. OHL, College, Jr.A, and NHL scouts the WSHL. This is my chance..... anyways. I pulled my hamstring last week and I am wondering if anyone has any types on how to treat a hamstring. Hope to talk to you guys soon.

GoalieHawk: . . . . Mon, Jan 18, 7:03PM PST (-0700 GMT)
I mean I have an invited try-out for the Utah Valley Golden Eagles, and their site is at www.uvgoldeneagles.com

GoalieHawk: . . . . Mon, Jan 18, 7:16PM PST (-0700 GMT)
One more thing I would like to add..... Is there any goalies in here who played Midget A, Jr.B, Jr.A, College, Juniors, or Minors. I would like to talk to you. I want to learn the tricks of the trade. I need to prepare for the WSHL. In House and Midget B I am a star, but the WSHL is another level. I need to know how to deal with the traveling, billets, the press, fans, the pressure, and slumps. Thanks.

Carpe de Puck: . . . . Mon, Jan 18, 7:32PM PST (-0700 GMT)
Man, I said I'd give you guys a little Mojo and ya damn near take all of it tonight :-) Typical mens league night, bad D and bad turnovers. On top of that my edges were non existant so I was screwed on my movement, really had to use a lot of leg muscle. I'lll cut to the chase. Had a 5-5 tie at end of regulation, go to the shoot out and pull the rabbit out of the hat. We win the shoot out. Talk about a frustrating night though. I actually at one point contemplated quiting the mens league all together. But I'm glad we got another win, hopefully the team will start to gel and play together better(not holding my breath).

Goalie Dad: . . . . Mon, Jan 18, 7:37PM PST (-0700 GMT)
CdP, how long have you been playing goalie? Got any advice for a squirt goalie that is just learning the mental trials and tribulations of being a goalie?

Beatts: . . . . Mon, Jan 18, 7:56PM PST (-0700 GMT)
Hmmm, GoalieHawk...I played junior "A" Hockey growing up and one thing you don't apparently need to work on is your confidence....House and Midget B level is a far Cry from Junior level, The Speed, Intensity...There is no comparison. Whatever you do don't go around the first day of your tryout telling the other players what a "star" you are in house league. I'm afraid they'd eat you up for breakfast. Sure, hockey is a game of ego's but prove yourself first at a higher level. Not to sound like I'm lecturing but I got a rude awaking when I first went to tryouts. My stamina and speed were waaayyy off. Meanwhile I thought I was king Crap of Turd Island. Luckily the Coaches and Trainers gave my the opportunity to work like a banshee on my speed and I made the team... Now at 25, I see the kids trying out for Junior teams and there is so much competition, you practically have to be 6'3" 200 lbs when your 14 years old. Good luck to you, but remember, there's a difference between confidence and cockyness.

Tripp: . . . . Mon, Jan 18, 9:01PM PST (-0700 GMT)
Hahaha Beatts. Ohhh man, I needed a good laugh tonight (potentially a very bad day tomorrow depending on my MRI results). HAIL TO THE KING, BABY!

Tripp: . . . . Mon, Jan 18, 9:05PM PST (-0700 GMT)
My only advice is skate, skate, skate. Go to power skating camps. Learn to get to where you need to be and get there fast, and how to move the puck on the glass. There's much more I could spout off about, but I'll let the other chatsters share their wisdom. I'm only 23, so I'd bet some of these people have years of experience on me.

gbfreeman: . . . . Mon, Jan 18, 10:21PM PST (-0700 GMT)
Okay, first the rant and then the question. Our illustrious leaders (the morons who run out league) have topped themselves again. Two week break prior to the playoffs, playoffs complete, So, do we start again to stay sharp? NO lets take another 2 week break. AAARRRGGGHHH. Also, we made the playoffs and how are we rewarded? Moved up a league! So, we get to play all 10 of our games against people we went 0-2-1 against last season. Oh well, more work for me. Now the question, when a player busts ass to make it to the other end to negate an icing, why isn't a 2 line pass called?

gbfreeman: . . . . Mon, Jan 18, 10:28PM PST (-0700 GMT)
GoalieHawk, ESPN has an area called the Training Room you might want to look at about the hamstring. The actual URL for the hamstring article is button . The rest of you might want to check out this area, they have lots of information about injuries and training. They get their information from the American Health Network.

gbfreeman: . . . . Mon, Jan 18, 10:37PM PST (-0700 GMT)
smott, what got into the Pens? Three goals in the last 6 minutes. The commentators are losing their minds about how this game is going. Until now, Paul Kariya just got the empty net.

smott: . . . . Tue, Jan 19, 6:09AM PST (-0700 GMT)
Wow my Pens had a horrible 1-3 road trip. After a hot streak of 6 plus games. YUCK!! More talented group this year, but much less disciplined. Imagine that.

smott: . . . . Tue, Jan 19, 6:18AM PST (-0700 GMT)
GoalieHawk I'm no expert but my guess is you are looking at an extreme jump in levels when you go to this tryout. You'll likely be competing with a bunch of guys who were all stars where they came from, which puts you right in the middle of the pack. Fortunately you are not burdened with a confidence crisis! But take care of your hamstring and stretch it out as much as possible. If you're not 100% for your tryouts, forget it.

Goal35: . . . . Tue, Jan 19, 6:20AM PST (-0700 GMT)
morn all, doc's visit went well... nothing too out of the range of normal side effects (no, i didn't tell him i played) he gave me the go ahead to resume normal activities .. now all i have to do is heal my bruised ego and GAA after last weekend.... i'll be good til friday and try and heal up a bit

smott: . . . . Tue, Jan 19, 6:22AM PST (-0700 GMT)
OK CHatsters, a bit of advice requested please....am I the only one who seems to have a brain cramp when you get those long loose pucks through the neutral zone, and you have to decide whether or not you can beat their onrushing guy to it or not? My record on these decisions is laughable. If I think I can get it first and scramble out, I invariably get beat to the puck. If I think I'll never make it and stay back, it's often painfully obvious that I would have easily won the race, so I look like an idiot waiting in teh net while the guy catches up to the puck I could have grabbed. Anyway I fell victom to one of these last night in teh first period, ice was fresh, puck sliding fast, I could have got there. Started out, changed my mind, backed in, guy scores. GEEZ. Only good news was my team overcame their brainless goaltender for a 7-4 win.

smott: . . . . Tue, Jan 19, 6:23AM PST (-0700 GMT)
Hi G35, glad to hear all's well down there heh heh....

Sieve: . . . . Tue, Jan 19, 7:39AM PST (-0700 GMT)
hmm smott, funny you should bring that up. One of the goals in my 5-2 loss last night goes like this: puck trickling in on my right side, I come out to challenge as I usually do if I'm seeing things well. Player and I meet at face off dot, seemingly poke at the same time, puck shoots up into the rafters and wouldnt you know it lands ON the goal line and slides in. I will say this, SherWood 950's are a strong stick to take what gave it after that goal. yes, I know its only rec hockey, and I'm sure I looked stupid trying to break my stick. oh well, damn emotions...

Sieve: . . . . Tue, Jan 19, 7:45AM PST (-0700 GMT)
anyway in response to your question, as far as I can tell, that play is all about being decisive. Split second of indecision and you're gonna lose. I think it is better to start out after it w/o hestiation and back back in when you realize you will lose the race. When you go out to challenge, do you set up a wall or a big sprawling poke?

smott: . . . . Tue, Jan 19, 8:52AM PST (-0700 GMT)
It usually goes like this: 1) skate out expecting to get there first and clear the puck to the boards, 2) realize it's going to be a photo finish, 3) scrap the clear idea and go with the sprawling poke 4) lose the poke battle and watch face down as guys scores an EN.

smott: . . . . Tue, Jan 19, 8:54AM PST (-0700 GMT)
Actually it's funny you should mention the no hesitation thing - I did actually leave fast, got a couple strides out, then went "uh oh" and changed my mind. While frantcially backing in, I notice the puck is catching up w/me so fast if I'd just stopped and waited it probably would have come to me first. My 6 yr old nephew would have won the race. Anyway, too late.

Vile: . . . . Tue, Jan 19, 9:04AM PST (-0700 GMT)
Market board is going to hell...

smott: . . . . Tue, Jan 19, 9:48AM PST (-0700 GMT)
From the smottsie Boys Will Be Boys Dept: last night my fiestiest ringer gets himself suspended for a game, for fighting, takes the other guy's helmet and bounces it off the ice. Something about the guys' head still being in the helmet at the time, made it into a game-suspension. Refs are so picky.

smott: . . . . Tue, Jan 19, 9:50AM PST (-0700 GMT)
Actually it wasn't so funny, while Norm was flattening him, the guy caught his skate and blew out his knee, they had to help him off. Norm BTW is like 5'5", smaller than me. But a real little terrier.

J.T.: . . . . Tue, Jan 19, 10:17AM PST (-0700 GMT)
From the technical files.....so I took the skates in for sharpening the first time this weekend. (First sharpening since I started skating again.) Geez, is this a science or what? What hollow? What sort of stone? (hard/soft) and a couple other questions. I didn't know it was rocket science....

GoalieHawk: . . . . Tue, Jan 19, 11:08AM PST (-0700 GMT)
What happened to my messages? Chris, you cleared the log too early. Anyways, in case you missed my messeage I say a quick few things..... I've been gone from this chat a long time, eh. Well, my ice hockey season is going great. My stats are 9-0-0, 2.22 GAA, .914 SAVE%, 1 SHUTOUT. I just got back from Spokane, I was in the Young Americans Ice Hockey Tournament. We went all the way to the championship, but we lost. We were 2-1-1. In the 2nd game I got a shutout with a 9-0 win..... I've gotten an invited try-out offer for the Utah Valley Golden Eagles in the WSHL(Jr.B). College, Jr.A, NHL, and OHL scout the WSHL. So this is going to be great..... I pulled my hamstring two weeks ago in a game. So I am looking in here for advice on how to treat a pulled hamstring..... Hope to here from you all soon.

GoalieHawk: . . . . Tue, Jan 19, 11:25AM PST (-0700 GMT)
Beatts----- I never go around saying I am a star. My stats can prove that alone. Yes, I know that this is a big jump for me, but I am confident I'll do well. One thing I have learned from this chat is don't be cocky. I am confident, but not cocky..... For being fit? I am the strongest guy on my team. I bench over 240 lbs and squat 315 lbs. Stamina isn't really a problem for me, but I need to work on it a bit..... I need to get this hamstring healed in a hurry. In the Spokane tournament my play suffered. I played only one good game and that was the 9-0 win. I am an abrobatic(sp?) goaltender and I rely on quick reflexes and flexiblity. With a pulled hamstring I can only do so much..... One thing I need to work on, probaly the only thing, is challenging the shooter. I don't cut down the angles like I should. At best I play on top of my crease, but I rarely come out except on a breakaway. When I come out, except on a breakaway, I am not very confident. I feel I am out of position and leaving myself alone for a one-timer or quick pass. I have noticed I have stopped more shots when I am in my crease or on top of my crease than when I am out of the crease. I don't know why. I should stop more out of the crease. Well, I don't think it is a problem, because staying on top of the crease is enough. But I will need to work on it to take my goaltending to the next level..... Sometimes my confidence is a problem. If I let in less than 2 goals a game I am happy, but if I let in more I feel I played bad. I dont know why I feel it is my fault all the time. In the championship game in Spokane we lost 6-5, and I felt it was my fault. I was shell shocked. When I lose my confidence I am in a slump. Do you know some tips when in a slump and how to maintan cofidence. Another thing I need to work on is consitency(sp?). I get that way when I lose confidence. When I have confidence the puck just seems to hit me. I am determined to work on this. Talk to yah soon.

smott: . . . . Tue, Jan 19, 1:21PM PST (-0700 GMT)
Ah you need to hit scroll back to find your earlier posts GH, not that we don't mind reading your stats again!....

smott: . . . . Tue, Jan 19, 1:24PM PST (-0700 GMT)
...as for positioning, if you find you're at the top of your crease or beyond, and you're getting beat more often, then you are offline. You'll need to work on your angles, which is tough. Your reflexes should be your final line of defense, not your only one. And if you're too acrobatic, then again I'd suggest you're possibly out of position. Most saves can be made off the initial shot moving 6-8 inches tops, if you're at the top of your crease and on line. Not that acrobatics can't come inhandy now and then in a desperate situation, and that's where the flexible athletic guys set themselves apart from the rest. Buti f they don't have the fundamental positioning underneath it all, they won't go far.

smott: . . . . Tue, Jan 19, 1:25PM PST (-0700 GMT)
....whew! See ya!

Tripp: . . . . Tue, Jan 19, 3:12PM PST (-0700 GMT)
GH...Once you hit a certain level of hockey, you'll realize what a smart cookie our smottsie is... must be that snotty Ivy League edjakashion. Your reflexes won't help against a 95 mph shot if your angles are off. It's behind you before you can make a move on it. The only thing I can tell you is to keep the center of your body, the center of the puck and the center of the net in a straight line. Then get your heels on the top of the crease. No more than 5 feet from the net (unless it's an obvious shooting situation..then boom out and eat it up). If you're there and the puck misses you, it should also miss the net. Then you've only got 2 feet of net to defend, and that's plenty of distance for your reflexes.

Carpe de Puck: . . . . Tue, Jan 19, 3:22PM PST (-0700 GMT)
Smott, heres my school of thought on charging the puck. Decide right now how your going to handle those situations. Because if you hesitate for just an instant you'll get beat. I am faced with this scene a lot in my mens league. If it's comig my way and no one from my team is even moving their feet and the other team is tring to catch up I sprint out as hard and fast as I can ready to shoot it to the boards but if it looks like it's going to be a tie it's stack the pads and take the man down with the puck. I've used this to stop a 3 on 0 before and countless breakaways. The big issue is once you leave your crease your comitted to the puck.

Carpe de Puck: . . . . Tue, Jan 19, 3:42PM PST (-0700 GMT)
GH, to answer your questions in short i'll list the important things I've learned. 1.Buy a phone card 2. make sure who ever you room with on the road lives like you do. Just because your best buds doesn't mean you share the same views on methods of living. Nothing sucks worse than to have a roomie who likes to throw stuff every where and dry out his underwear from practice on top of the phone, your stuff ect. The rest is really cake. If your having to rely on reflexes your going to be in for a BIG surprise at camp. You will see(or fail to see) some shots with LOTS of heat on them. These guys will pick holes and put the puck in that spot even if you give it for a second. You'll catch on after about 2 practices what it's like. It was an eye opener for me and still is occassionally. Best bet is to try and learn from asking and watching. Don't be afraid to ask in fear of being seen as uncool because the only dumb question is the one not asked. You have to get out a little bit farther than from the top of the crease....think BIG!! Try it in practice or stick time with different distances and see where you are when you make the save. Idealy you should be on top of the crease when you make the save and thats after you backed in. Get comfortable with it and use the cues off of the boards and ice to stay lined up on your angles. I personally come out to the hash marks between the circles sometimes if the situation dictates. It feels weird at first and you think your going to get beat but once you get used to it your golden. Plus you leave very little for a shooter coming in to see when they do decide to lookat the net and let it fly. The biggest thing about all of it is don't put pressure on yourself to be perfect. If anything look at this first camp as a learning experience in which to get an idea of whats ahead and don't have any false expectations of being picked as the starter or even on the team, that way your not killing yourself from the beginning. Oh yeah, do what ever the coach says in regards to rules and conduct. So many guys get in trouble because of women, alcohol and drugs it isn't funny. So when he lays down the law on day 1 and everyone is groaning and rolling their eyes just suck it up and remember your there to play hockey and thats it. Hope my advice helps you.

GoalieHawk: . . . . Tue, Jan 19, 4:28PM PST (-0700 GMT)
Carpe de puck----- On my Midget B/House team I sort of have a goalie coach and he tells me to stand up more..... I kinda don't like how to be told how to play because I feel I should play the way I want to play. But then again maybe he is right. Yeah, I'll try it in practice and at stick time..... One pratice they were doing breakaways and I was coming way out(above the hash marks and then backing up), and out of about 50 breakaways I stopped 47 of them. My teammates we getting mad cause they couldn't score and my coaches loved it..... I know what you mean, if I don't cut down the angle I am gonna hurt myself. I was facing some of the Winterhawks at stick time and they could just pick a hole and it took a lot of effort for me to stop them. Even though I could stop their shots I have to stretch to the max. I guess I feel by staying back in the crease I have more time to make the save, which I know isn't really true..... I'll just have to work on my angles.

Tripp: . . . . Tue, Jan 19, 5:30PM PST (-0700 GMT)
Okay, now I'm confused. If you can stop 94% of the breakaways, and stop major juniors shooters (even though it takes a lot of effort), what's the problem?

Beatts: . . . . Tue, Jan 19, 6:34PM PST (-0700 GMT)
GH, That's great that your as strong as an ox but the main thing to work on is SPEED! I'm serious man, it is a HUGE difference in junior. Don't get so down on yourself if you let in more than two or three goals. Even Hasek lets in 7 or 8 every once in a while.....

: . . . . Tue, Jan 19, 7:13PM PST (-0700 GMT)
Tripp----- That was a pratice when I did that. When I stopped the Major Juniors that was a stick time, and we were just havin' fun..... Beatts----- Yeah, I know. I've noticed that when I faced Ken Davis of the Portland Winterhawks. Fast, and a very quick release. The biggest difference, to me, is the release. It's so quick.

gbfreeman: . . . . Tue, Jan 19, 11:07PM PST (-0700 GMT)
Okay, here is the newest rumor. Chris Chelios to the Flyers as a chance for him to get a run at the cup. This was Al Morganti speculating on ESPN. He didn't say who the Flyers would send in return.

smott: . . . . Wed, Jan 20, 6:04AM PST (-0700 GMT)
My goodness Trippster you've made me blush! :-D Actually back when I was a know-it-all in college, I did rely on my reflexes and athleticism too much. Basically, a real dummy! THough I'd only been playing a year or so...Anyway amongst all the other chicks I was above average in speed/size/strength and all that. Out of college now, older, grayer and presumably a tad wiser, it didn't take me long to notice that amongst grown men, I'm at a disadvantage in just about every category there is except brain cells. Thus, they have developed a little bit. Better late than never eh??

smott: . . . . Wed, Jan 20, 6:09AM PST (-0700 GMT)
And THANKS CdP for your excellent advice on the skate-out scenario. However I do have 2 confessions to make. 1) I sometimes blow the judgement so badly that even a stack play is too late, ie they guy has the puck early enough to go around me. Like I say, I tend towards true brainlessnes in these decisions. And, 2) regarding the stack, call me a weenie, but at 127 lbs soaking wet I don't go courting collisions with the big boys. If I was getting paid for this I guess it'd be different! But anyway, I confess to being a little gun-shy on the head-on scenario, and I believe that that contributes to my should-I-or-shouldn't-I hesitation.....

smott: . . . . Wed, Jan 20, 6:13AM PST (-0700 GMT)
...and from the smottsie-Shellack annals, I go down 7-1 last night in a shell-fest, though I was pretty good throughout 2 periods, only 3-0 until the 3rd when mysteriously all the oxygen seemed to disappear from the rink! Also much to my satisfaction, for the FIRST TIME EVER in this league the refs called 1) an in the crease violation (guy runs me through the crossbar) and 2) an inteference on the goalie penalty! (This time I'm upside down in the back of the net.) The offending guy was especially large and through my crease all night. I did try whacking at him whenever I could but to little avail. Imagine a flea on an elephant. C'est moi.

Goal35: . . . . Wed, Jan 20, 6:29AM PST (-0700 GMT)
well, am going to get to play some this weekend after all... was going to miss my game on sat due to work x-mas pty.. got 3 calls last night within 20 mins to play fri night, so I can rehab my groin/ego/gaa at some other teams expense...lol

smott: . . . . Wed, Jan 20, 6:34AM PST (-0700 GMT)
...and GoalieHawk I know sometimes it's tough to take advice on your game, and ultimately you need to stay within your own style. But there's always room for improvement, and the coaches are smart enough not to dismantle your whole game. So remember a couple of things a) there's a good chance the coach's advice will improve your play, and b) who do you think the coaches will be more impressed with in a tryout - the attentive kid who tries to apply what they ask him to do, or, the guy who ignores them and tries to play his own way? You do the math. At your age, everybody's cocky, and many are talented. But few are smart. Guess how you can set yourself above the rest?

smott: . . . . Wed, Jan 20, 6:34AM PST (-0700 GMT)
Hi G35 easy on the ah, you know....

Goal35: . . . . Wed, Jan 20, 8:16AM PST (-0700 GMT)
thx smott... yea, the doc said I could resume "normal" activities... told me not to lift any 500 lb weights, and nowhere did he mention hockey... come to think of it neither did I.. :)

snowman: . . . . Wed, Jan 20, 8:17AM PST (-0700 GMT)
Funny youall talking about the no mans land puck chase.... Happened in our gamelast night....goaltender waited just a split second too long and got burned.

Goal35: . . . . Wed, Jan 20, 8:17AM PST (-0700 GMT)
but one of the sub games is against the team i played so crappy against Sun, so i'd like a little redemption, if ya know what i mean...

snowman: . . . . Wed, Jan 20, 8:19AM PST (-0700 GMT)
G35- I would considered hockey normal ....compard to lifting 500lb weights

smott: . . . . Wed, Jan 20, 8:19AM PST (-0700 GMT)
Hi fellas...

Goal35: . . . . Wed, Jan 20, 8:20AM PST (-0700 GMT)
did anybody watch the Wings/Canucks last night.... Breathwaite looked unconscious last night

snowman: . . . . Wed, Jan 20, 8:21AM PST (-0700 GMT)
good morning

Goal35: . . . . Wed, Jan 20, 8:21AM PST (-0700 GMT)
I thought so to snowman.... cept for those high 5-hole shots right now, i'd take the weights...lol

snowman: . . . . Wed, Jan 20, 8:23AM PST (-0700 GMT)
Didnt see the game....saw some hlights ofthe wings game with Breathwaite looking very good

smott: . . . . Wed, Jan 20, 8:27AM PST (-0700 GMT)
Not me...still smarting over the Pens disaster road-trip. Another bunch of low scoring games last night, not to kvetch about it though...

snowman: . . . . Wed, Jan 20, 8:29AM PST (-0700 GMT)
disaster road trip is right...... My team must have been in on the Pens frequency...We build a big lead and then lose it

GoalieHawk: . . . . Wed, Jan 20, 8:55AM PST (-0700 GMT)
Smott----- Yeah, you're right. I need to try new things. Just sometimes I try to find the perfect stlye and stance. Which probaly isn't a good idea..... All my coach told me is to come out more and stand up more. I am only 5'9", but I have a large frame so maybe I should take advantage of that. It's just everytime I come out I feel I am out of position and leaving the net open. I know I am not, but still when I think that, it affects me a bit..... In the Spokane tournament, every goal that went in I got a piece of it. It was strange. I felt I should have stopped it. I need to take advantage of my strenghts and work then into my style. In the championshio game in Spokane I felt it was my fault we lost. Truely, I did. I let in goals I should have stopped. I let my team down. Just unbelievable. I am not use to losing or tying a game. When I lose or tie I feel it is my fault and I lead the team to believe I am not capable. I am my own worst critic. One thing that with vastly aprove my game is video tape. I love to see myself playing hockey on TV. I study it, watch, and replay. From the tournament in Canada last year we taped it. I watched it over and over. I noticed that I almost never cut down the angle, and I did go down a lot. The biggest thing is I stayed so far back in my crease. I have another tape which I will get within the week from a regular season game from this season. I'll study that and see if anything has changed. My style has, but I want to see how much I go down and play the angles..... In my next pratice I'll ask my goalie coach to show me the angles and I'll work on that. Talk to yah soon.

smott: . . . . Wed, Jan 20, 9:02AM PST (-0700 GMT)
Hey Vile what up?

smott: . . . . Wed, Jan 20, 9:04AM PST (-0700 GMT)
You're on the right track GH. Watching tapes is a great opportunity to learn.

Sieve: . . . . Wed, Jan 20, 9:14AM PST (-0700 GMT)
snowman, yeah, Brathwaite (sp?) had game last night. But , did he look kind of off balance all night? Did look comfortable to me. But he certainly got the job done. Did you see Maracle take the shot up under his mask? OWWWWW! I'm surprised he didnt get hurt on that deal.

Sieve: . . . . Wed, Jan 20, 9:15AM PST (-0700 GMT)
I meant DIDNT look comfortable, dummy.

C5: . . . . Wed, Jan 20, 10:04AM PST (-0700 GMT)
Hey, wait, wasn't that Calgary? Calgary beat Detroit. And Brathwaite played awesome. The most underrated and misspelled goalie in the league.

Vile: . . . . Wed, Jan 20, 10:10AM PST (-0700 GMT)
He shutout the Stars last week. When Calagary does in up healthy, they are gonna have a goalie sale to end all sales...

Vile: . . . . Wed, Jan 20, 10:14AM PST (-0700 GMT)
er end up healthy

smott: . . . . Wed, Jan 20, 10:38AM PST (-0700 GMT)
Who's this Braithwaite? Starting because Kenny Wreggett is hurt? Or is the new #1 guy?

Sieve: . . . . Wed, Jan 20, 10:54AM PST (-0700 GMT)
no smott, Freddie B. is their #8 guy! No kidding. Although I see where they sent Tyler Moss back down. Hmm, I assume to get back in shape after his pull (?)

Sieve: . . . . Wed, Jan 20, 10:55AM PST (-0700 GMT)
I think he is from the Moose. No real sure though.

J.T.: . . . . Wed, Jan 20, 11:00AM PST (-0700 GMT)
Morning Smott, Sieve

smott: . . . . Wed, Jan 20, 11:00AM PST (-0700 GMT)
Hmmm I recall a couple weeks ago Pens were shelling a jr named Garner...also one of our locals for the Johnstown Chiefs was in goal for the warmup. Carnage in Calgary!

smott: . . . . Wed, Jan 20, 11:01AM PST (-0700 GMT)
Hey JT how's the comeback going??

C5: . . . . Wed, Jan 20, 11:06AM PST (-0700 GMT)
Smott, B was playing the the Canadian team. Calgary has him and called him up. If I was his, I'd put #8 on his jersey and always remember where I came from and work hard

smott: . . . . Wed, Jan 20, 11:07AM PST (-0700 GMT)
Hmmm so he gets Chatster Approval - must be awesome!

Tripp: . . . . Wed, Jan 20, 11:43AM PST (-0700 GMT)
I made you blush, smott??? And all this time I thought you English weren't allowed to show any emotion.

Vile: . . . . Wed, Jan 20, 11:55AM PST (-0700 GMT)
They signed Freddie B. as a free agent. I think he's had the longest and most successful tenor of the Clagary goalies this year. Maybe just the most memorable wins.

Beatts: . . . . Wed, Jan 20, 12:12AM PST (-0700 GMT)
Freddie B has actually been around for a while....He just finished playing for Canada's "B" team that one the spengler cup.."B" meaning players that are not currently wanted by any NHL Club. Fred used to play for Winnipeg ?? hmm no that was Pokey Reddick.. Anyways he has been in the NHL before but is a True Minor Leaguer...before any of you pick him in your pool for next year remember the name Steve Penney......or heck even a certain goalie that set a NHL record for Pittsburgh not too long ago....

smott: . . . . Wed, Jan 20, 12:12AM PST (-0700 GMT)
Uh oh Tripp I was swearing like a trucker last night - I guess that's showing some emoption! :-D

Beatts: . . . . Wed, Jan 20, 12:13AM PST (-0700 GMT)
Sorry that should be WON the spengler cup....not ONE...I'm a moron.

smott: . . . . Wed, Jan 20, 12:13AM PST (-0700 GMT)
...anyway we Brits are emotional now. Ever since the death of Princess Di it seems the stiff upper lip has been replaced by a trembling lower one.....

Beatts: . . . . Wed, Jan 20, 12:14AM PST (-0700 GMT)
BTW fred played for the Edmonton Oilers...

smott: . . . . Wed, Jan 20, 12:14AM PST (-0700 GMT)
Hi Beatts...ah yes the Lalime Phenomenon. NHL win streak one minute, shinny in Ontario the next! What an agent, huh?? Speaking of agents does Bure win the Nedved Award this year?....

Beatts: . . . . Wed, Jan 20, 12:16AM PST (-0700 GMT)
Hey smott, trivia time....How many games was Patty's record ??

smott: . . . . Wed, Jan 20, 12:18AM PST (-0700 GMT)
Ah hmm was it 12 or 13? Broke Dryden's record correct?...

Beatts: . . . . Wed, Jan 20, 12:19AM PST (-0700 GMT)
14....I believe...BTW Strange trivia Question, How many Kids did George Vezina Father ???

Beatts: . . . . Wed, Jan 20, 12:21AM PST (-0700 GMT)
Gotta get back to work, smott !! The answer is.......and are you ready for this...22 !!! Holy Viagra Batman !!

smott: . . . . Wed, Jan 20, 12:24AM PST (-0700 GMT)
Think how many more he won't admit to!....

Vile: . . . . Wed, Jan 20, 12:29AM PST (-0700 GMT)
I dug around the ESPN website, and I can only find 6 goalies listed for Calgary. In fact a recent article about last nights win says Brathwaite is the sixth. I know a week ago they were saying 9 goalies at least... Anyway, the goalies I have Ken Wregget 3-5-2, JEan-Sebastian Giguere 6-7-1, Fred Brathwaite 3-2-1, Tyler Moss 11 games, Tyrone Garner 3 games, and Andrei Trefilov (unknown games)

Vile: . . . . Wed, Jan 20, 12:30AM PST (-0700 GMT)
I wonder what Vezina's shooting average was?

fourqts: . . . . Wed, Jan 20, 12:34AM PST (-0700 GMT)
For those of you who did not know..... It sucks being a public accountant from january to april...... You live to work it seems.

Tripp: . . . . Wed, Jan 20, 12:36AM PST (-0700 GMT)
Didn't Matty Eisler get called up from the ECHL to Calgary for one game? He didn't play, but maybe they're counting him as one of the goalies. At any rate, Tyler Moss should be back up there soon. And at the risk of giving him the chat jinx, Bob Essensa has been playing pretty well for my Oilers lately. Good to see Dougie Weight back.

Sieve: . . . . Wed, Jan 20, 12:46AM PST (-0700 GMT)
Wholly Mackeral!, someone should've introduced George to G35's doctor. : >)

Sieve: . . . . Wed, Jan 20, 12:49AM PST (-0700 GMT)
Vile, I think the #8 goalie of the season thing refers to guys they have called up, but have not necessarily seen any game time - e.g. That Chiefs guy. Either way, its a bunch... Can anybody back me up about Fred B. looking weird, kinda goofy, in net last night? Maybe nerves?

Sieve: . . . . Wed, Jan 20, 12:50AM PST (-0700 GMT)
...dont get me wrong, for those kind of results, goofy I could live with...

J.T.: . . . . Wed, Jan 20, 1:26PM PST (-0700 GMT)
The comeback could be better. I'm currently feeling sorry for myself with strep throat for the second time this month. Grumble, grumble.....oh well, at least the clinic doesn't start for 4 more weeks....

smott: . . . . Wed, Jan 20, 1:34PM PST (-0700 GMT)
Take it easy JT...don't push it!

Vile: . . . . Wed, Jan 20, 2:11PM PST (-0700 GMT)
I didn't notice anything really out of the ordinary, but I am not that observant as yet. Pang mentioned his very compact crouch style, I thought that was weird.

Carpe de Puck: . . . . Wed, Jan 20, 2:27PM PST (-0700 GMT)
Braithwaite did have a few moments where he was pulling 360's in the crease and looking a little off balance. I even saw where he almost fell down once on his own accord. I think we've all had that happen before though, something about the grain of the ice going the wrong way or the damn figure skaters leaving gouges in the crease :-) Any way you look at it though, he was on fire last night and thats what wins games. There is no doubt that he is athletic. I know what panger was talking about with the crouch. B squeezes his knees together and bends/crouches down to see through the players sometimes but it's strictly situational. If you ask me, Potvin has one of the weirdest looking stances. How does he get his legs out on such extreme angles and maintain mobility? For a guy who hasn't been in the NHL for 3 years he is looking pretty strong and even got himself a donut at his first showing, no too shabby. Maybe we'll be seeing more of him in the future, if not in a Calgary uniform one of the others.

C5: . . . . Wed, Jan 20, 2:59PM PST (-0700 GMT)
Don't forget to thank Calgary, guys, the NHL's unofficial farm team...

GoalieHawk: . . . . Wed, Jan 20, 3:17PM PST (-0700 GMT)
Smott----- Yeah, video tape is a great way to learn new things..... When I played JV football this year for my highschool we had practices every school day and watched videos once a week. I love the camaraderie. The togetherness. It was great. I want that in hockey. Right now my MidgetB/house team only plays once a week and my all-star team plays rarely. If I make the Utah team it will be what I want. Three games a week and two or more practices a week. Free membership to Golds Gym. News articles in the local articles. Publicity. A great team bus. Living with a billet family. It would be what I want..... Another thing about cutting down the angles. I think by coming out more, I will lessen my change of hamstring/groin pulls because I don't have to stretch fully to make the save. Talk to yah soon.

GoalieHawk: . . . . Wed, Jan 20, 3:25PM PST (-0700 GMT)
Beatts----- I'll do more skating drills when my hamstring heals up a bit more. Last time I pulled my hamstring it took almost eight months for it to retain it's strength and flexiblity. I made a mistake by working my hamstring hard by lifting heavy weights and hard stretching. This time I am going to take it slow. In Spokane I felt it when I went down and it hurt a bit, so this is a good time to learn my angles so I don't have to go down a lot. Since you played Jr.A, do you have any tricks of the trade?

Beatts: . . . . Wed, Jan 20, 4:19PM PST (-0700 GMT)
GH....My only trick of the trade is lots of pre-game stretching..LOTS !! It's vital that your properly warmed up. When you go to the golden Eagle's tryout they'll have you using muscles you didn't know you had...hehe Now that I'm getting a bit older and the bones a bit stiffer I put a dab of A535 ICE on my knees and calves before games. Take Caution though because it's not recommended. The reason why is because your muscles get too "warm" and you could end up pulling something big-time.....I've been doing it for two years now and I swear by it. BUT, a little dab will do ya !! For me it just seems to give me that added flexibility that I once had....Hey, we all gotta cheat a little here and there, like Garth Snow when he was with the flyers...hehe Anyways, it's all probably in my head but I'm extremely supersticous so I'll keep doing it...Just work hard on your skating and conditioning and don't get too pumped up...When's the last time you seen an "Arnold" sized NHL Goalie.

Carpe de Puck : . . . . Wed, Jan 20, 6:02PM PST (-0700 GMT)
A535 ice? OK, I give. Is this some kind of horse linament or super strength Ben-gay? Can't say I've ever heard of it. Is it called something else perhaps?

GoalieHawk: . . . . Wed, Jan 20, 7:55PM PST (-0700 GMT)
Beatts----- What? The muscles get too warm? I always heard that an ice cold muscles will pull easier than a warm one. For example put a rubber band in the freezer overnight and then take it out and try to stretch it. It will snap in half. I've read books about this. A warm muscles won't pull or tear. A cold one will. Are you sure you are doing the right thing? Because heat relaxes the muscle..... About getting pumped, and arnold size goaltender would do great because of his frame. Big shoulders and big lats will come in handy. I'm not trying to become a gaint, just big. Being strong can help you in the game. Getting up faster, skate fast, and move people with ease. What is the down point of being big? I don't want to look like a power lifter, like the guys in the World Strongest Man, because even though they are extremely strong, most of them are overweight. Yah need a lot of calories to mantain those muscles.

smott: . . . . Thu, Jan 21, 5:46AM PST (-0700 GMT)
Actually GH Beatts is right, if a muscle is over-warm and too loose you can injure yourself, because it will get stretched beyond what it can maintain and may in fact tear. This is why you don't get a massage before you go and play - your muscles get way too limber and your range of motion will get so big you can tear a supporting structure like tendon, ligament, or muscle itself.

smott: . . . . Thu, Jan 21, 5:51AM PST (-0700 GMT)
Also don't forget that when it comes to lifting, bulk usually sacrifices flexibility. You need strong legs of course, but if you get too big you'll get ham and quad pulls real easily. So stretch constantly. Also make sure that for your legs you focus on explosive strength, which is much different than just dead-lifting. Quick lunges and jumping with hand weights is more what you need for explosive stuff, but ask the trainer.

smott: . . . . Thu, Jan 21, 5:52AM PST (-0700 GMT)
Too much leg bulk, however, has never been my problem! :-D

J.T.: . . . . Thu, Jan 21, 6:34AM PST (-0700 GMT)
Especially with hamstring injuries, lifting can be crucial to recovery once the initial healing is done. I had a hamstring tear near the end of a 40K cycling time-trial a couple of years ago, and it was the worst injury I ever had to recover from. The trick is getting the muscle balance between hamstrings, quads, and calves back in balance. For me, I found this required a careful program of lifting and stretching. No big "gain bulk" weights, but very high reps of light weights.

J.T.: . . . . Thu, Jan 21, 6:34AM PST (-0700 GMT)
On to other news, it looks like the tonsils might be coming out next week. Lovely, just what I needed in the middle of winter base training. How am I ever going to qualify for Ironman Hawaii at this rate....grumble....

Sieve: . . . . Thu, Jan 21, 6:44AM PST (-0700 GMT)
hmm, had my tonsils out at age 3. The operation didnt affect my training schedule at all. ; >)

smott: . . . . Thu, Jan 21, 6:45AM PST (-0700 GMT)
Hi Sieve...

Sieve: . . . . Thu, Jan 21, 6:48AM PST (-0700 GMT)
Poor Felix, did we lay the big chatster whammy on him while he wasnt looking? 0-4-0. .750 sv. % last night. Hate to see it. Better start earning his USD's quick...

smott: . . . . Thu, Jan 21, 6:50AM PST (-0700 GMT)
Well Le Chat will get his chance for a W tonight against my ice-cold Pens, boy they've been awful lately. Strange to see a Constantine team so disorganized out there.

Sieve: . . . . Thu, Jan 21, 6:55AM PST (-0700 GMT)
good morning Net Warrior Princess, hows the GAA?

Sieve: . . . . Thu, Jan 21, 6:57AM PST (-0700 GMT)
At least his mask matches now...

Sieve: . . . . Thu, Jan 21, 6:57AM PST (-0700 GMT)
Going to the Joe tonite to watch the Canes kick the crap out of the Wings. Whoa is me...

smott: . . . . Thu, Jan 21, 7:02AM PST (-0700 GMT)
Heh heh funny you should ask Sieve I was looking at my stats this week which I don't often do (too depressing!)...In my Shellack League I am at ah, 9.0 even! However my other 2 teams which are C and B I am at 3.0 so I can't really complain. For me to maintain 3.0 at B is about teh best I can do. In C it varies because the players are often mismatched....

Beatts: . . . . Thu, Jan 21, 7:12AM PST (-0700 GMT)
Smott, Thanks for backing me up !! You explained in one sentence what took me ten. hehe. BTW A535 ICE is just a common Linament. I'm sure you guy's have A535 in the States ?? This is just a "new sportier" formula....Corny, I think so.

Sieve: . . . . Thu, Jan 21, 7:17AM PST (-0700 GMT)
I'd take a 3 this season! Started real slow, but my sv% has consistantly been on the rise, problem is so is my GAA. now a dang 4.33. Same here with mismatches. My last game one guy scored 4 of 5 goals.

GoalieHawk: . . . . Thu, Jan 21, 8:59AM PST (-0700 GMT)
Smott----- Are you serious? Well, I don't know if I want to ice my legs before playing. I'd rather they be warm. I'll ask my sports doctor about that one..... About weight lifting. I keep my flexibilty up. I've always been very limber and flexible. I stretch every day. I can do the full splits, half splits, and etc. But I want to be careful with this hamstring injury. I don't want to stretch it a lot and lift weights with my legs. I just want my hamstring to heal, then I worry about strength and flexibilty. The doctor told me walking will help, and lots of time using the bike at my school gym. When I jog my leg hurts, so I am going to avoid that. Skating isn't a problem, just when I make left pad saves..... I am going to go on a diet and do more conditioning exercises so I can be more cut and in better condition for this summer. I'm buff! Talk to yah soon.

Sieve: . . . . Thu, Jan 21, 9: