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, 9:08AM PST (-0700 GMT)
ummmmm...

Sieve: . . . . Thu, Jan 21, 9:09AM PST (-0700 GMT)
hey Tripp, Got it!!! Woohoo!!!

smott: . . . . Thu, Jan 21, 9:34AM PST (-0700 GMT)
Ah GH, no one is suggesting you ice your legs before playing, just the opposite. The name of the liniment happens to be ICE-something is all, it is I believe a heat-producing treatment.

smott: . . . . Thu, Jan 21, 9:38AM PST (-0700 GMT)
Just be careful not to get your legs too warm via too much liniment or massage etc, that's when you can get an injury. If your hamstring still hurts to run you're got a problem. Been to a doc? Anyway make sure that when you do stretch, you are already fully warmed up, it won't do any good to stretch a cold muscle. Maybe 8-10 mins light on the bike first to break a sweat, then do your stretching.....

J.T.: . . . . Thu, Jan 21, 9:41AM PST (-0700 GMT)
I agree with smott...in general, if your hamstring is hurting too much to do light running you have a problem. Also, the bike stuff is good for recovery, but be very certain you don't have the seat up too high. That puts extreme stress on the hamstring. (Too low will put excess stress on the front of your knee.) Aim for about a 30 degree bend in your knee when the pedal is in the "down" position

Beatts: . . . . Thu, Jan 21, 9:44AM PST (-0700 GMT)
Believe me GH, The Liniment makes your legs feel WARM. Ice is just the name for it. It is for sore and achy muscles. You put it on and you literally feel your legs warm-up. It gives me more stretching ability, but like Smott and I said before, be carefull because you could over-extend yourself. Then you'll be in trouble.

smott: . . . . Thu, Jan 21, 9:48AM PST (-0700 GMT)
Wow 30 degreee bend JT?? I'm no biker but I though for max push your leg should be straighter than that....

J.T.: . . . . Thu, Jan 21, 9:59AM PST (-0700 GMT)
Nope, 20-30 degrees is the absolute maximum. Try sitting higher than that, and feel your lateral hamstring behind the knee at the bottom of the pedal stroke...it's a pretty tight stretch. If you're super flexible you can get away with 20, but that's really a stretch. Of course, many more people are riding too low than too high.

Tripp: . . . . Thu, Jan 21, 10:10AM PST (-0700 GMT)
Good luck with it, Sieve. May you play better than your Wings have been lately. Drop me an e-mail after you use it and tell me what you think.

Tripp: . . . . Thu, Jan 21, 10:20AM PST (-0700 GMT)
Crazy game last night. We got in a 3-0 hole early in the first, as yours truly was nothing but rust. All rebound goals. Eeeeyuck. Anyhoo, I pinned a shot against my blocker and got hacked a few times, so my defensemen come in and bury the guy. It was nasty from there on. We managed to get up 4-3, and somehow (read: luck) I managed to keep a flurry of shots out as the clock ran out. Then all hell broke loose and there was a bench-clearing brawl. The other goalie and I pretty much did the minute waltz as our teammates pummeled each other... good thing he wasn't into fighting, cuz this guy had like 50 lbs on me. So now our ringers are suspended for two games. Ahhh well... how hard can it be to replace 2 former NHL/AHL'ers? Hopefully I can pitch a shutout or two, because goals are gonna be hard to come by.

Toast: . . . . Thu, Jan 21, 12:30AM PST (-0700 GMT)
Hmmm...okay, probably some unwanted advice, but here it goes to the chatsters in general. Read the posts carefully, for the truth lies in there. Gee, how Confuscious like. BTW, whatever happen to chatster Zen? As for theories on goalies, I tend to like the stickman theory. Hasek is very light, as is Tugnutt. I think weights are counterproductive for goaltending. But that is just me, cardio is far more relevant. Hockey update, won 3-0 on Tuesday, then lost 3-1 last night in a real up-tempo game.

: . . . . Thu, Jan 21, 12:36AM PST (-0700 GMT)
As for ego/confidence...that is a toughie. I think those who have been around here for a while know I feel pretty good with my abilities - but then again I am now 31 (b-day next month!) and just play A & B rec leagues. However, I sometimes see guys who have played Jr. or in the ECHL (By the way, isn't ECHL All-star an oxymoron? I digress), so I know about where my abilities lie. I think perspective is vital.

Toast: . . . . Thu, Jan 21, 12:42AM PST (-0700 GMT)
Oh, that was me. I just find the "handles" each person gives themselves to be interesting. Some are self-depreciating, some are based on our names, and others on obscure literary references. And I think that is part of the charm of this group of chatsters, we love the position, we love the game - but we also appreciate what we have or do. But here is a great quote..."I was born humble, but most of it has rubbed off." Fortunately, that hasn't befallen the vast majority. And that keeps me coming back.

Toast: . . . . Thu, Jan 21, 12:44AM PST (-0700 GMT)
Oops - back to work!

Sieve: . . . . Thu, Jan 21, 12:57AM PST (-0700 GMT)
hi Toast, self-deprecator here... hmm, maybe the negative connotation to my handle has an effect on my karma or dogma (whichever) - power of positive thinking thing. hmm... Anyway, dont know origins of anyone's handles. 10-4 good buddy.

Tripp: . . . . Thu, Jan 21, 1:11PM PST (-0700 GMT)
Back when I was a young lad and had just started playing, I couldn't skate more than 10 feet without falling on my face. So the older guys started calling me Tripp. I can skate at least 11 or 12 feet without falling now, but the name stuck.

C5: . . . . Thu, Jan 21, 1:32PM PST (-0700 GMT)
I just discovered what you need. You need an 'X' on your uniform, like those little reflective, construction-orange vests the roadside workers wear when they're painting or surveying things. You need to wear it like a "pinney" over your jersey so the guys who normally run you over will see you. Or velvet ropes around your crease, like in the movie theatres. When someone comes to crowd the slot, say, "Ticket, please!" Have a bouncer handy.

C5: . . . . Thu, Jan 21, 1:32PM PST (-0700 GMT)
That was to Smott. She's getting run over too much.

C5: . . . . Thu, Jan 21, 1:37PM PST (-0700 GMT)
Toast, I hear ya. Last night was just such a night, where you just say, DAMN, I love being a goalie! Nothing specific, just playing the position. Played last night against Sun Data, the team I fill in for a lot, with a team called the Greased Ice. It's inter-divisional play, and GI are the bottom of A2 and the Suns are top of A1, which makes for a pretty lop-sided contest, PLUS, we only had 9 skaters to their 13, which doesn't sound like too much of a difference, but remember, that means they've got 7 guys-- a full set-- sitting on the bench at any one time. And the Suns scored on me on THREE out of their first FOUR shots!! But I shut things down after that, letting in 4 the first period (two I wanted back, but looked good on TV, if you get my drift), and one in each of the remaining periods. Out for beers after the game and the guys are all talking, "You stoned me on that one!" And "I had all day to score that one" and such... that's when you think, "DAMN, it's fun to be a goalie..."

smott: . . . . Thu, Jan 21, 2:28PM PST (-0700 GMT)
Hate to disagree with Toast but not sure light is exactly it. The lanky guys can be incredibly slow too, plus have poor balance. Depends on style. If you are unbelievably limber like Hasek (not a function necessarily of skinny muscles BTW, I have zip flexibility and zip muscles) and you also have a style that relies on flexibility like he does, then skinny can be fine. However the little guys who need big powerful explosions to get around the crease (see Richter, Vernie, Beezer) all must have extremely powerful weightlifters legs, and in particular Richter they all do. Richter leg presses some ridiculous amount.

smott: . . . . Thu, Jan 21, 2:31PM PST (-0700 GMT)
...and if you have injuries or suspect areas, ie my blocker side motion can be measured by calendar, then weights can be very productive. You need shoulder and arm muscles to move that stick, period. Also lower back takes a lot of strain Toastie don't you complain about it now and then? Try working on your abs for back stability, it can help.

smott: . . . . Thu, Jan 21, 2:31PM PST (-0700 GMT)
...uh oh now I'm sounding like a gym rat. But, hey, I am! Anyway, time to go!.....SEE ya!......

smott: . . . . Thu, Jan 21, 2:34PM PST (-0700 GMT)
Oh Sieve...ever see that bumper sticker "My karma ran over your dogma"?.....LATER...

J.T.: . . . . Thu, Jan 21, 4:14PM PST (-0700 GMT)
re: lower back. 112mi ironman bike rides can do that to you. Best thing I've found for my back is about 10 minutes of stretching followed by an hour or two on the road bike. Gives the back a good stretch, and works the supporting muscles really well. (Anyone tired of the zen of conditioning yet?) ;-)

GoalieHawk: . . . . Thu, Jan 21, 4:27PM PST (-0700 GMT)
Smott----- Yes, I've been to the doctors. He said it was a repture, or slight repture. He told me that it will taken 9 months for the hamstring to heal completly. When I say 9 months, I mean that the muscle fibers have to re-build and all the good stuff. Although within a month you feel that you are better and by three you feel fine. But in reality it takes 9 months..... Yeah, it hurts to jog/run..... I know. I don't want to ice my leg or overheat it. Just sometimes throughout the day I put a little bit of Extra Strength Ben-Gay on it. It feels a lot better when I do that. By the way I have some new pics on the internet. Go to button or go to button and follow the link from that page. Talk to yah soon.

ScottBattram: . . . . Thu, Jan 21, 6:21PM PST (-0700 GMT)
Wow.. was surfing the net tonight... and came across the Source site, as someone said they had the 1999 BRIANS pads.. and they looked like ours.. so I had to check it out! WOW.. did I see that price right???? 1999.99 Canadian! holy smoke.. the stuff is getting steep!!!

Grass: . . . . Thu, Jan 21, 6:23PM PST (-0700 GMT)
hiya Scott!!

Grass: . . . . Thu, Jan 21, 6:25PM PST (-0700 GMT)
Ooops... Looks like I missed him... (probably just as well. I was going to tell him how much I liked my gloves, probably would have just swelled his head...)

gbfreeman: . . . . Thu, Jan 21, 10:42PM PST (-0700 GMT)
Man, weird night. Broduer and Osgood both almost score. Osgood got the assist when his shot went wide. Broduer's shot was wide and just after the horn.

Sieve: . . . . Fri, Jan 22, 6:11AM PST (-0700 GMT)
yeah gbf, I was at the Wings game. The roof just about came off the place when his shot went wide. I could die happy if I was at a game where goalie scores.

Vile: . . . . Fri, Jan 22, 7:29AM PST (-0700 GMT)
Bad night for All Stars. Cujo pulled his groin, he's out. And Yzerman stopped a slapshot with his face (needs a goalie mask if he wants to do that)

Fourqts: . . . . Fri, Jan 22, 7:33AM PST (-0700 GMT)
Hey All lookin at a new C/A.... Any words on the Reactor 3. I didn't like the five due to stiffness and the six is too costly. The three is supposed to be like the five but a little more flexible.... Thoughts?

smott: . . . . Fri, Jan 22, 7:33AM PST (-0700 GMT)
...and a bad night for flightless fowl!!! GEEZ the Pens are bad lately, go down to the hapless skidding Isles....Salo gets a W for a change. Has Felix earned a penny yet?

smott: . . . . Fri, Jan 22, 7:34AM PST (-0700 GMT)
Hi 4q, well I have the R5 and yep is is a little stiff but I didn't think it's too bad (we chicks will sacrifice a bit of mobility for upper-body protection!)...I have gotten stung once or twice top of the shoulder but that may be my crouch-and-squint style that did it to me....also the big cups on top of the shoulders don't seem to do much except make me look like a linebacker....

Vile: . . . . Fri, Jan 22, 7:41AM PST (-0700 GMT)
Just picked up a book called, "Stretching" by Bob Anderson. Very well written book with excellent illustrations. Most of you prolly have established stretching routines, but it is a great book. I am curious what kind of stretching restrictions wearing full goalie equipment puts on stretching.

Vile: . . . . Fri, Jan 22, 7:44AM PST (-0700 GMT)
*Cringes as he reads is own posts sometimes

smott: . . . . Fri, Jan 22, 8:04AM PST (-0700 GMT)
I don't have too much bend-at-waist with the C/A, it will ride up a bit....

Sieve: . . . . Fri, Jan 22, 10:03AM PST (-0700 GMT)
also, the Wings recieved two broken noses last night. Yzerman and Maltby. Stevie's was a bloodbath. took a Coffey slapper to the cranium. Ugh...

Sieve: . . . . Fri, Jan 22, 10:28AM PST (-0700 GMT)
and wouldnt you know it smott... Island gets a win and Felix is on the pine.

smott: . . . . Fri, Jan 22, 10:37AM PST (-0700 GMT)
...at the expense of my Birds!!!

smott: . . . . Fri, Jan 22, 10:38AM PST (-0700 GMT)
...and a surreal twist from the Birdland Bankruptcy saga - "owner" Roger Marino now claims that his 40 mil purchase of the team was "merely a loan" and in fact the Penguins owe him this money back!! So he's not really an owner - he's actually a creditor!! Who knew???

Guardian: . . . . Fri, Jan 22, 1:12PM PST (-0700 GMT)
Fourqts - my advice is don't go for the Bauer R3 if it's anything like the Cooper R3 (which I'm sure it is). I have that one, and I find it very unsatisfactory. Poor quality workmanship and less than the best protection.

Toast: . . . . Fri, Jan 22, 4:11PM PST (-0700 GMT)
Who of our fine chatsters lives in New Mexico? My brother is moving there on a contract. Yes, he plays goal too...

Toast: . . . . Fri, Jan 22, 4:12PM PST (-0700 GMT)
Um, a nursing contract, not a hockey contract...he is the backup goalie in the family... ;)

Toast: . . . . Fri, Jan 22, 4:21PM PST (-0700 GMT)
BTW smottsie, re the race for the puck. I don't think there is a right answer, it depends on comfort too. I generally hang back...but if I go, I am just as often planning on taking the guy out as I am playing the puck. Mind you, I am 6'1", 175 lbs...not huge but I skate okay and can pack a wallop if need be. But I wouldn't recommend that strategy for you. Plus I have big D who are only too eager to enter any, er...discussions that follow.

deke: . . . . Fri, Jan 22, 5:45PM PST (-0700 GMT)
Hey 4q - Check out Brown C/A unit. I've been using one for about a year and can't recommend it highly enough. Great flexibility, fit and workmanship, and have yet to be stung. If you're interested, try Garner's in Barrie, Ontario, generally the best prices both on Brown and Bauer and unlike most canadian dealers, he will sell Bauer gear into the states.

TheCat37: . . . . Fri, Jan 22, 6:42PM PST (-0700 GMT)
I bought Bauer from Garners too. I hope he doesn't get in trouble by us posting this stuff here

Tripp: . . . . Fri, Jan 22, 9:45PM PST (-0700 GMT)
...and your newest North American all-star.. Ron Tugnutt! Ya gotta love the Tugger getting the call to replace Cujo. Tugs has some good stats. Nice to see someone like that get some recognition.

GoalieHawk: . . . . Fri, Jan 22, 9:54PM PST (-0700 GMT)
Did you see what happened to Yzerman. Wow, that was a lot of blood..... Anyways. Did you hear about the new skills challenge? The Goalie Goals. The goalies shoot and try to score on the empty net. That is pretty cool. But what about the Worlds team? Hasek, Irbe, and Khabibulin? I mean, come on! Irbe? Can he even shoot the puck off the ice? LOL. It will be fun to watch.

Tripp: . . . . Fri, Jan 22, 10:07PM PST (-0700 GMT)
man, don't even get me started on the Irbe thing. I still think Byron Dafoe should have gotten the nod, damnit. Irbe skidding the puck down the ice should be good for a laugh, though.

fourqts: . . . . Sat, Jan 23, 7:40AM PST (-0700 GMT)
JEES!!!!! I have to wait till the weekend to catch up with the chat with all the working I'm doing..... As I stated before, it is not fun having my job at this time of year... And to make matters worse it is salary so no conselation for the hours I'm putting in. As for my game.... I'm getting to play only on saturday nights (pickup) and then on sunday in the league and I'm tired all the time to boot. Let in six in a tie last week..

fourqts: . . . . Sat, Jan 23, 7:42AM PST (-0700 GMT)
As for the nick mine is a name thing... Can't grow up with a name like Gallon and not be called half pint or 32 pints or 3.754 liters, or a quart less than full, or 16 cups, or the family nick of four quarts. Dad is 4QTS, or Quarts, and my email addr stuck Fourqts...... fun

fourqts: . . . . Sat, Jan 23, 7:52AM PST (-0700 GMT)
Back to the C/A. I have a louisville that is BAD. Get stung all the time on the top of the shoulders and in the center of the chest. Also I don't want to mail order my next C/A because I'm gonna be a little picky on the size. SO I know I'm limiting my choices greatly in Phoenix. I hear that most of the pro's that use the Bauer are using the three for the same reason I'm looking at it... The greater flexability than the 5 and 6. The shoulders feel alot more protected than in my Louvill as well as the front protection. As for the limited choices I can probably get ahold of heaton (the local shop's fav stuff), Bauer, Itech (at any play it again sports) and low end vaughn (which is pretty much rled out seeings how everyone around here gets stuff that falls apart).

fourqts: . . . . Sat, Jan 23, 7:54AM PST (-0700 GMT)
For anyone wh has wondered about the roller plates on Scotts pads..... They are awesome, you can slide side to side on the floor just like on the ice (although you have to be moving quickly to do it).... I'm freaking all the guys in the league out because I'm not supposed to be able to do that on the floor.... WEEEEEEE

Goal35: . . . . Sat, Jan 23, 8:55AM PST (-0700 GMT)
morn all.... had a heck of a fun one yest... got maybe 3 hr sleep thur nite... daughter had 105 temp, ended up in clinic at 3am.. got up and played 1 1/2 p/u, played okay cept for fatigue.. thought the workout would help - worked all day. then subbed last night, didnt get a nap in - man, it sucks getting old - 10pm game team i played for was horrible!! no D whatsoever... looking at score, we lost 10-4 you'd think i had a crappy game - looking a stats and game, we were outshot 61-23, i stopped 7-7 breakaways, most goals were odd man rush, rebounds.. was upset about score, when we played this team with my reg team, we've beaten them 10-1, 11-1, so they were gunning for me both teams asked me to sub next week.. :)

Carpe de Puck: . . . . Sat, Jan 23, 10:09AM PST (-0700 GMT)
4qts If your worried about mobility your going to have to sacrifice some protection to acheieve it, which we all know is no fun. I've used both the R5 and still am using the R6, they all start off stiff and somewhat cumbersome but after they break in they work great. I went with the Reactor line because I was getting those shoulder stingers as well. I haven't had one in a long time since. I know price is a concern with the R6 but it pays for itself. If your playing strictly roller you can probably get away with the R3, Just thought of it, why not try Brown's roller line of C/A's? They look just like the ice models but different padding to lighten the weight.

fourqts: . . . . Sat, Jan 23, 12:31AM PST (-0700 GMT)
I think fit and mobility will be the main important items for me.... As for stingers I have recurring bruises the size of grapefruits on the tops of my shoulders and am tired of that. I'm leary of mail ordering a C/A due to the fact that when I first got one, I had ship it back and get a smaller size (Incurring about $50 extra in shipping charges). So I want to try it on prior to buying. That rules out Brown in Phoenix. As for the Ice Roller mix, right now, I'm not ever on the ice. I will start to play Ice again when tax season is over (April) but for now just roller.

fourqts: . . . . Sat, Jan 23, 12:40AM PST (-0700 GMT)
Pricing that I'm quoted down here is : r3 for about 150, the five for around 245 and the six sitts at around 500. Scotts would run about 350. Sacrificing some protection is not a huge issue... I don't mind stingers once in a while... But weekly is no fun....

snowman: . . . . Sat, Jan 23, 1:31PM PST (-0700 GMT)
Wow...I finally got a call to sub in on another team. A buddy of mine who was subbing already snapped his ankle somehow. It will be my debut in this league and a different ice rink....I dont know any of the guys or how they play. Butterflies are starting already.....If I do okay I might get some other calls.

GoalieHawk: . . . . Sun, Jan 24, 11:09AM PST (-0700 GMT)
Tripp----- Yeah, I agree that Dafoe should have been in the All-star game. It's just that the NHL didn't know where to put him. He was born in England, but grow up in Canada..... Irbe kinda did good in the Goalie Goals, both of his shots it the same post! Only Hasek scored which was a surpise. Also a surprise was seeing Irbe shoot the puck off the ice!

gbfreeman: . . . . Sun, Jan 24, 1:49PM PST (-0700 GMT)
Mastercard has a new commercial starring Dom. Great! Lists the prices for each piece of gear and then they show some of hasek's best saves with the voiceover "Spine like a Slinky - Priceless".

gbfreeman: . . . . Sun, Jan 24, 2:02PM PST (-0700 GMT)
Major League Roller Hockey announced a new Pacific Division with three new teams to battle Anaheim. The three teams are Denver, Bakersfield, and WHOOOOOOHOOOOO, SAN DIEGO!!!! Hopefully this means that the free agent camp this year will be closer to Southern California. The season starts June 4. Time to polish the old skills. My season starts on Tuesday. I am committed to 3 teams spread out over three leagues on three nights. So, with practices I am playing every day except Saturday and Monday. Plenty of work to keep sharp. I can't wait.

deke: . . . . Sun, Jan 24, 11:03PM PST (-0700 GMT)
Shutout tonight in men's senior league. Hey we're all over 35 (44 for me) but then again so is the All Star Game MVP. Feels good anyway.

smott: . . . . Mon, Jan 25, 5:59AM PST (-0700 GMT)
Missed the game and skills et al....hmmm thuogh I see Dom nicked for 4?...Also did anybody catch Jagr's remarks re NHL having too many Europeans? Big news here given that English is maybe the 4th language spoken on the Pens...

smott: . . . . Mon, Jan 25, 5:59AM PST (-0700 GMT)
Missed the game and skills et al....hmmm thuogh I see Dom nicked for 4?...Also did anybody catch Jagr's remarks re NHL having too many Europeans? Big news here given that English is maybe the 4th language spoken on the Pens...

smott: . . . . Mon, Jan 25, 6:00AM PST (-0700 GMT)
...anyway Jags view is that the Europeans have "more fun" with the game, which is not a good fit at deadly-serious playoff-time. There he says, you need more NOrth Americans, who have more heart and care more about winning/losing....

smott: . . . . Mon, Jan 25, 6:02AM PST (-0700 GMT)
OOPS the DP bug! Anyway another Jags-opinion re goalies improving...he says now that there are more Europeans, the goalies actually get better practice on dekes/breakaways etc, since every team now has some danglers who speak some Slavic language....so every goalie gets to see all the moves they only used to get occasionally in game-situations. Hmmmm.

smott: . . . . Mon, Jan 25, 6:04AM PST (-0700 GMT)
As for moi, looking at 4 games this week which is one moret han I like to do, but includes the opp to get in a fast B league. Last night won a 6-3 contest. All 3 goals on rebounds which is becoming a habit. I guess it's nice to stop 100% of the original shot. But between me laying a rebound out in the slot and none of my guys bothering to pick up the trailer, things could get ugly when we play one of the better teams.

Sieve: . . . . Mon, Jan 25, 8:30AM PST (-0700 GMT)
hi all. smott, going (way) back to your comment about bumper stickers, my favorite is one I saw when Ray Sheppard was here. "Jesus saves, but Sheppard scores on the rebound." hehe...

smott: . . . . Mon, Jan 25, 9:32AM PST (-0700 GMT)
heh heh Sieve not to reveal my age - but I remember that bumper sticker with Espo scoring on the rebound!....

smott: . . . . Mon, Jan 25, 9:32AM PST (-0700 GMT)
BTW deke GOOD GOING on the SO!

: . . . . Mon, Jan 25, 10:56AM PST (-0700 GMT)
I officially got my MoJo back. I took some of my own advice and had the skates sharpened on the grinder and what do you know.... TA DA! I feel like I can move with less effort and move faster once again. I'm going to go with grinding them 2 times a season this time to avoid the dreaded concrete feet syndrome. I really recommend that everyone try using sharp skates. It helps your movement as well as develops good skating habits since you can't get away with sloppy foot work. I took a serious look into what goes into sharpening skates in an effort to eventually start doing my own skates. If anyones interested, I called the manufacturer of Pro-Filer skate sharpener and was lucky enough to get the owner on the phone. He explained the in's and out's of skate sharpening and dispelled a lot of the "shit house lawyer" myths that you hear at the rink and from other self proclaimed experts. I posted most of the info we discussed on the reviews board for all to read. If your interested in hearing it for yourself you can call 1-800-827-3343. Ask for Brad Anderson, he's the inventor/owner. He will discuss stuff that would normally have you pulling your Texas Instruments calculator out in simple easy to understand language.

smott: . . . . Mon, Jan 25, 11:31AM PST (-0700 GMT)
Um, MoJo - hmm is that a guy thing?? :-D

smott: . . . . Mon, Jan 25, 11:40AM PST (-0700 GMT)
I like a shallow grind on my skates and only get them sharpened approx 2-3 times a year.....the key is finding somebody you can trust to do a reliable job. Stay away from the high school kids at the rink who look at you like a puppy in the headlights when you start talking about 1/2" grind etc...

J.T.: . . . . Mon, Jan 25, 11:43AM PST (-0700 GMT)
ah, here's the discussion I was going for last week. I ended up taking mine in for sharpening for the first time since I bought them several weeks ago. The guy who ran the shop (who supposedly also sharpens for lots of local big-name figure skating types) suggested going with 1" for grind. Sound reasonable? I know that's exceptionally shallow, but...

smott: . . . . Mon, Jan 25, 12:08AM PST (-0700 GMT)
very shallow but perhaps as you are just getting back to skating it would be a little easier that way....?

Beatts: . . . . Mon, Jan 25, 12:12AM PST (-0700 GMT)
You friend Beatts has his sharpened every three or four games. I LOVE a player cut, very sharp. I love to skate out and play the puck and find with a sharp skate I get the "edge" I need. The thing I really notice though is that when you bang them off the post accidentally (Stacking the pads, et all) you really notice the dull heels. I must have Obsesive Compulsive Disorder because when it happens it bothers the heck out of me and I feel like I have to have them resharpened immediately....WAIT, STOP THE GAME !! I'VE GOT DULL HEELS !!! Thus, explaining the "flakey" goalie theory...hehe

Beatts: . . . . Mon, Jan 25, 12:13AM PST (-0700 GMT)
That should be YOUR friend....not you friend.....I'm going back to sleep now....

Sieve: . . . . Mon, Jan 25, 12:30AM PST (-0700 GMT)
I vote for 1/2" -sharpened every 4-5 games. I like the feel of my edges best after they have a game on them and are knocked down just a bit. But dull no good say Sieve.

Sieve: . . . . Mon, Jan 25, 12:32AM PST (-0700 GMT)
BTW CdP, good review.

smott: . . . . Mon, Jan 25, 12:32AM PST (-0700 GMT)
Wow you guys go for sharp blades!

smott: . . . . Mon, Jan 25, 12:33AM PST (-0700 GMT)
My bird legs get twisted knees too easily and I would rather not catch an edge so I keep mine relatively dull....of course I'm not bolting from the net to fire pucks off the glass that often either!! :-D

smott: . . . . Mon, Jan 25, 12:40AM PST (-0700 GMT)
Well guys this Thursday I go back to play for a B team that dumped me last year! (Am I forgiving or what??) Actually the way I played, I would have dumped me too! After a couple of very good seasons (1 chpship) I suddenly became swiss cheese behind some converted D. Turns out I needed the solid D guys more than I thought! Oh well, we shall see how it goes...

C5: . . . . Mon, Jan 25, 1:01PM PST (-0700 GMT)
Played upper AA last night, filling in for a team, and playing the 2nd team, fighting for playoff positioning, so it was a big game for those guys. Thought I'd recovered from a night of partying, but I hadn't. Felt terrible! Played OK, 'cept for one goal which was weird. You know how you're in the zone and you can tell when a shot is going wide, even by a few inches? Well, one of their D's coming in alone and, feeling lost in my zone, decides to shoot the puck. Puck going wide by about 8 inches, I just monitor the shot as it comes in, arcs 45 degrees over and pulls a Tom Glavine curve into the post and in. DOH. We tied the game after that goal and then had to fight our way through an incredible barrage the last 3 minutes, where we were down shorthanded. I have learned to go paddle down faster than anyone. Shots through traffic hitting my stick all over the place. Managed not to get burned on a few of those tricky fake-wraparounds, too, thank goodness.

C5: . . . . Mon, Jan 25, 1:01PM PST (-0700 GMT)
I'm with Seive on the skate sharpening. 3/4" - 1/2" groove, every 5 or 6 games.

C5: . . . . Mon, Jan 25, 1:02PM PST (-0700 GMT)
Smott, there's a new one. Dom was nicked for 4?? It was a fair cop. He looked like Roy (all-star swiss cheese) out there.

Tripp: . . . . Mon, Jan 25, 1:03PM PST (-0700 GMT)
Auuugh.. the evil boomerang curve shot got ya, buddy. I still have nightmares about a few of those

smott: . . . . Mon, Jan 25, 1:14PM PST (-0700 GMT)
Oh yes we have all been there.....year or so back their guy shot a long icing, full length of the ice, it's more or less near the crease, couple feet wide, I peek down to get myself up on the post, as I'm peeking, the damn thing is curving back in! I see it in time to kick it out, just barely. Very un-graceful. Nearly beat on a 120-footer, duh...

Tripp: . . . . Mon, Jan 25, 2:02PM PST (-0700 GMT)
Ohh those horror stories. Had a similar experience. Other team was killing off a penalty, and fired the puck off the glass to clear it. It hit one of the metal dividers, went up in the air, and I completely lost track of it. I backed into the net and put my shoulders against the crossbar, and somehow the puck fell from the heavens and hit me in the pads. Didn't go in (thank the Lord) what an awful feeling that was. Even the linesman and ref were snickering at me.

deke: . . . . Mon, Jan 25, 6:55PM PST (-0700 GMT)
I'm embarrassed to recount this one, but since we're bearing our souls, I will never forget, nor I hope repeat, the time I caught a shot in my glove from the top of the circle while in the fly, I thought I was further out than I was and reached back to dump the puck back to a D-man in the corner, only to throw it into the top corner of my net. Talk about wanting to crawl under the ice.

GoalieHawk: . . . . Mon, Jan 25, 7:11PM PST (-0700 GMT)
I had a game last night. We won 5-4. I played a below par game. I was taking advice from my goalie coach, which was to stand up more and play the angles. I played the angles very well, but the stand up thing didn't work for me. I faced 24 shots. Near the end of the game we were leading 5-3 and they pulled their goalie. About twenty seconds left a guy took a shot from the blue line and my defensemen blocked it to the bottome right circle. So I come out to try to score since we have a two goal lead. I had no time to shoot and the puck was rolling and I got a weak shot off, and about ten seconds later they get a soft goal on me. Good thing I didn't try that will a one goal lead. If only the puck was on the left side and wasn't rolling I could have scored. After the game in the hand shaking line the big mouth goalie told quickly told me to learn how to shoot before I try to score. This goalie brags about his shoot and he can't shoot as near as good as me. But that's okay, we won the game and he still lost. Maybe next game I'll get a chance. I am using a new stick because two of my other sticks broke, in back to back games..... My hamstring injury is really hurting my goaltending. Sometimes during the day my leg will sting a bit, but it goes away in five minutes or so..... Right now I feel I am in a sort of limbo. I get like this maybe three times a year. In which I question my ability, stance, and stlye. I really hate it when this happens, because I try to do too much. After many times when this happens I found out why I get this way. I get this way because, 1) I try to find the perfect stance and style, and 2) I try to play the way the scouts would like to see a goaltender play, for example, playing big, standing up etc.- It's like I want to play the game their way, not my way. Like if I don't play the way they want my to play I won't be sucessfull. It hampers my ability. Has anyone here felt this way? It's hard to explain. It's just I feel I need to play their way. The old school style, not flashy. Just stand up and cut the angles down. Do you know what I am trying to say? It's sounds weird, but it's just the way I feel. Any comments?

smott: . . . . Tue, Jan 26, 5:49AM PST (-0700 GMT)
Ah hmmm GH remember there is no correct "style" - that part has to come from you. Standup vs butterfly for instance is a matter of personal preference. But there are plenty of correct fundamentals which have nothing to do with style. Such as correct positioning, balance, angles, solid decision-making. My guess is the coaches are not trying to change your personal style (which sounds like, stay-back, reflex-based, maybe go down a lot/butterfly) but are trying to enhance it by removing weaknesses. Like - come out a little bit more, improve your angles to take the burden off your reflexes, learn that you don't have to go down on every shot. They are not trying to remake you, just improve what you've got. You need to work on adding their suggestions to your basic style, which will take you out of your comfort zone for awhile but should also improve your game in the long run.

smott: . . . . Tue, Jan 26, 6:01AM PST (-0700 GMT)
From the Embarrassment Archives: their guy comes down the left side, crossing the blue line and cranks it in high off the side glass to go around the net...I am a few feet beyond the crease...puck hits a join in the glass somewhere by teh faceoff circle and ricochets sideways, into the net while I flail at it.

smott: . . . . Tue, Jan 26, 6:02AM PST (-0700 GMT)
...and one more, I stop a shot above the crease, rebound to my left D, he turns to crank it around behind the net, a tad off balance, and boom blasts it top corner past me. What could I say? "Nice shot."

smott: . . . . Tue, Jan 26, 6:22AM PST (-0700 GMT)
BTW NICE GOIN' C5....

Sieve: . . . . Tue, Jan 26, 6:52AM PST (-0700 GMT)
one for the OOPS file: played a game on ice so fogged you could just barely see the lines/crease. I make a standard paddle down save and since I was on white ice, heck I must be outside the crease, right? with the paddle I go to push the puck behind the net but wait, what's the post doing there? Wah-lah, goal for the bad guys.

GoalieHawk: . . . . Tue, Jan 26, 8:36AM PST (-0700 GMT)
Smott----- Yeah, you're right. It's just I feel that if I don't play the "scout" way I won't get anywhere. Like I need to play their style, not mine. It's hard to explain, but I hope you understand..... Then I look at some of the NHL goalies. Hasek doesn't play the "scout" style and he is the best goaltender in the world. So maybe I should stick with my style, with the added extras. Thanks smott. I feel better now.

GoalieHawk: . . . . Tue, Jan 26, 8:41AM PST (-0700 GMT)
For the opps files..... I was in my second roller hockey season and it's the first game of the season. I was playing very well and then in the 2nd half a guy clears the puck from the red line towards me ans I go out to make a clearing pass but I miss it and I turn around in time to see the puck go in the net..... You know when you are hugging the post and there is a little opening between your knees? Well a guy shot there and went in.... and of course there was when I made a bad pass and the guy had the empty net. Happened this season too. I made a beautiful backhand clear, but too bad I cleared it in front. I dove back but he got it in..... After those three bloopers I've learned a few things ;)

Sieve: . . . . Tue, Jan 26, 11:15AM PST (-0700 GMT)
Neat Tugnutt interview at button about his All-star weekend.

smott: . . . . Tue, Jan 26, 11:50AM PST (-0700 GMT)
Also in the I Gotta Be Me Dept GH....remember Hasek took such a long time to catch on in the US because there were so many scouts sayign he's so unorthodox, they couldn't recommend him....some rocket scientist named Keenan kept him on the bench a couple years too, remember? Bottom line is always, and should be amongst coaches/scouts: DOES THE KID STOP THE PUCK?

Bonn: . . . . Tue, Jan 26, 12:26AM PST (-0700 GMT)
GoalieHawk: It sounds to me like your biggest problem is not with your style or skill, but your confidence. Suck it up, practice until you can't practice anymore, and just play your own game. Believe that your skill and determination are enough to do the job and the rest will follow. The scouts will notice if you're effective. This is not to say that you shouldn't try techniques offered by knowledgeable people, but you should try them in practice and adapt them to your style. No one plays exactly the same, so you have to find what works for you. I'm 28 and I find that I am still continuously making small changes to the way I play to try to improve. It sounds utterly cliche, but the only way to continually improve is through focused practice. You know your weak areas, so have people help you work on them until you improve them. Practice hand-eye coordination and concentration through off-ice drills and exercises. Practice, practice, practice and the results will come. Good Luck. P.S. If the opposition goalie's comments bothered you that much, you really need to develop a thicker skin. Shoot him a one-liner and forget him - he's just trying to get you riled.

smott: . . . . Tue, Jan 26, 1:20PM PST (-0700 GMT)
bon words Bonn!

GoalieHawk: . . . . Tue, Jan 26, 3:06PM PST (-0700 GMT)
Smott/Bonn----- Alright. I'll play my way, not the "scout" way. I do what's best for me..... Well, truth is I don't really have a weakness for a certian shot. I do need to work on a few things, such as cutting down the angles..... I feel much better since tell you both this. Thanks for your help.

Bonn: . . . . Tue, Jan 26, 3:11PM PST (-0700 GMT)
Since everyone is baring their souls...one game this year, a guy took a slap shot from centre, along the ice, it went through my defenceman's legs between the red and blue lines, then skipped slightly at the blue line and began to rise. I noticed it skip, but still thought I'd stop it with my stick, or my pads which I though were tight together. When there was no sound, nor did I feel an impact of any sort, I knew somehow it had found the five-hole. I tried to make up for it by scoring later in the same game...they pulled the goalie, and we were up by two...they dump it in on goal, I stopped it, then fired it up, and over the incoming defencemen... when it landed past centre I knew I had missed wide by about three feet. I've been waiting for that chance for years...oh well, I'll get it next time!

GoalieHawk: . . . . Tue, Jan 26, 8:27PM PST (-0700 GMT)
Bonn----- I know how you feel. I've been trying to score a goal for awhile. I had a chance in my last game but the damn puck was rolling on me!

smott: . . . . Wed, Jan 27, 6:52AM PST (-0700 GMT)
Oh, all this talk about scoring a goal!! Just once I'd like to bank one off the glass!!!

fourqts: . . . . Wed, Jan 27, 6:53AM PST (-0700 GMT)
AHHHH back in the office for a fw days and a little time to catch up. It appears for Tkchoke's normal breakdown again... Last night after a tie to Buffalo, he made comments regarding players taking stupid penalties (of all people to point fingers) and costing them games (pointing finger at Roenick). And started qestioning the drive in the rest of the team. I can see Tocchet in the background shaking his head.... Was that team spirit we HAD?

fourqts: . . . . Wed, Jan 27, 6:53AM PST (-0700 GMT)
hey Smottsie

fourqts: . . . . Wed, Jan 27, 6:54AM PST (-0700 GMT)
One Power Foeward for sale..... Please Contact Bobby Smith if interested serious inquiries only.

smott: . . . . Wed, Jan 27, 6:54AM PST (-0700 GMT)
....from the Shellack files...go down 8-2 last night....3-2 after 2, shots maybe a million to 3, when the mysterious oxygen-sucking device was turned on full blast midway through the 3rd! While I gasped and wheezed, trying to find air, 4 goals in the last 4 mins! Oh well....

fourqts: . . . . Wed, Jan 27, 6:55AM PST (-0700 GMT)
Need Powerplay or best offer

fourqts: . . . . Wed, Jan 27, 6:55AM PST (-0700 GMT)
Need Powerplay or best offer

fourqts: . . . . Wed, Jan 27, 6:55AM PST (-0700 GMT)
Doh dp.

smott: . . . . Wed, Jan 27, 6:55AM PST (-0700 GMT)
Hey 4q...well as a lifeling Tochett Fan, I hope he takes Baby Keith by the ears out back and shakes some sense into him. What a non-leader Tchoke is huh?

smott: . . . . Wed, Jan 27, 6:56AM PST (-0700 GMT)
ooops that was lifelong not lifling! Meanwhile my Birds continue to sputter. Barrasso injured (AGAIN!!!) and backup Skudra leaks in a handful vs Canes. I was starting to like JS Aubin better than Skudra actually....

fourqts: . . . . Wed, Jan 27, 6:57AM PST (-0700 GMT)
Agreed on both the non-leader and the hope that tocchet takes him out back and puts a skate up his ***!

fourqts: . . . . Wed, Jan 27, 6:59AM PST (-0700 GMT)
Got a good one going here.... I'm proposing at the Yotes ducks game on valentines.... On the big screen and all... I figure she is going to be spending alot of time at the rinks, So i better start it off right.

smott: . . . . Wed, Jan 27, 6:59AM PST (-0700 GMT)
WOW on the big screen scoreboard???

smott: . . . . Wed, Jan 27, 7:00AM PST (-0700 GMT)
...hope your young lady is a hockey fan!

: . . . . Wed, Jan 27, 7:01AM PST (-0700 GMT)
As big a Yotes fan as I... I going to all of my gmes is getting a little tiring though... She only goes to the to leagues I'm officially in right now

: . . . . Wed, Jan 27, 7:01AM PST (-0700 GMT)
but

: . . . . Wed, Jan 27, 7:02AM PST (-0700 GMT)
instead of second I

smott: . . . . Wed, Jan 27, 7:02AM PST (-0700 GMT)
...yikes that is devotion! If your games are at as odd-times as mine that is!....

fourqts: . . . . Wed, Jan 27, 7:02AM PST (-0700 GMT)
and that was all me

fourqts: . . . . Wed, Jan 27, 7:03AM PST (-0700 GMT)
Mostly Sun Nights right now.... Gotta find a replacement for the big night..... I gotta give a little to get the yes I think.... But I believe it will be a huge surprise

smott: . . . . Wed, Jan 27, 8:11AM PST (-0700 GMT)
...and, I trust, a very welcome one! Go for it!

Carpe de Puck: . . . . Wed, Jan 27, 10:41AM PST (-0700 GMT)
4qts, It's a good idea. I did the same with my wife last year. Totally caught her off guard. It makes for good memories for sure

smott: . . . . Wed, Jan 27, 10:43AM PST (-0700 GMT)
ah so you guys DO have a romantic streak after all! (Within the confines of a hockey rink!!....) :-D

Tripp: . . . . Wed, Jan 27, 10:48AM PST (-0700 GMT)
That is kind of a neat idea. I wish I had to wontons to attempt something like that! Good luck to ya fourqts

Tripp: . . . . Wed, Jan 27, 10:48AM PST (-0700 GMT)
hiya smottsie... LTNS....how's it going, my favorite Brit?

smott: . . . . Wed, Jan 27, 10:54AM PST (-0700 GMT)
Hey Trippster...uh oh LTNS is one I don't know....the Brit of the Chat is tired today, having come to the conclusion that 3 late games in 3 nights is a tad too much! My 3/week theory is OK, but only if I can get an off day in between!...I am BEAT.

Tripp: . . . . Wed, Jan 27, 10:58AM PST (-0700 GMT)
Ooops, sorry. LTNS= long time no see. Well I hope you can get some well-needed rest very soon. I'm bordering more on rust than rest, myself. Only 2 games since December 16th due to the snow/ice storms, and with the way the guys in this league can pick holes in the net, I need a good start tonight to get my focus working.

smott: . . . . Wed, Jan 27, 11:28AM PST (-0700 GMT)
...well I am not lacking for games....accepted a 4th game this week Thursday in a B league as a sub. More work than I should take per week but it is a good league. AT least I get to sleep tonight!

Tripp: . . . . Wed, Jan 27, 12:57AM PST (-0700 GMT)
Jeez smottsie... lots o' hockey. I have games every night from now thru Sunday. I kinda like it though. Reminds me of the good ol' days with 3 games in 4 nights, only without the long bus rides. Looks like my poor shoulder has another date with the scalpel coming up pretty soon, so I'm loading up all the hockey I can before the only ice I see is strapped across my chest with an ace bandage.

C5: . . . . Wed, Jan 27, 1:27PM PST (-0700 GMT)
4, geez, wantons, hell, I just wish I had a girlfriend. :-D

smott: . . . . Wed, Jan 27, 1:30PM PST (-0700 GMT)
Oh no Tripp sorry about the shoulder....rotater cuff-itis?? Heal fast...

smott: . . . . Wed, Jan 27, 1:31PM PST (-0700 GMT)
...you have your cat C5.... :-D

smott: . . . . Wed, Jan 27, 1:33PM PST (-0700 GMT)
...they're a lot like girlfriends:

smott: . . . . Wed, Jan 27, 1:34PM PST (-0700 GMT)
After all, 1. Cats do what they want, when they want. 2. They rarely listen to you. 3. They're totally unpredictable. 4. They whine when they are not happy. 5. When you want to play they want to be alone. 6. When you want to be alone, they want to play. 7. They expect you to cater to their every whim. 8. They're moody. 9. They leave hair everywhere. 10. They drive you nuts. Conclusion: They're like little, tiny women in cheap fur coats.

smott: . . . . Wed, Jan 27, 1:34PM PST (-0700 GMT)
SEE ya!!!

Grass: . . . . Wed, Jan 27, 5:14PM PST (-0700 GMT)
ms. smott -- Too Funny!!!

GoalieHawk: . . . . Wed, Jan 27, 8:29PM PST (-0700 GMT)
Smott----- Well, I tried my style at sticktime and it worked. I stopped more shots and felt good out there. Seems like our little talk helped.

Tripp: . . . . Wed, Jan 27, 8:49PM PST (-0700 GMT)
heehee smottsie... I liked the cat/girlfriend comparison. I'll show it to the ol' ball and chain and see what she thinks. And yes, it's my rotator cuff. You'd be surprised how quickly your stock drops in the eyes of the scouts when they find out that you're damaged goods.

GoalieHawk: . . . . Wed, Jan 27, 8:54PM PST (-0700 GMT)
I am wondering what is the best way to prepare for a game? What is the best food to eat, the best stretches, and ways to get in the zone. Thanks

smott: . . . . Thu, Jan 28, 5:04AM PST (-0700 GMT)
Uh uh GH you have wandered into controversial territory here...I am not a big proponent of carbo-loading in the pre-game meal....but many are, so you will have to experiment. Depending on your metabolism, a big old plate of pasta 3 hrs before gametime can lead to a rise in blood sugar followed by a dip which will make you feel a bit sluggish/sleepy, not ideal game shape! I have had more success with the 40-30-30 regime which means 40% calories should be carbs 30 protein, 30 fat in any given meal. You digest that mix more slowly and your blood sugar stays more stable, so you don't get sluggish plus your energy lasts longer and you won't crash. Avoid carbo-drinks and stick to water. If you're prone to cramps, look for lots of potassium in your carbo portions, ie a banana, dried apricots, baked potato etc. But the 40-30 carb-protein thing is not easy - that's a fair bit of protein! A nice big piece of turkey, but maybe only one slice of vbread, for instance.....

smott: . . . . Thu, Jan 28, 5:05AM PST (-0700 GMT)
Good shortcuts are the PR Energy Bar, which is 40-30-30 and tastes pretty good. If you do get into this diet thing for best energy - go buy Barry Sears' book The Zone.

smott: . . . . Thu, Jan 28, 5:05AM PST (-0700 GMT)
But don't put much beyond water in your stomach once you get within 2-3 hrs of gametime, and as always, stretch stretch stretch!

J.T.: . . . . Thu, Jan 28, 6:51AM PST (-0700 GMT)
As far as diet goes, the jury is still way out on the Barry Sears Zone stuff. May work, may not. Current thinking in Ironman nutrition circles (and these are people who can burn over 12,000 calories a day) is that a well-rounded balanced diet is best...every day. The theory is to cut out 99% of the junk food (and processed stuff) you eat, and just go for fruits, vegetables, meats, grains, etc. As close to nature with as little additive as possible. Eat like the ancestors and all.... As far as carbo loading, it's a myth. The average human can store about 3000 calories as glycogen (the metabolite of carbs) and that's not going to change with loading. Plus, in a 2 hour game you are NOT going to burn that much glycogen anyways. No need for any sort of special pre-game diet, just make sure you eat some sort of non-heavy lite meal (maybe around 1000 calories or so) 2-3 hours before the game. Including fats and proteins will help avoid the crash in blood sugar Smott mentioned.

Beatts: . . . . Thu, Jan 28, 7:06AM PST (-0700 GMT)
GH....Drink some beer and have a bag of potato chips...Works for me. BURRPP...

fourqts: . . . . Thu, Jan 28, 7:29AM PST (-0700 GMT)
I'm With Beatts on the food... Just don't be hungry... As for stretching, I ues a video called "Yoga for Flexability". It is about an hour tape and I start it about two and a half before the game..... Then stretch a little before warmups just to make sure I don't pull anything. Then the most important part.... When you head out on to the ice to warmup..... Ignor the dumb A**es that think is is wise to start warmups with breakaways.... If they are young a little coaching about how a goalie warms up is in order (Most of the younger ones at my rink see me and realize that I'll just ignor them till I'm ready) as for the adults, just ignor them playing gretz in your warmup and they'll get the clue after one or two nifty moves against nobody.

Carpe de Puck: . . . . Thu, Jan 28, 8:28AM PST (-0700 GMT)
I like to go the POP ROCKS and Mt. Dew route myself. Then you can follow it up with a double espresso with lots of sugar. If you want to get max carbs in a short period go with the 12 ounce curl method. Any domestic brand will do but stay away from the imports, they weigh you down. HEY, anybody wanna buy a nice piece of Mt. country located in Fl? >:-)

smott: . . . . Thu, Jan 28, 10:10AM PST (-0700 GMT)
Yes I should say that JT is right about the jury being out on Sears. Everybody's metabolism is different and you may be fine no matter what you eat before a game....I happen to be real sugar-sensitive and my diet now contains no pasta rice or bread....only a little fructose if I need to sweeten my coffee, and for me this has made a real difference. Also JT's rules are excellent for everybody - fresh foods, avoid additives, don't over-cook, stick close to nature!

J.T.: . . . . Thu, Jan 28, 11:10AM PST (-0700 GMT)
Whoah, she's agreeing with me! I was so sure your cat/ girlfriend comparison was right..... (Shall I quit while I'm ahead? Heh heh...)

Tripp: . . . . Thu, Jan 28, 11:53AM PST (-0700 GMT)
In my 18 years of hockey, I can honestly say that I have never had a game like I had last night. I had 3 assists, and 6 minutes worth of slashing penalties all in the same game. We ended up winning a yawner, but I am now outscoring 2 of the guys on my team. Only 45 more and I'll catch Barrasso!

smott: . . . . Thu, Jan 28, 12:22AM PST (-0700 GMT)
Heh heh JT...yes I agree with you but remember we felines change our moods frequently!!

J.T.: . . . . Thu, Jan 28, 1:00PM PST (-0700 GMT)
Ah hah, that's more like it. My last ex changed moods more often than the Pens change finances.... ;-)

smott: . . . . Thu, Jan 28, 1:13PM PST (-0700 GMT)
...and congrats Tripp! Barrasso out 3 games - you can catch him!

GoalieHawk: . . . . Thu, Jan 28, 1:15PM PST (-0700 GMT)
Okay. I'll find my own pregame meal. But what about ways to get in the zone? You know the feeling when you listen to dance music like Prodigy, you gets you pumped up. One of the songs on my Prodigy mixs perfectly with a highlight tape I have and it gets me so pumped up I just wanna check somebody in the boards. The bad news is I can't take a TV and a walkman out on the ice with me. What you you guys recommend for getting pumped up?

GoalieHawk: . . . . Thu, Jan 28, 1:18PM PST (-0700 GMT)
One other thing. This is about goalie sticks and puck handling. I've found it's easier for me to shoot the puck with a used stick. A new sticks lessons my power and height a bit. I don't know why. But I think that a used stick is worn down and is more flexible. What do you guys think?

smott: . . . . Thu, Jan 28, 1:20PM PST (-0700 GMT)
Can't speak to teh stick thing GH - I would think just the opposite - that a new wooden stick has not lost it's "snap" and should put more on the puck. Older it is the more dead it gets. Can't explain your results there.

J.T.: . . . . Thu, Jan 28, 1:22PM PST (-0700 GMT)
Maybe has something to do with getting "comfortable" with it and breaking it in like any other piece of equipment. Science can't explain it all.....

smott: . . . . Thu, Jan 28, 1:23PM PST (-0700 GMT)
As for the "pumped up" stuff (a guy thing maybe?) :-D....well...you need to take a close look at yourself and remember how you feel when you are playing well. Everybody's different and plays best at different levels of energy. Some folks actually play better when they're kind of calm and relaxed (moi). Others play best when they're ready to smash beer cans on their forehead. Most people are somewhere in between. Just beware that when you get too pumped up out there, too angry or too nuts or whatever, you can lose your judgement, which is a big part of goaltending. Physically your reflexes may be great but if you make a bonehead play you give up a goal anyway. Look for some level where you're relaxed, but very alert, and you still have brain cells functioning in a calm manner. Easier said than done, I know.

smott: . . . . Thu, Jan 28, 1:24PM PST (-0700 GMT)
meeow JT

Sieve: . . . . Thu, Jan 28, 1:45PM PST (-0700 GMT)
smott, do you felines play better after a big bongload of catnip? hehe

Sieve: . . . . Thu, Jan 28, 1:47PM PST (-0700 GMT)
weird one last night... three nasty bruises in one goof around game. one on each shoulder and one through the catch. oww...

GoalieHawk: . . . . Thu, Jan 28, 2:15PM PST (-0700 GMT)
Smott----- Yeah, I know what you mean. Sometimes I get too pumped up and there is almost no way to release it. I feel like I am going to explode..... When I am in the zone I am having fun and everything goes my way. The puck just seems to hit me and I know where they are going to shoot..... About the pumped up thing. You can tell when I am pumped, my vines buldge out and I have a look of rage in my eyes. Sometimes when I get that way I feel bigger than anyone, that no one can stop me or control me. Like I could just do anything and do it perfectly..... I love to dominate a game. I love when I see a player hang his head down when I just robbed him. I feed of the crowd and when I know my team has confidence in me..... Maybe it is a guy thing. All that testosturone one full flow. That animal instict. Or whatever it is. That is why I believe that the mental part of goaltending is the most important part.

Tripp: . . . . Thu, Jan 28, 3:15PM PST (-0700 GMT)
*GULP* uhhmm.... sorry bout that one through the catch there, Sieve.

Sieve: . . . . Fri, Jan 29, 5:56AM PST (-0700 GMT)
hehe, no sweat Tripp, these guys were some HARD shooting SOB's. I like the catch just fine. Heck, one of their shots broke a buckle and snap right off my mask. Seems like all they did was shoot slappers, which is A-ok with me, I'll stop those all the live long day. Well, except for the few that were flying in excess of the speed of sound. : >)

smott: . . . . Fri, Jan 29, 5:56AM PST (-0700 GMT)
Sieve nah we do sleep a lot better though :-D.....

smott: . . . . Fri, Jan 29, 5:57AM PST (-0700 GMT)
...another shellacking for moi last night, 11-3 eeeek! Once again it's more or less respectable until the 3rd when we stand around and watch them zip 6 past me....

smott: . . . . Fri, Jan 29, 5:57AM PST (-0700 GMT)
Hi Sieve...

J.T.: . . . . Fri, Jan 29, 7:13AM PST (-0700 GMT)
Smott--not sure if I should take that meow as a purr or a hiss. ;-) As far as getting too pumped up, there's definitely a point where you can overdo it. When you're on an endorphin high (or caffeine, or sugar) it's likely to improve things like reflexes, but only for a very short time. The problem is that you then return to a "withdrawl" state where you can't get back into the groove. There's been lots of experiments with similar stuff in the Ironman. What was found was that in short triathlons things like caffeine and such give the perfect boost for a race of around an hour, but anything much longer it has a detrimental long-term effect. I would guess for goaltending, which is off and on for the better part of two hours, you'd do much better being in a "steady-state" the whole time. Unless you're under 18 and then all bets dealing with testosterone et al are off...

smott: . . . . Fri, Jan 29, 7:17AM PST (-0700 GMT)
Yepper - also I would think that the alertness/reflexes stuff is more the priority in goaltending than it is in say triathlon stuff....too much pumped-up testerone-induced mania can definitely make you overreact and use poor judgement...so beware GH you can definitely over-pump...

smott: . . . . Fri, Jan 29, 7:53AM PST (-0700 GMT)
...meanwhile from Birdland - my Pens smoke the Leafs, stale after a layoff and with both goalies out, Reese lit up for 6 and backup Skudra gets the donut. They are nothing if not interesting, my Guins...

Sieve: . . . . Fri, Jan 29, 8:21AM PST (-0700 GMT)
hi smott, what happened to Reese announcing his retirement last year? hmm...

C5: . . . . Fri, Jan 29, 9:31AM PST (-0700 GMT)
Who were the goalies in the All-Star game?

fourqts: . . . . Fri, Jan 29, 9:31AM PST (-0700 GMT)
And the Yotes are burned up in Phili.... Rough game with the ref's letting them get away with everything. But Tocc nets his 400th goal.... Congrats to the Toccster. Beezer was huge at times as was Boolin when his D gave him a chance. on a side note.... Colorado lights Anaheim up for six and Whaaa looked like some guy I've heard of named ROY.

fourqts: . . . . Fri, Jan 29, 9:33AM PST (-0700 GMT)
Boolin hasek Irbe world Brodour, Belfour, Tugger NA If that was your question C%

Toast: . . . . Fri, Jan 29, 9:35AM PST (-0700 GMT)
From the "Shudda Remained Retired" files...Jeff Fleeced, er, Reece. Actually, in fairness - Leafs showed one of their stinkers last night, and instead of having Cujo hold them in until they woke up, they were buried early and never really started to play their game.

: . . . . Fri, Jan 29, 9:41AM PST (-0700 GMT)
Anyway, from the goalie burnout files...I submit: Hasek. Guy looked human the last couple of weeks. Forgive me, but hasn't he played all but a couple games for the Sabres this year? And it ain't no picnic playing behind the Sabres D. How about Ollie, big contract - numbers plummet. Who would of guessed (actually, I think Smottsie predicted it). Kudos to Cujo, I appreciate the guy more now...big contract, some ugly numbers compared to others but Toronto can't play defense. Best comeback in the season...Hacket. Been great in Montreal. Dumbest team...had Irbe for a song and they let him walk in favour Garthey Snorsch. Brillinat, but I do love to see Brian Burke struggle...

Toast: . . . . Fri, Jan 29, 9:44AM PST (-0700 GMT)
Yikes. That was me...brilliant spelling. Er...that would be Vancouver that was omitted above. More stories...I still want to see smaller euipment, particularly gloves now. Some of those peach baskets are ridiculous. Was watching some highlights when goalies actuallyhad to move to catch the puck...wow was there some net to shoot at back then. Grant Fuhr has doubled in size...

Toast: . . . . Fri, Jan 29, 9:48AM PST (-0700 GMT)
More venting...reading about the curving pucks some of you guys see...what are they made of to do that? I don't think I have seen good ol' vulcanized rubber curve that much unless it was a hard knuckler. Um...on another subject - one must crawl before walking, etc. Those who crawl well aren't necessarily Olympic sprinters...

Toast: . . . . Fri, Jan 29, 9:50AM PST (-0700 GMT)
Whew...sorry if I peeved anyone off. Been a while since I have had time to chat...and no one is here. :( Oh well...I will peek in every few minutes for the next little while...

smott: . . . . Fri, Jan 29, 9:52AM PST (-0700 GMT)
Toastie???

smott: . . . . Fri, Jan 29, 9:52AM PST (-0700 GMT)
Ah missed him....

Toast: . . . . Fri, Jan 29, 9:52AM PST (-0700 GMT)
No you didn't...

smott: . . . . Fri, Jan 29, 9:55AM PST (-0700 GMT)
Hi there!

Toast: . . . . Fri, Jan 29, 9:56AM PST (-0700 GMT)
Hey Lady Dom!

smott: . . . . Fri, Jan 29, 9:57AM PST (-0700 GMT)
I see you still have your strong opinions!

smott: . . . . Fri, Jan 29, 9:58AM PST (-0700 GMT)
Lady Dom, I beg to differ but thanks anyway. Did a Christmas tree imitation last night....we drew perrenial champs first game for my welcome back to my old B squad.

smott: . . . . Fri, Jan 29, 9:59AM PST (-0700 GMT)
...in fact I agree with all you said!...Though I will say Snow has improved some....and I think Cujo is a tad better than you've historically given him credit for....

Toast: . . . . Fri, Jan 29, 9:59AM PST (-0700 GMT)
Me - opinionated? Nah...:) Yeah, I still am old fashioned in many ways.

smott: . . . . Fri, Jan 29, 9:59AM PST (-0700 GMT)
...meanwhile yes Dom does seem almost human lately....but if anybody deserves to be worn out it's him.

Toast: . . . . Fri, Jan 29, 10:00AM PST (-0700 GMT)
Yes, I sold Cujo short. Yes, Snow is better, but still not frontline material.

smott: . . . . Fri, Jan 29, 10:03AM PST (-0700 GMT)
Yes definitely. And I've always liked Arty...

smott: . . . . Fri, Jan 29, 10:04AM PST (-0700 GMT)
I see my Pens caught your Blueshirts on an off night....lucky for us we really needed a win. Pens O can be scary one night, AWOL the next. And Barrasso hurt...again.

Toast: . . . . Fri, Jan 29, 10:05AM PST (-0700 GMT)
Well, I think Irbe is another guy like Hasek...he isn't exactly conventional but does stop the puck. He had a good run with S.J. a couple years ago, but then got lost. But imagine that - Keenan lets another all-star goalie walk...

smott: . . . . Fri, Jan 29, 10:06AM PST (-0700 GMT)
...meanwhile I am BEAT. Broke my 3-game rule this week and paid for it last night. My poor old B guys need a guy like Hasek, not moi. Think I'll play maybe 1-2 more games for them and see if the rest of theleague is at a more manageable level, if not my advice would be dress up a 6x4 piece of plywood. I'll pass.

Toast: . . . . Fri, Jan 29, 10:06AM PST (-0700 GMT)
Oh yeah, Buds looked bad! And I saw Tommy is down again, what gets me is the number of games he leaves between periods, not on the spot. Does the wifey ambush him between periods?

smott: . . . . Fri, Jan 29, 10:07AM PST (-0700 GMT)
Arty is not that big is he?...

smott: . . . . Fri, Jan 29, 10:08AM PST (-0700 GMT)
I have no idea. He's obviously the sort who refuses to play unless 100% OK. Maybe makes up his mind in the lockeroom that the hangnail is just too debilitating.

Toast: . . . . Fri, Jan 29, 10:09AM PST (-0700 GMT)
Irbe is a weeny little guy. Big pads though...and bends like gumby.

smott: . . . . Fri, Jan 29, 10:12AM PST (-0700 GMT)
HAsek Lite heh heh heh

smott: . . . . Fri, Jan 29, 10:12AM PST (-0700 GMT)
Back in a flash....need to get some sunscreen for the back of my neck! MEEOOWW!

Toast: . . . . Fri, Jan 29, 10:13AM PST (-0700 GMT)
I remember the first time I saw Irbe, it was against Edmonton when he was touring with one of those Soviet teams, I forget which. He just stood on his head.

smott: . . . . Fri, Jan 29, 11:02AM PST (-0700 GMT)
I still recall him as a Shark shocking the WIngs...

Tripp: . . . . Fri, Jan 29, 11:04AM PST (-0700 GMT)
Got a call to fill in for a C league game tomorrow. That should be fun. Maybe a little different than the AA league, but I don't care. Who am I to turn down free ice time?

Tripp: . . . . Fri, Jan 29, 11:05AM PST (-0700 GMT)
aaah great memories, smott. I'll never forget OsGoat crying after losing. It was a beautiful thing.

Carpe de Puck: . . . . Fri, Jan 29, 11:06AM PST (-0700 GMT)
Does anyone know where I can get a picture of Scott Langkow? I know he's in the minors(Grizzlies I think).

smott: . . . . Fri, Jan 29, 11:09AM PST (-0700 GMT)
Ask Cats5...he's the pic-man!

Carpe de Puck: . . . . Fri, Jan 29, 11:16AM PST (-0700 GMT)
I've heard this guy has a nice/ugly paint job on his mask and want to decide for myself.

Tripp: . . . . Fri, Jan 29, 11:28AM PST (-0700 GMT)
I know Scotty Langkow was in Las Vegas for awhile... he may be there now, for all I know. You might want to check out www.Lasvegassun.com. They have a photo gallery of Thunder pics. Not sure if he's in there, but other than that I dunno what to tell you.

smott: . . . . Fri, Jan 29, 11:29AM PST (-0700 GMT)
Have fun in C Trippster! You will have to slow down your reactions to get the timing right after AA!....

Tripp: . . . . Fri, Jan 29, 11:44AM PST (-0700 GMT)
Ahhh well. All in good fun, smottsie. I'm hoping some of the C-leaguers check their ego's at the door, since the guys in double A think they're the second coming of Gretzky. I'm thinking it'll be a busy night, since the defense probably isn't that great... but like I said, it'll be a good time. Then again, I'm easily amused. :-)

smott: . . . . Fri, Jan 29, 11:50AM PST (-0700 GMT)
Yes you are! I'm not always amused getting beat like a rented mule in C where the guys have no clue how to play D....

Tripp: . . . . Fri, Jan 29, 12:24AM PST (-0700 GMT)
Yeah... it's kinda frustrating when you're flopping around like Hasek on crack and nobody's clearing the crease for ya. Gotta shrug those off and forget em, though. Then again, I pretty much shrug off everything this side of nuclear war, so you're probably right. I guess I should stock up on the Coppertone for the back of my neck.

gbfreeman: . . . . Fri, Jan 29, 12:38AM PST (-0700 GMT)
Never anger the Hockey Gods. Broke from some of my rituals Wednesday night. Played like I'd never seen a puck before. Lose 4-1. Faced a barrage of shots. NOT! 15 total shots. Three scored five hole. One scored blocker side when I decided to deflect it off my blocker into the top corner.

gbfreeman: . . . . Fri, Jan 29, 12:42AM PST (-0700 GMT)
And then, last night, went back to the rituals and played the best I've played in years. Played 3 and won all three. Last game was against the defending champs and we won 3-2. Made a save lying on my back. Rebound shot, guy slapshots far corner high, kick my pad up and got it with the toe. Made a glove save top corner that I didn't even see! Sometimes positioning works. Teammates came over after the game and said I was the only reason we won. Felt pretty good.

smott: . . . . Fri, Jan 29, 12:57AM PST (-0700 GMT)
Uh oh I know the feeling....3-0 last night first period on about 6 shots....2 on 1, 3 on 1, breakaway. I'm O-fer!

smott: . . . . Fri, Jan 29, 12:59AM PST (-0700 GMT)
Yes rituals....I have fewer now as I get older...but they do help keep you calm & focused....

gbfreeman: . . . . Fri, Jan 29, 1:00PM PST (-0700 GMT)
Smott, whatever happened with you coaching the high school goalies? I keep getting asked to help out different goalies here. Apparently someone sees something in me that I'm not seeing.

smott: . . . . Fri, Jan 29, 1:02PM PST (-0700 GMT)
I guess they didn't need me! Their was some other fellow willing to do it and I assume I was not first choice...

gbfreeman: . . . . Fri, Jan 29, 1:02PM PST (-0700 GMT)
Gotta split, going to go try to coach one of those people who think I can do it.

gbfreeman: . . . . Fri, Jan 29, 1:03PM PST (-0700 GMT)
To bad, had you decided to give it a try?

smott: . . . . Fri, Jan 29, 1:11PM PST (-0700 GMT)
Good luck gb...yeah I was going to give it a whirl. Oh well!

J.T.: . . . . Fri, Jan 29, 1:16PM PST (-0700 GMT)
Next time Smott :) One thing you have to believe is that the sport will only thrive when the people who are really into it share the excitement with the youngsters. On another note, taxes are done now! Woo woo!

smott: . . . . Fri, Jan 29, 1:20PM PST (-0700 GMT)
Hmmm well J.T. having spent some years as a tennis pro I'm not sure I haven't had my fill of teaching youngsters! But hockey might have been more fun....

J.T.: . . . . Fri, Jan 29, 1:45PM PST (-0700 GMT)
I didn't know you were a tennis pro! It would be sort of cool to have a bio page for people here...I keep learning all sorts of new things.

Sieve: . . . . Fri, Jan 29, 1:55PM PST (-0700 GMT)
on a semi-related note...I occaisionally go to these clinics where my ex-coach teaches just to get on the ice and get some extra tips from him -- found out I get paid for being a helper! Got to dig getting paid for doing what you love to do for free anyway. hmm, do I have to give up my amateur eligibility? you never know...ever see an olympic figure skater in goal skates? hehe...

C5: . . . . Fri, Jan 29, 2:08PM PST (-0700 GMT)
A new banner! Anyone care to hazzard a guess as to who's in it? Not sure a hint is needed for the goalie, but the Panther might be an obvious guess...

Sieve: . . . . Fri, Jan 29, 2:14PM PST (-0700 GMT)
I guess, Archie, Tugger, and Dom (cuz its his birthday). Have a good weekend all.

C5: . . . . Fri, Jan 29, 3:14PM PST (-0700 GMT)
Seive, wrong! Uh, that was a guess, right? There are only two in the banner.

C5: . . . . Fri, Jan 29, 3:14PM PST (-0700 GMT)
New banners every week this month!

Tripp: . . . . Fri, Jan 29, 3:19PM PST (-0700 GMT)
Thanks, C5. Good work, as always.

: . . . . Fri, Jan 29, 3:38PM PST (-0700 GMT)
hey everyone!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!1

Carpe de Puck: . . . . Fri, Jan 29, 6:52PM PST (-0700 GMT)
Smott, here is a fair warning. If you decide to get your mask painted through Matt be prepared for the fashion police to kick your ass big time. The loaner arrived today and it is the biggest target I have ever seen! Imagine your mask hazard ORANGE with little yellow flames on it and a yellow cage to boot. I just know the guys are going to be aiming at it this weekend. I don't see how anyone could resist shooting at this thing. It doesn't help that I wear mostly black and white either. It is totally outrageous. Matt claims to have used it for a long time himself. From the black marks on it I believe him, good thing it's a graphite model otherwise I'd be toast for sure.I couldn't believe it when I pulled it out of the box. it's one of those you have to see it to believe it deals.

Chuck: . . . . Fri, Jan 29, 6:57PM PST (-0700 GMT)
hello

Toast: . . . . Fri, Jan 29, 7:23PM PST (-0700 GMT)
HEY! Wadda you mean you would be toast? My girlfriend would disagree with that (I hope!).

Toast: . . . . Fri, Jan 29, 7:23PM PST (-0700 GMT)
HEY! Wadda you mean you would be toast? My girlfriend would disagree with that (I hope!).

Toast: . . . . Fri, Jan 29, 7:25PM PST (-0700 GMT)
ARRGGHH!!! Double post...but now that I think about it, the superior half doesn't like to wear her glasses...hmmmm

CdP: . . . . Sat, Jan 30, 7:06AM PST (-0700 GMT)
Well, we wouldn't want anyone to think twice about returning that mask, now, would we?

C5: . . . . Sat, Jan 30, 7:30AM PST (-0700 GMT)
Whoops, that was me, C5, and not CDP, sorry. Will the Khabbibulin fan here on the chat send me your name and email address? catsfive@hotmail.com

C5: . . . . Sat, Jan 30, 9:03AM PST (-0700 GMT)
One of the announcers the other night was saying that Terreri perfers golf over hockey. I completely lost respect for him. Then, watching him play the 3rd period, it all came back. But... GOLF???

Carpe de Puck: . . . . Sat, Jan 30, 9:49AM PST (-0700 GMT)
I don't know why he would be concerned about the mask being returned since he has MY mask with a new paint job on it plus a credit card number. But I guess it's one of those "this thing is so ugly I better return it now" type of deals. I'll take a pic of it so you all can see this thing. It's unbelievable

Grass: . . . . Sat, Jan 30, 10:53AM PST (-0700 GMT)
Howdy all! Mixed news from the Grasmeister. I had been on a winning streak since the beginning of '99, but managed to earn a loss last night. On the good side, it was in front of a bunch of friends and family at the MCI Center and it was a well played game...

deke: . . . . Sat, Jan 30, 10:58AM PST (-0700 GMT)
C5- There's a long history linking goalies & golf. Terry Sawchuk often played 36 holes a day during the summer (between six packs). Gump Worsley, Darren Pang and many others. I didn't know that about Terreri. When you think about it, golf's pretty relaxing compared with trying to stop 1x3" missiles aimed at your head.

smott: . . . . Sat, Jan 30, 3:50PM PST (-0700 GMT)
Hi guys...well my Birds back on the right track sewing up teh Bs 4-2....where was Lord Byron???

C5: . . . . Sat, Jan 30, 7:23PM PST (-0700 GMT)
Made two really nice saves tonight off the bean, if you can call them saves. Did not flinch on a rocket from low circle, went right off my temple, and caught a second one low, off the cage, scrambling in front of the net.

C5: . . . . Sat, Jan 30, 7:25PM PST (-0700 GMT)
Is it possible to call a 13-3 win a close game? This team really could have held their own against my team (filling in in a league I've never played in before) but their goalie was sucky and really took the wind outta their sails.

: . . . . Sat, Jan 30, 7:37PM PST (-0700 GMT)
Grass, you played in a real NHL arena?

C5: . . . . Sat, Jan 30, 7:45PM PST (-0700 GMT)
That was me... SPEAKING of playing in arenas in front of all sorts of people, check out my new Windows wallpaper, goalies! This is EASILY the most incredible hockey image I have ever laid eyes on.... 415kb, but I promise it'll be worth it.

C5: . . . . Sat, Jan 30, 7:45PM PST (-0700 GMT)
Oh NO!!!!

C5: . . . . Sat, Jan 30, 7:47PM PST (-0700 GMT)
That was supposed to be a link! SO sorry, goalies... It's been that kind of day.

GoalieHawk: . . . . Sat, Jan 30, 8:50PM PST (-0700 GMT)
C5----- Is that a pic from a USHL game?..... Anyways, this is some major news. My all-star team dumped me and didn't have the balls to tell me this. This is just a damn joke. The managment is terrible. The deal about this is all screwed up. They never called me, I had to found out the hard way. They've been playing a few games without me and I had no clue. It's hard to explain. But I am playing an all-star game tomorrow. They listed me as an alternate goaltender. It's really screwed up, since I haven't talk to the coach about this. Last night when I found out I was pissed. I just wanted to cream Pat Campell(the coach). I don't want to sound consided or whatever, but I am the best goalie in the league, and it doesn't make since that they made me the alternate goaltender. But, I'll found out more tomorrow. Talk to yah soon.

Carpe de Puck: . . . . Sat, Jan 30, 9:08PM PST (-0700 GMT)
My post team played UNC tonight and we won 3-1. Real good game, lots of checking and passing. I was actually having a good time watching all the action before me. Guy in the other net was wearing BATTRAM pads and a Pro-Masque, we looked at each other and laughed, go figure the odds eh?

snowman: . . . . Sat, Jan 30, 9:53PM PST (-0700 GMT)
After what I would call a lackluster performance last week the team I subbed for wanted me back. Its a Monday night game after working a 12 hr shift. I guess my performance wasnt that bad, but I felt I let in some awfully easy goals. I did stop all the breakaways that came my way, but I saw way too many 2:1 & 3:1 rushes that I couldnt stop. This league is a little faster pace than I normally see. I like it better...more of a challenge.

snowman: . . . . Sat, Jan 30, 9:56PM PST (-0700 GMT)
Watched the Wings totally outplay NYR and lose....1st Ranger goal unreal...wings really snakebitten. Thru the marvels of cable and split screen also got to see the Flyers blister Schwab & the Lightning.

snowman: . . . . Sat, Jan 30, 10:02PM PST (-0700 GMT)
Wheres my big screen computer screen when I need it....WHOA!

snowman: . . . . Sat, Jan 30, 10:03PM PST (-0700 GMT)
smott- Lets hope the Pens can play like this all the way to the POs and then some

deke: . . . . Sat, Jan 30, 10:44PM PST (-0700 GMT)
Yeah - the Wings outplayed all of the Rangers except Richter. He was absolutely amazing. Unfortunately, even if he continues to play this well, it won't be enough to get the Blueshirts into the playoffs. Sure was fun to watch MR tonight though.

Carpe de Puck: . . . . Sat, Jan 30, 11:44PM PST (-0700 GMT)
only part about tonight that chaps my ass is that the refs called back 2 goals that were good from where I saw them. Oh well, can't really complain, we did win

smott: . . . . Sun, Jan 31, 6:31AM PST (-0700 GMT)
Hmmm Chatsters the more I see of Chris Osgood the less I like him....Nedved's first goal was the kind you just can't let in...zero angle, seconds after your own go-ahead goal. I don't know....I used to think he was a fantastic goalie waiting to happen, but....as time goes by I am revising my opinion. Too many bad goals. Wings proved their resiliance winning the Cup in spite of him last year, but this time around they need a G who can lift them, not an anchor.

C5: . . . . Sun, Jan 31, 6:44AM PST (-0700 GMT)
Osgood has never done it for me, never never never.

C5: . . . . Sun, Jan 31, 6:48AM PST (-0700 GMT)
My apologies to those goalies who had to download that super-large pic last night, and my absolute highest kudos to Chris, for getting the chat log fixed up perfectly so we're all back and chatting again. If you still want to see that **awesome** goalie pic, click this button

C5: . . . . Sun, Jan 31, 6:49AM PST (-0700 GMT)
All this mask talk made me want to change the banner. So there's a new one, now...

C5: . . . . Sun, Jan 31, 6:51AM PST (-0700 GMT)
Oh, and just a word of advice to those ususpecting folks posting links to this page: JPEG and GIF Images aren't posted as buttons, they're POSTED!!! ;-)

smott: . . . . Sun, Jan 31, 6:55AM PST (-0700 GMT)
...now I know!

smott: . . . . Sun, Jan 31, 6:57AM PST (-0700 GMT)
...anybody happen to see the Australian WOmen's final? That Mauresmo's got some shoulders!!! All that time in the gym I guess....wait, I lift too..? And I'm a beanpole....OHHH it's the steroids!!!

C5: . . . . Sun, Jan 31, 7:04AM PST (-0700 GMT)
I'm looking for a pic of her...

C5: . . . . Sun, Jan 31, 7:09AM PST (-0700 GMT)
Oh, she's a tennis star. I thought... hmm, maybe field hockey. Holy cow, look at those shoulders, Smottie! (Are you sure she's not East German???)

Carpe de Puck: . . . . Sun, Jan 31, 8:14AM PST (-0700 GMT)
Who here on the chat is from/in Ga? I could of sworn we have someone from down around there on the chat. Is it Grass? Reason I ask is our next game is in Atlanta against one of the college teams and I wanted to get some info on the cool spots around town. Let me know if anyone has the inside edge.

snowman: . . . . Sun, Jan 31, 10:07AM PST (-0700 GMT)
Richter was fun to watch....one thing that the wings seem to be lacking is the D. If they get healthy or pick up a solid Blue line man look out

Carpe de Puck: . . . . Sun, Jan 31, 10:16AM PST (-0700 GMT)
C5 I heard that your the picture man. Do you have any pics of a Scott Langkow, specifically of his mask? Any help is appreciated.

wolfman: . . . . Sun, Jan 31, 4:57PM PST (-0700 GMT)
I played today after a 2 week rest. Out with a groin pull. We won 6-2 in our round robin. So far 1-0-1. Still a little tender But I'll be off another 2 weeks before I play again.

smott: . . . . Sun, Jan 31, 6:53PM PST (-0700 GMT)
OWoooo take it easy on those groinpulls wolfman they will last forever if you don't treat'em right....

smott: . . . . Sun, Jan 31, 6:53PM PST (-0700 GMT)
Hmmm my Birds bounce back against Habs!....Nice to see. Hackett only reason it was close...he's on fire.

Goal35: . . . . Mon, Feb 1, 6:53AM PST (-0700 GMT)
CdP.. last I remember C5 is in Atlanta.... And from the shellacking of the week file... Deja-vu, i subbed again for the team who let me get shelled last week 61-23 and this week it was 65-21 and another 9-5 loss... man, other team after the game was telling me what a good game I had... couldn't tell by my GAA ....lol

smott: . . . . Mon, Feb 1, 7:26AM PST (-0700 GMT)
I sub tonight in C...they have an Olympic-size rink....that much space really gives me trouble with my angles.

smott: . . . . Mon, Feb 1, 7:27AM PST (-0700 GMT)
Heh heh as for the shoulders on female tennis player Mauresmo, here's a quote from her opponent Martina Hingis, "Sie ist ein habbler mann!" For extra credit can any Chatsters translate??? :-D

fourqts: . . . . Mon, Feb 1, 7:33AM PST (-0700 GMT)
Back into the swing last night with a 6-3 win... The kicker is they throw our best player out five min into the game for getting rough last week. We were up 1-0 at that time and he had an assist on the goal.... Guess what.... Yep 0-0 after five min... But we generated a little offense and the best thing of the night was they decided to play a little defense. Only had to defend one clean breakaway... no Soup.

smott: . . . . Mon, Feb 1, 7:44AM PST (-0700 GMT)
Niiice 4q! Stuff'em!...

Sieve: . . . . Mon, Feb 1, 1:35PM PST (-0700 GMT)
Helllllloooooooo... ECHO....

J.T.: . . . . Mon, Feb 1, 1:46PM PST (-0700 GMT)
testing....1...2...3...shellacking.....

fourqts: . . . . Mon, Feb 1, 3:06PM PST (-0700 GMT)
C5 is the man with da picts!!!!!!! great wallpaper on the Khabby thanks