Hockey in the 'Hood

Bears Playing Hockey. Really.

2009-11-23T17:52:00.000-08:00

So Easy . . .

2009-11-06T11:57:00.001-08:00

a 9-year old can do it:

Just Because . . .

2009-06-29T17:33:00.000-07:00

"old time hockey," eh . . .

I had a goaltender like #3 once . . .

The Goalie Is Late: Protocol

2009-06-26T11:50:00.000-07:00

It happens. Family things come up. Traffic. Work. Whatever. Sometimes your goalie is late.

First, check the locker rooms to see if someone who just came off is willing to play for a few more minutes (often someone will stand up). Sometimes that doesn't work.

Ok, so your guy is in the dressing room, but no one's there to help out.

(1) Call a timeout before the first face off. That will give you an extra 1:30 or so.
(2) The other team should call a timeout, too. First, because goals scored against no goalie are suspect, and second because it isn't much fun playing against a goalie-less team because you feel like a chump if you're actually trying to score (and you basically are).
(3) Still waiting, both timeouts burned, gotta get a sixth guy out there. Now, don't have him skate like an extra attacker. If you do, you deserve every goal scored against you (and if you're the other team, put in a couple of empty-netters if that's how their going to play it).
(4) Get as many stoppages of play as possible. Ice the puck. Take it in offsides on purpose (but not too obviously or you'll get the faceoff down where you have no goalie). You've gotta burn time for your guy to get dressed and get out there.

Now, what about the other team? We've already covered taking their timeout. What about shooting? The opposition has a skater playing goal, so you've got to back off a little, but how much? Well, taking slappers from the point seems right out. Seriously.

I was the sixth guy the other night, and I stopped two slapshots. One in the chest (note: my shoulder pads "chest protector" was not designed as a goalie's chest protector), one a "blocker" save. But come on, guys, was that really necessary? How about trying to work it down low and get a decent wrister off?

And look, if you see the goalie waiting for a whistle, regardless of which team you're on, get the whistle. It's not cool to exploit the lack of a goaltender, and if you're the team playing with the sixth guy, it's not cool for the sixth guy.

Anyway . . . some etiquette to think about.

[Bizarre] Rights of Summer

2009-06-26T10:46:00.000-07:00

I know this isn't the first time I've mentioned it, but managing summer hockey can really be a pain in the ass. To deal with the comings and goings, we've bumped our roster from 15 (14 skaters and a goalie), to 20 (18 skaters, 2 goalies), and we still struggle to get two full lines. The other night was a microcosm of summer hockey:

3 guys on IR
1 guy on vacation
6 maybes (two showed)
1 guy had to be at work too early for the late game

So with 18 skaters on the roster, we had 9.

One of the goalies had a last minute family commitment, but we couldn't reach the other one. And our backup was out of town, too. So the first came, took an emotional beating from the family, and showed up late.

So we start the game with eight skaters (another was running late) and no goalie. The other team did the right thing and took a timeout (after ours) to start the game. That gave us as much extra time as possible, but it still wasn't enough (and by the way, that's the right thing to do). We finally get a goalie on the ice about 5 minutes in (remarkably without giving up a goal.

At the end of the first period one of our guys needs to drop a load, so he misses the last 5 minutes of the period. Who does he think he is, Manny Ramirez? WTF!?!

On top of it all, for the first time ever, I forgot my skates. I live 25 minutes from the rink, so there was no going home for them. Luckily one of the guys lives close and has an extra pair. His wife drove them over to us and I laced 'em up. They were more or less the right size, but O-L-D! No ankle support left, dull blades, and my skates are rocked a little forward and these weren't. I was like a rookie peewee out there. I couldn't accelerate, couldn't turn, couldn't stop, and could barely skate backwards. Lovely. And I remember thinking as I left my garage, "huh, bag feels a little light tonight." Dumbass. I was one of our three D, so I was out there a bunch. God help me if I make that mistake again.

We won. We were playing a team that isn't as good as us. But it was sloppy throughout.

Ah, summer hockey.

Cage vs. Shield?

2009-04-01T15:43:00.001-07:00

So, I'm on record opposing the half-shield; it's a good way to get your jaw broken, lose a tooth, or even get a nasty eye wound. It's better than nothing, but worse than reason. Anyway, that's not the point. I was watching some of the NCAA hockey tournament and I got to thinking, what ever happened to the full shield? That's what all the college players wore back in the early 90s. The cage was considered old and clunky. Now you rarely see a full shield, and the college kids are all back to the cage. What happened there?

The Guys

2009-03-18T15:49:00.000-07:00

I suspect most rosters look a lot like ours (guys often fill more than one of these roles):

Old Man River: skills are fading, but he's a good dude and no one wants to see him go. Maybe not so good for the penalty kill, but great for a beer in the parking lot. Seriously, it's rec hockey; what's more important?

The Kid: Hockey players are a little crazy as a rule, and the Kid is always the craziest. No one remembers having quite as much fun as he claims when they were young and single, but he has fresh legs and talent, so a little crazy won't hurt anyone.

Meathead: "Let's play some #@!&ing hockey!" Sure buddy, but you'd play a lot more if you didn't spend so much time in the box.

Canadian: For US rec teams, you gotta have a Canadian, better yet, a French Canadian. Ok, or a Czech, or a Russian, or a Swede. Somebody from one of those hockey playin' countries. At least Minnesota. Maybe he's not a ringer, but he's good . . . and a little off.

Flaky Star: when he's there, he's money. Problem is he isn't always there. Normally has a temper, too.

Captain Serious: the rec hockey captain who takes everything too seriously. He's not a great player, but he organizes things, so you're happy to have him. But seriously, guy, we're not going to learn the breakout without practicing, and that's not happening any time soon. Might go so far as to write an occasional blog post about hockey.

Crazy Goalie: they're all different . . . and they're all a little off in one way or another. But worldwide they have the same name: Crazy Goalie.

Glory Seeker: This guy wants to bury the puck and will do anything in his power to do so . . . as long as it doesn't include passing to a teammate.

Quiet Hero: solid, team player, scores, passes, plays defense. Keeps his mouth shut. Broods when things are going badly.

The Fuse: good player, libel to explode in rage at any moment. Sometimes it's a long fuse, sometimes it's short, but when it goes? Look out.

Rink Rat: plays for you, plays for them, plays for some other guys, too. Just likes to play. The secret? No wife or kids.

Late Skate McGee: You mean I'm supposed to be here in time for the warm-ups? Please.

The Drinker: we all have a beer after the game, but this guy doesn't stop at one. In fact, you wonder if he stops at four, but you're rarely around late enough to find out

The Mouth: quick to let you know what you're doing wrong. That's not to say that he's doing it right, just that you're doing it wrong.

The Big Defenseman: maybe he has skills, maybe not, but he's big, and he'll run you over if you come near his crease.

The Instigator: maybe he's the Fuse, but often not; he's pesky in the corners at all times. When you're playing against him he's irritating. Sometimes enough to take a dumb penalty just to vent some frustration.

Just Happy to be Here: shows up, plays hockey, drinks a beer. What, you need more than that?

Playoffs!

2009-03-18T14:43:00.000-07:00

There was a time my team was cursed. We went five seasons in a row without winning a playoff game. In four of those five years we finished towards the middle of the pack, so played another middle of the pack team. The fifth year we sucked, so losing to a much higher seed was no surprise.

Was our mentality wrong? Our defense too soft? Who knows. I remember one of those years we thoroughly outplayed our opponent. On the way to the parking lot after the game one of their guys says to me, "we were just waiting for the shoe to drop, but it never did." No kidding.

Whatever the problem, last year we finally won a playoff game. It wasn't the panacea -- we lost our second game to "the ringer" -- but maybe it was a breakthrough. We won our summer league, winning a 1-goal game, then a shootout in the semi-final (a game we never led, if I remember correctly), a shootout in the first game of the finals (13-shots per side in the shootout; another game we never led), and a 1-goal game to finish it (our league plays a 3-game finals).

Well, it's time for the playoffs again. We finished middle of the pack again, so face another team we're right in the middle with. We were 2-0-1 against them (2-1-1 if you count the "preseason") during the season, but they scare me. They can score in bunches whereas our team has a nasty habit of going through long scoring droughts.

On top of that, we'll have everyone there, which almost never happens. So we have to run through an almost overfull bench (14 skaters: 5 D and 3 forward lines). This has only happened once all season, and we lost that game. To an inferior team.

So we're mostly in our 30s and 40s, but we're getting all psyched up for a rec-hockey playoff game. Good times.

Don't Rub It In

2009-02-09T13:38:00.000-08:00

Blowouts. Nasty when you're on the receiving end of one. Just as bad to deliver it? Every time my team has taken someone to the woodshed in the last few years we've been rewarded for it with a terrible run for the next few games. It's regular as clockwork: crush someone, serve a kharmic penalty. Or is it that in scoring all those goals we blew our wad? Does it ratchet up our confidence too high? Whatever it is, it sucks.

I'm not talking a 5-1 convincing win. I'm talking a thrashing: 8-1, 10-2. Real blowouts. The kind of game where everyone just wants it over with about 10 minutes to play. You worry about fights. You worry about injuries. You worry about people thinking you guys are jerks for running up the score.

It happened to us again this season. We're 4-2-1, playing the worst team in the division and we break out a can of whup-ass. It didn't actually feel like we were outplaying them that badly, but I guess we were. It went into the record books as a 9-1 shellacking, and to be honest, the one goal didn't go in the net (I was standing right there; it wasn't in). So now we're 5-2-1. What happens next? Scoring drought. Six atrocious, painful, bloody games without a win and with precious few goals. Thank goodness we managed a come-from-behind 4-4 tie and another 1-1 tie. 0-4-2. Brutal.

At the end of the stretch we again faced the team we'd blown out 7 games before. In the meantime they began to get a little better (winning their first two games of the season). Instead of another blowout, we won a close game. And our kharma came back. We're playing decent hockey again.

The question remains: at some point you know it's a blowout; what do you do to prevent the inevitable slide? Stop shooting?

Pond Hockey? Not Here.

2009-01-16T11:12:00.000-08:00

Been away from this little project for a while, but figured I'd populate it with some good stuff friends have sent me.

Next week is the US Pond Hockey Championships in Minnesota. Now, there are days I'm jealous of guys walking their skates to the local pond to lace-up and play a quick game of shinny. Then there are days like today, January 16th, where I look out my office window at a gorgeous day in the 50s, without a cloud in the sky, a calm San Francisco Bay, and look forward to riding my bike back to the train station to head home at the end of the work day.

But someday I'll get to the Pond Hockey championships. Sounds like fun.

He's a Hockey Player.

2008-06-20T09:57:00.000-07:00

I know I just covered this, but it bears repeating. Hockey players are different.

When my pre-school aged daughter takes a tumble, knocks her head, pinches a finger in a door, whatever, then shakes it off, we smile and say, "she's a hockey player." She says it, too. "I'm ok. I'm a hockey player."

That's no joke. The other day, I limped off the ice with three minutes to go in a game that was basically decided and I called it a night. A hard smack on my knee, and I'm still having trouble with stairs. Hey, it was a fun game, and no doubt worth it, but not going back on the ice calls my cred into question.

Our goaltender? (A different one, this time.) He's a hockey player. Three weeks ago, early in the second period, he's facing a 1-on-0, the forward rockets a shot high to the stick side, and our guy makes a sweet save, getting just enough of it to knock it down. But now it's dangling there, just beside him, as the forward speeds in, to tap it home. Our goalie does what any netminder would do, and dives on it, gloves first, making the second save. As luck would have it, he gets his finger stuck between his stick and the ice. Ouch. Sure enough, it's bleeding profusely and hurts like a mother. He comes to the bench, someone grabs some white athletic tape (no guaze or anything), and he tapes the blood in. A little later he has someone tape his pinkie and his ring finger (the bloody one) together, becuase he's having a hard time holding his stick.

He plays the remainder of the game, giving up only one more goal as we hang on for the win. Next stop, the hospital.

Move over Donovan McNabb -- you were getting paid big money to play that football game on a broken ankle. Our guy played two periods of REC HOCKEY on a broken finger and torn nail. For free.

He's a hockey player.

Speaking of Ringers and Fancy Sticks

2008-05-23T10:06:00.000-07:00

Gotta love the Downholers . . .

Love the mixed-league softball reference, too. Classic.

Hockey Fan vs Hockey Player

2008-05-08T09:49:00.000-07:00

Most recreational hockey players are hockey fans, too, but . . .

this is a hockey fan:

these are hockey players:

What's the difference? Fundamentally, there's one: hockey players like to watch hockey, but would rather play; hockey fans just watch.

My brother-in-law is Canadian. Grew up in Windsor, but the Leafs and the Wings were so bad, he became a fan of Les Habs. And what self-respecting Canadian isn't? Anyway, he's played shinny a few times in his life, but he knows the NHL. Knows it well. We talk hockey a lot, but the funny thing is we're mostly talking past each other as I know the game, but he knows the league.

Our old goaltender (and frequent sub -- bless him!) is a player. And he proved it beyond a shadow of a doubt this Spring. Our goaltender was going to miss the first two games of the playoffs, so we called our sub. He graciously played game 1, and played brilliantly, as we won 2-1. So on to game two. I give him a call, "hey man, our guy won't be back, can you help us out?"

Problem is, he's a season ticket holder for the Sharks and has playoff tickets to game 2 of their first round series with the Flames. Initially he balks, but he calls me back, "I've talked it over with [his fiance]. If that's the only game we get tickets to, then I probably wouldn't want to see it anyway. I'll skate for you guys." Now that's hard core. He turned down an NHL playoff game on the theory that if that were the only game he got tickets to it was because the Sharks blew their first round series, and who would want to see that, anyway? Turns out he was kind of right. The Sharks lost that game, but won the series. So he got to see another game (a win, I think) before he got to see them tank in round two.

And for all that, we rewarded him . . . by playing no defense in a 6-0 shellacking. "Hey, thanks for helping us out!" [Sigh.]

But he's a hockey player. He didn't mind . . . (I hope).

The Ringer

2008-04-18T09:52:00.000-07:00

Player for player you're better than them. There's no doubt. You watch the play unfold: you own the ice, your goaltender's bored, the action is in their end, this game is yours.

But there he is. No facemask. Old skates. Tattered gloves. Mismatched old practice sweater. He intercepts a pass. He makes a quick turn away from the first challenger. He streaks up the ice, past your trailing centerman. He is challenged again at the center-line. A quick flick of the wrists and twist of the hips, and he's by the next man. He crosses the blue line, your defensemen converge on him, he winds up his blast from the face-off circle, your goaltender begins his butterfly, he . . . swings a deft pass to the slacker, untalented left wing skating unmolested to the far post, who taps in the open net goal.

He makes bad teams good, mediocre teams great, and good teams advance to the next division. Yes, friends, he's the Ringer. He plays at every level except the top (where they are all Ringers).

When he plays for you, you love him. When he plays against you, you fear him and despise his mates. "Why does he play for them?" "Sweet, he's playing for us tonight." "Isn't he bored?" "He gives us the edge we need." "He's an A player, he shouldn't be here." "Everyone's got one, who are they to complain?"

Now, there are two kinds of ringers. The one brought in for one game, and the one who is on your roster. The former is the more distasteful, to my mind. The latter? Maybe the team is just trying to get better. Of course, if he sticks around long enough and the rest of the team doesn't get any better, the resentment builds.

We play in an intermediate division. There are no true beginners in our league. Most teams have one or two guys who are truly playing below their level. The frustrating thing is that last season's "best" team really wasn't. Instead, they had the best two players, then a bunch of mediocre guys. Although player-for-player, they were probably the 5th best team (out of 6), they only lost 3 games all season. I take pleasure in the fact that in the end, they lost the finals (in a two-game sweep) to the team that really is, player-for-player the best in the league (and has one ringer of their own).

It's frustrating to lose to a team when you're beating most of their guys, but can't beat their best player. When you win with one of these guys, you justify it in one way or another: the reality is there is a range of players at every level. You play with the guys you do because you know and like them. So one guy played in college, one guy played in high school, one guy played shinny on local ponds, and one guy just switched over from a couple of years of roller hockey. That's just how it is. So, "My friend is a really good player. We play together because we're friends."

At lower levels, speed is the difference. A fast player can beat a tripod without much effort. The higher the level the less speed plays a role, the more hands do. Our last true ringer wasn't that fast. Probably five guys on our team were faster, some much faster, but he could make the puck dance, and find the open man or the back of the net with ease. Those are some of the most frustrating ringers. You can keep with them, they don't seem that great, but you just can't pry the puck away, which means you are always standing right there when the goal is scored. At least when they blow by you you know there was nothing you could do.

Love him, hate him, the Ringer is here to stay. If he's on your team, make sure you find open space in front of the opposing net, to give him options when the other team converges on him. When you play against him, get a big early lead to get him bored and frustrated.

What's going on in the mind of the Ringer? I've only been there a handful of times (playing in beginner divisions). It's fun, for a while, to skate around people and have your way with opposing defenses. It's fun to intimidate an opposing team, to have them fear you. But, at least for me, it gets boring and frustrating not having players you feel comfortable sharing the puck with. Yet again, this is probably less true the higher the level, the more challenge there is. I wouldn't know, I'm an intermediate player playing in an intermediate division.

Whether it's a bore or not, he's not going anywhere. The best defense is probably to find your own Ringer. Last summer we did. It was a great pleasure beating that team with the two ringers and hearing them gripe about our guy. Seriously, of all the teams to complain about ringers, they were the worst offenders. So, they got what was coming to them.

But it made me feel a little dirty. That's just how it goes, I guess.

"Girls"

2008-03-10T12:40:00.000-07:00

This is the first season we haven't played with or against women. The first rec team I joined played in the beginner division. We had about five women. All of the women on that team were effectively beginners. One decided to practice a slapshot against our teammate's face during the warm-ups for a playoff game. The victim (with whom I still play) skated past the blue-line towards center ice when the slapper ricocheted off his eye socket. Twenty stitches and 5% of his vision later, he wears a cage.

We moved up a division and didn't have any women on our team, but still played against several. Then we moved up another division and we only played against a handful. In this league (an intermediate or, if I'm being kind to myself, advanced-intermediate league) there were two women on one team, and maybe one more on another? That was when the division had ten or eleven teams. With new management taking over and some personnel shake-ups on various teams, this season the team with a pair of women moved down a division, leaving our league estrogen free.

Last summer, with still -- I think -- one woman playing for a team now in the lower division, another woman subbed in for one of the other teams, then for us for a game or two. I met her playing pick-up hockey one Friday night. She's a solid skater, handles the puck well, and plays pretty solid position. On the other hand, she's about 5'2" and not built heavy. Her skill set and size play well in a pick-up game, but playing competively with a bunch of men? We played our summer league with a short bench. A very short bench. I asked her to join us for a game or two. She showed off some skill -- definitely better than a bunch of the guys in our league -- and helped us out.

Turns out she plays NCAA Div-III hockey. This season she was an alternate captain for her team, did her part, leading the team in scoring, and made the all-conference team. The team won their division, and will play in the NCAA Div-III tournament that starts this coming weekend. So she's pretty good in a competitive, if not the top, women's league.

What does this all mean? Several of the guys on our team would've been stars if they were women (or underwent "gender reassignment" surgery . . .)

More thoughts:

Women in the culture? We'd likely have to cut down on the off-color humor in the dressing room or the parking lot. Most hockey-playing women probably don't mind, but the men do. Got to pretend there's a minimum level of decency (there isn't).

Women in the locker room? I've played with some that changed in the locker room, going all the way down to the birthday suit. Most came dressed in some form of underclothing that they could keep on. There was the "turn to face the wall" when changing bras. Not sure how effective that was. Yeah, it's not a full frontal shot of "the girls," but it's not like you don't see them. The men? Try to be a little more subtle when stripping down for the shower, but still took showers, leaving it up to the women not to get caught staring. Never saw a woman hop in the shower in a co-ed locker room. On the other hand, they don't sweat, right?

Playing against women? Our team is pretty agressive along the boards for a "non-checking" league. Any different when playing a woman? Got to say yes. Maybe we shouldn't be, but the chivilrous (chauvanistic?) part of me says to pull up rather than grinding the woman out on the boards. If you do take her out, you answer for it on the bench. Then, when a woman beats you, especially if it's by going through you, you never hear the end of it. Good times.

Recreational?

2008-03-04T15:55:00.000-08:00

There's 1:30 left in the third. It's a one goal game.

Do you shuffle your lines, or do you go with whoever is next? If there is a power play (for you if you are losing, against you if you are winning), does it change your answer?

Lately, I've been going the shuffle route. Is that unfair to the guys who aren't as good, but are paying just as much? Is one shift that big a deal?

Short Bench

2008-02-29T19:46:00.000-08:00

14 skaters on the squad. Scheduling isn't hard, we play once a week, the same night every week. So how do you end up short?

Two guys have been a little flaky the last two years. Still, that leaves 12 reliable skaters. At 3pm one of the flakes is coming; the other is down with a knee. 13. Another guy has a season ending injury (thankfully, not on the ice). 12. It's February in California, so one guy is skiing in Tahoe. 11. One guy's wife just had a baby. He comes to the game, but his head's not in it and he forgets his gear at home. 10. One more guy is out on a business trip. 9. And the kicker? It's flu season, and it's wracked the keeper something fierce. No goalie. So we call-up our standby sub and his team's already got a game that night. Still no goalie. Which means our 8th skater is now our goaltender. 8. With our 3rd string goalie (who would've been the starter 10 years ago, but now plays about twice a year, normally in this situation). A few minutes before gametime, flaky-guy #1, who was coming as late as this afternoon? Nowhere to be seen. 7.

What do you do? Well, one thing you do is lose. Even when the other team is missing their best couple of guys. Which is frustrating becuase it was a great opportunity to pick up two points. It never ceases to amaze how the numbers can change minutes before the game. Here, we had a solid 10, but with the flu and the lack of our normal sub-goalie into account, the flake, and hormonal pregnancy guy we stand little chance.

More importantly, who's got the beer?

Lucky for me, I was the guy on the business trip, but seriously, I sincerely hope someone brought beer.

Karma: the New 1-Piece

2008-01-18T15:47:00.000-08:00

I'd been holding off on buying a one-piece stick for a while. They're just so expensive. But, it has literally been two seasons since I broke a blade, and I don't love my current shafts (I seriously think I've been through as many shafts as blades over the last four years, but it's probably my fault for buying $5 demos off of ebay).

So there it was, nice and shiny in my favorite pro shop. A dazzler. Retail: $239. On sale: $109. The catch? Pro-return; this is the real deal. But: "NO WARRANTY." It's written there right on the side of the stick. As I understand it, most of these hot new numbers come with a 30-day warranty, or some such thing (as if getting 4-6 games out a stick will somehow take the sting out of losing a $150+ stick on day 31).

Anyway, I can afford it, and I haven't spent much money on sticks in a while, so . . . ring it up.

And it's sweet. Light as a feather, great kick point. I love it. Ok, I didn't score a goal with it in game one, but it still felt great, and in game two, I buried one on a breakaway. It's gotta be the stick, right? LOVE IT.

Karma. Game three with the sexy little number, and midway through the second period I kneel to block a shot coming from the point, and lay the paddle down. Hard shot hits twelve inches from the butt, and bam. Just like that, my new stick is now two sticks.

Ouch. Just shy of $20 per period.

Now, the guy who runs the pro shop has offered me another at a serious discount, which is cool. He certainly isn't obligated -- it was just bad luck for me. There's also the option of sending it out for repair with the SRS repair system (www.srshockey.com/usa). Maybe. Seems like a cool idea.

Either way, a dubious way to start my career playing with a 1-piece. And how to explain to the wife?

Even so, switched back to the old lumber, and sure enough, picked up another goal. Empty-netter, sure, but hey, I need the points.

Help Clearing the Crease

2008-01-10T11:54:00.000-08:00

Three more lessons?

(1) Sometimes you have to watch a lot of chaff to finally get to what you want;
(2) Opposing players in tip videos often aren't trying very hard;
(3) This has some good tips on how to help clear the crease on defense (some of which will make your opponent mad)

The Addict

2007-12-17T09:46:00.000-08:00

Some things in life are addictive: smoking, drinking, heroin, . . . and hockey.*

But not all users are addicts. I've known people that were social smokers. I've been one myself once or twice. But if your clothes smell, your teeth turned yellow, you cough and wheeze a lot, and your doc is showing you black spots on your lungues? Probably addicted to smoking.

I enjoy a nice wine, a cold beer, and a nice single malt. But if you can't remember yesterday afternoon. Or the afternoon before that one. Heck, you can't remember most afternoons, and definitely no weekends? And the courts took away your driver's license? Betty Ford is calling your name.

Woke up this morning in the gutter with a needle in your arm? Let's face it, there can't be many "social" herion users.

So how do you tell if you're a hockey addict? Reschedule an emergency court date for a client for a day earlier so you won't miss your hockey game? Leave a baby monitor with your next-door neighbor to "watch" your infant child until 1 a.m. on a Thursday night while you go play? Send your wife to pick-up the brand new sports sedan from the dealer without you because you have to make a game? First stop back from a long business trip is the parking lot to have a beer with the guys after the game you just missed?

You might be an addict.

I can remember when I was a kid and all I wanted for my birthday was to go play in a pick-up game. Seriously. Didn't want a birthday party; I guess I wanted a cake; but all I really cared about was that mom and dad got me to the $10 pick-up game on time.

Others? Let's hear 'em . . .

*From what I hear surfing is, too.

New Sweaters

2007-11-29T10:48:00.000-08:00

I'm in the always painful process of getting the guys new sweaters. How apropos that the Beer League video series that got me started on this blog just published their own new sweater story. Check it out at http://www.downholers.com/ (and don't miss the archives and the "sub goalie" segment -- yup. Been there.)

A Newer, Better Hockey Skate?

2007-11-29T10:36:00.000-08:00

A friend of mine sent me the following. Interesting to note skate speed skaters experimenting with the idea a few years back led to the Olympics banning such skates. Made people too fast. Think if I got some of these, it would make the difference and I could make the NHL next season?

Probably not. Anyway . . .

http://www.manufacturingcenter.com/dfx/news/stories/feature-2.asp

Fire on ice

The Great One says new skate will “revolutionize” hockey

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Canadian skate blade maker Therma Blade Inc. and hockey legend Wayne Gretzky have unveiled a revolutionary new heated, battery-powered skate blade called Thermablade that eight to 10 NHL players will wear to test real-game performace in upcoming NHL matches.

The new Thermablade will be worn by eight to 10 NHL players in games this season. Purported benefits indicate a distinct physiological advantage as a result of increased stamina and reduced fatigue.

"There's no doubt that we are seeing the latest advance in the evolution of skating technology, and I see Thermablade being popular equipment among NHL players," says Gretzky, who is an investor in the new skate being produced in Quebec. "Thermablades are going to revolutionize the game of hockey. They represent the most significant advance in skate blade design in at least 30 years.”

The NHL has agreed to allow a small group of players to test Thermablade in games over the next few weeks, says Kris King, senior manager of NHL hockey operations. The NHL wants to confirm testing data provided by Therma Blade Inc. and establish the safety and reliability of the blade under NHL game conditions.

Thermablade is designed to maintain a consistent temperature of approximately 5°C using a small battery and a microprocessor stored within each skate blade holder. The warm blade acts to increase the thickness of the water layer between the blade and the ice surface, dramatically reducing gliding friction and starting resistance for skaters.

The reduced friction allows players to reach top speed faster and to skate using less energy. Physiological benefits include a reduction in heart rate, increased stamina, and less fatigue over the course of a hockey game.

The PSoC CapSense solution for capacitive sensing, from Cypress Semiconductor, was used in Thermablade. The PSoC solution allows the heat to be turned on and off using touch-sensitive controls, eliminating the need for mechanical buttons that can be broken or pressed accidentally, an important feature considering the very physical nature of hockey. The CapSense solution also is waterproof, a useful feature for hockey, as well as white goods such as washing machines and dishwashers, and industrial equipment. The skate takes advantage of a CapSensePLUS device in which the PSoC solution does much more than just on-and-off controls. The CapSense device also heats the skate blade and powers down the system during periods of inactivity to extend battery life.

The blade’s inventor, Tory Weber, of Calgary, spent more than $5 million over five years in researching and developing his hot idea. He contacted Gretzky and delivered a prototype in 2004 at the All-Star game in Minnesota. The Great One was so impressed, he agreed to invest and endorse the invention.

"This is an incredible day both for Thermablades and for the game of hockey," says Weber. "We have spent the last few years working extremely hard to develop our technology from the ground up, with input from both elite and recreational players, and we believe Thermablades are truly the next wave in hockey skate technology."

How it works: A small, rechargeable impact-resistant lithium polymer battery electrically warms the blade to 5°C, producing a thin layer of water between blade and ice to reduce friction at the surface.

Performance tests of the heated blades revealed benefits such as starting friction being reduced by 65% to 75%, sliding friction lowered by 50% to 55%, and vibration reduced by about 50%. As an example of one benefit, the reduced blade vibration increased the players’ feel and control of their blade edges. Players that tested the blades stated that they felt they could make tighter turns and that they were more confident in their cornering.

In surveys of players who used the heated blades during product testing over the summer, about 85% of players said the Thermablades were significantly smoother to skate on than conventional blades; 68% said they skated farther with less effort; about 61% said they accelerated more quickly; 63% said they felt less fatigue while playing.

The NHL is taking things slow in warming up to the idea. There are ice quality issues, as well as questions as to what would happen should an errant slapshot shatter the heating elements across the rink during play.

Such a device would be illegal in international and Olympic competition, however. There are specific rules regarding heated blades after it was discovered that certain teams were experimenting with them before speed skating races.

Testing of Thermablade under controlled conditions showed that players using heated blades displayed reduced heart rates and lower lactic acid production. Overall performance benefits indicated a physiological advantage over conventional skate blades as a result of increased stamina and reduced fatigue.

Thermablades will be available in specialty sports stores in Canada at a suggested price of $399.99.

"Thermablades are about to change the game of hockey," says Weber, at the Hockey Hall of Fame. "The technology substantially enhances skating performance, and the heated blade has absolutely no negative impact on the ice surface at all."

As part of a launch event, an early prototype of the heated blades that Weber has been developing since 1975 — a skate blade with an electrical extension cord attached — was donated to the Hockey Hall of Fame for display.

Want more information? Click below.
Thermablade Inc.

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Cypress Semiconductor

New Management: the Response, "Suck it."

2007-11-19T13:35:00.000-08:00

I am unsympathetic to the complaints of some regarding the new management. Here is the (excerpted) response from the new management, who, apparently, share my view:

Captains,

I apologize for a lack of contact this weekend, I was away for a coaching clinic. I’ll try to touch on the issues that have been brought up here over the past few days.

1. Team rosters are a requirement to play in the league. You must go online and enter your team (with a number for each player) and you must bring a printed sheet for each game to have the players sign. The former so I can see who is USA Hockey registered and the latter so I can see who actually played on that given day. If you do not bring a printed sheet in, you can make a hand written one at the rink. I will not be providing you with your printed sheet. ("This isn't that hard. Stop being a baby.")

2. In order for your USA Hockey payment to translate into coverage, you must wear the proper USA Hockey equipment. This includes shoulder pads. This does not include cages or mouth guards.

I have not made up these rules myself and therefore there is no “wiggle room”. There will not be exceptions to particular rules made for particular divisions. ("Yah, the rules are a little arbitrary, but they aren't mine and insurance is important, so get over it . . . or play somewhere else.")

3. We are playing blue line icing and there is no overtime. This will be relayed to the referees. We play this way so that all games will start and end on time. ("You all know how annoying it is to show up for a 10:15 game, and not start until 10:45? This is intended to address that problem.")

. . .

I think that covers the major concerns. In the future, please do not “reply all” when responding to my e-mails unless it is absolutely necessary. I’m sure everyone doesn’t want their inbox full of Oakland Adult Hockey all year. ("Not everyone wants to hear your temper tantrum.") Aside from that, keep in mind that I am working with you. This league is not for me or about me. The schedule is being constructed with the goal of letting you play hockey, not me wanting you miss your family vacation. I have not changed any league fees or previously scheduled time slots. The rule changes are what come along with being USA Hockey registered. (We're trying to be reasonable, but we will still run this thing the way we run things.") The building has certainly been inspected and all necessary fix-ups will be happening. ("Rome wasn't built in a day.") So, while I certainly welcome your suggestions and feedback, there is a fine line between constructive communication and complaining. It is much easier for me to want to work with you when it’s kept to the first one. ("Quit your whining.")

New Management Part II: The Whiner

2007-11-19T11:55:00.000-08:00

New management = changes. We covered that, right?

Not everyone got the message. Here's the response from one of the team captains out there in space when faced with the daunting task of providing the scorekeeper a player sign-in sheet prior to each game:

With all due respect I do wonder for what reason and how logistically it will be possible to have a captain provide a roster for each game that will require every player to sign in.
Why can't you make twenty copies (a season's worth) of each team roster and have them at the rink for your referees to demand signatures prior to each game. It seems like what you propose is a very large amount of red tape to go through but I guess it all comes down to trying your best to streamline the process of making sure that all players on the ice are usa hockey registered. I bet you wish that you did not have to adhere to that pain in the ass requirement, seems like it is hardly worth the 35 bucks everyone has to pay if it creates all of these hassles for you. (Bet he will think it's worth it after he takes a puck in the eye.) There must be some big payoff for you guys related to having us all signed up for the usa hockey program. Is it insurance or something more? (You know, because insurance isn't that big a deal, right?)

We all like the location plus the guys who play in our forty and over league are all great sports and fun to compete with so because of this we will be willing to put up with a few additional inconveniences but I do want to point out that placing a high priority on shoulder pads while allowing helmet restrictions to be optional does not make any sense to me. I have a player who wears a certified helmet and cage but who has such big shoulders that he refuses to wear the shoulder pads and I don't blame him. Do I have to tell him that after seven years he has to sit out of this league because of your equipment requirements? He just happens to be one of the best players in the league. (Well, if he's good, that means he can't get hurt, right? The rules forcing shoulder pads but not face masks are a little arbitrary, but, hey, that's what the insurance requires.) If you can't bend then we may have to back out.
Let's talk soon to see what wiggle room you really have on these issues. You can reach me at xxx-xxx-xxxx.

I have been holding off on turning in our team fee of which I have the full amount until we were certain that this new management is going to work with us. ("We're special. Besides, one of our guys is one of the best players in the league.") Please let me know just how cumbersome the new rules will become and what if any new restrictions are going to be imposed in the future. (Something tells me the new management won't shed any tears if this guy decides to opt out. "Cuz, you know, it's not really hockey if you have to wear shoulder pads.")

My favorite response, from another captain:
I have no problem with the small amount of paperwork before each game. I think that just comes with being a captain on a team. Shoulder pads don't seem to be an issue either. I've noticed since the captains meeting that the over 40 boys seem to be fighting every change that comes along.

Gonna make a lot of friends with that one. Good thing he's in a different division. But he's right. The whining is stupid, the rules aren't that difficult to comply with (and are an attempt to ensure that each team is actually playing its players), and insurance is no small thing.

The Goal Scorer

2007-11-16T09:35:00.000-08:00

We've had two over the years. Guys that just know how to score. They were both very good, though I'm not sure they were the "best" players on our team. Other guys could skate better, defend better, handle the puck better, hustled more . . ., but these two just knew how to put the biscuit in the basket.

It's a special talent: the ability to score. One I don't have. Being in the right place at the right time. Getting shots off quickly and accurately. Knowing how to get around that last defenseman for a clear shot.

The first of our goalscorers left us many moons ago. Moved to Alaska. I think we only played one full season with him. It was lower competition, but his line scored 75 goals in 20 games, and he was responsible for over 30 of them. He wasn't in great shape, and sometimes that caught up with him. But he changed gears to shoot around opposing defenseman like they were standing still. A few minutes into a game, the other team knew it was coming, but they still couldn't stop it. And his shot always seemed to find net. As soon as he went down with a knee injury in his second season with us, our team started to falter. It never recovered. Not long after his move to Alaska, we (the tribal council) started over again with a new team.

Our next goal scorer. Again, a very good player. Our best? Maybe, maybe not. Certainly not our fastest, and our other top center was likely better end-to-end and on the defensive end. But the goal-scorer's hands . . . He could make the puck dance, and regularly did around opposing defenseman. And he, too, found the net with regularity. He was our leading goalscorer last season, and he only played the first 1/2 of the season, scoring about 1.5 goals per game, and opening up the ice for everyone playing with him. But he too up and left, back to the midwest, to Wisconsin. Again, without him, our team really took a dive.

So, now we're starting a new season, and through our two preseason games, the lack of a goal scorer is looking like a problem. Talent-wise we're one of the better teams in our league, but we need to find a way to generate goals.

Oh, to have a goal-scorer.

The Pro Shop(s)

2007-11-07T12:05:00.000-08:00

A new season is upon us, so, as always, its time to evaluate your gear and figure out if anything needs to be replaced.

So, where to buy your snazzy new gear (or cheapest, lightest possible shoulder pads, as the case may be)? Back in the old days, before the internet, you basically had two options in California: (1) buy from your rink's pro shop, or (2) there might be one hockey store in the area, at least in the Bay Area. Those were the bad old days. As a part time antitrust lawyer, I can attest the lack of options meant a lack of competition, and corresponding high prices. Maybe if you had family back east you might have had a couple more choices, but it's not as though the local sporting goods store was going to help any.

Today it's a brave new world. The internet resources are tremendous, and competition is here. Prices are lower, you can comparison shop, you can peruse every brand. It's awesome.

Here are my online resources: Hockey Giant, Hockey Monkey, epuck, and Peranis.
Hockey Giant and Hockey Monkey are essentially the same. Big stores, have just about everything, competitive pricing, and often good deals on last year's fancy new stuff. Having read Thomas Friedman's The World is Flat, I suspect that these two don't have very much actual stock, they just have direct links to the manufacturer/suppliers. I suspect this because they invariably have exactly the same things in stock and for sale (down to the sizes and colors available). I've used both and my only real complaint is that they both have stores in California, so in addition to shipping, I have to pay sales tax. Bummer. I think there is a Goalie Monkey, too. But I'm not a goalie, so I don't much care.

Epuck is a much smaller operation. They have far less to choose from and a site that isn't necessarily the easiest to navigate, but they make up for it with excellent pricing. If they have what you need, they likely have it at the lowest price. And I don't remember having to pay sales tax on what I ordered from them.

Peranis somehow feels the most authentic to me. Going to their website (and now you have to go a step further to Hockey World, their subsidiary) it just feels like you've entered a place that was built by some old hockey dudes who have been retailing hockey gear forever. It's not fancy, pretty, all that user friendly, but it's got a bunch of hockey stuff from every real hockey supplier in the world, not just the "Nike/Bauer," Reebok, CCM, Easton, and Mission Stuff. Besides, they sell all kind of ancient stuff that hasn't been made in years (Cooper, for instance) that must still just be collecting dust in their brick and mortar stores (in Michigan, Ohio, Pennsylvania, New York, and Texas (!?!)). If you're looking for a deal on something that's out of print, Peranis is your place. And no sales tax in California!

Those are my online stops. I'm happy to buy most protective equipment online. I haven't changed much in size in a long time, and I tend to stick with a brand (Jofa, now Reebok, for shin and elbow pads), so I'm not all that concerned with trying the stuff on in a store first. There's no reason not to buy stick blades, tape, facemasks, etc. on line, if you can beat the brick and mortar prices.

That said, I like the old hockey shop. I like walking in and picking stuff up. I like trying stuff on, flexing sticks, perusing the hockey sweaters, the whole experience. In the Bay Area, the old hockey shop was M-Sport. They also set up shop as the local pro shop in several of the area rinks, including Oakland. They weren't bad on price, but neither were they great. I think they are 100% gone now. In Oakland, in M-Sport's old place on Hegenberger Road, is Hockey XSport (located on the web at http://www.hockeyxsport.com/). I know a bunch of guys use this place, and they guarantee low prices, so that's nice. I haven't been since it was M-Sport back in maybe 1991, so I have no idea, but guys seem to like it.

My favorite place is East West Hockey (http://www.eastwesthockey.com/) in San Carlos (the opposite side of the Bay from Oakland, about 20 minutes south of San Francisco). I think the place is owned by the Figone family, and Jason Figone seems to run it. He owns/runs a hockey store becuase he loves hockey. You walk in there and you know you're dealing with people who are serious about the game and can help you find the right stuff. It doesn't have the greatest selection in the world, but what they have is all high quality stuff, and normally at reasonable prices (that's what the internet will do for you). Actually, basically all he carries is high quality stuff, so if you're looking for the cheapest shoulder pad in the world, he's probably not your best option. Also, he carries a lot of pro return equipment, so if you want the real deal, he can get it for you. Moreover, if you buy your skates there (and you simply can't buy skates online -- you've gotta try them on first), they will sharpen them for $3 a pop. Not a bad deal. And they are good at skate sharpening. Way better than the old Oakland Ice Pro Shop (M-Sport) guys were. Moreover, you can get custom skates from Jason. Again, if you want the NHL Bauers, rather than the retail Bauers, he can hook you up. In addition, Jason's got one of those cool shooting ranges. Want to buy a new stick? Take it into the cage and see how it actually performs. Pretty cool (and humbling to find out just how bad my aim is).

One thing about the brick and mortar hockey shop. They know the internet is out there undercutting them. They are willing to make a deal. Hockey X-Sport is explicit about it: they'll match any price. The brick and mortar place is willing to cut a deal to make the sale. So if you think you're overpaying, let them know. Or, if you find what you want online and you like your local shop, give them a call and see if they will match the price to make the sale. I generally like supporting the local guy, even if its at a little discount. Heck, I'll pay a little more . . . but only a little.

Characters: Dude, Get a Life

2007-11-06T11:48:00.001-08:00

I figured I'd run through our cast of characters, that is the guys I play with. We'll start with me.

Seriously, writing a blog about rec hockey that next to no one reads? Get a life. I spend way too much of my waking time thinking about this stuff. I send potential lines to one of the alternate captains during the week. I can only imagine him rolling his eyes everytime he gets them. I take this stuff way too seriuosly. It still bothers me when guys show up late. I fret over wins, losses, and statistics. I bought a hat that loosely resembles our team's colors and name, just because, well, it loosely resembles our team's name and colors. Season starts this Thursday, I'll break it back out for all the world to see . . . ("Man, that guy takes this stuff way too seriously.")

I send copies of plays to run to everyone. I know that gets the eyes rolling. Then it's game time.

"Ok guys, (1) let's keep the penalties down, and (2) no mouthing off to the refs." I promptly go out and take a bad retaliation penalty, then mouth off to the ref. I'm that guy.

Out of shape, don't handle the puck that well, can't shoot to save my life, but I make myself a center because, well, I run the stats and the administrative details. Go figure.

To my credit, our team is pretty well organized, and normally people know when its their turn to bring the beer.

Besides, when one becomes a family man, (a) you start to realize why the dads are always the ones running late, and (b) you need hockey. That special time once a week that belongs to just you, when you don't have any real responsibility other than trying to cover the slot and staying out of the penalty box.

I don't need a life. I have my family and hockey. What more is there?

The Goalie

2007-11-02T11:00:00.000-07:00

Goalies really are an odd breed. I think this guy used to play for us . . .

Shoulder Pads, Part Deux

2007-11-02T10:17:00.000-07:00

So, with the new management, new rules. USA Hockey is enforced, meaning shoulderpads are no longer optional.

But I still don't want to wear this:

Gotta go light . . . so this:

To nice looking. This?

Looking good . . . or this?

I was leaning towards the Sher-Woods -- classic old school, but the only place with them in my size right now wants to tack on a ridiculous shipping charge. So I went to www.peranis.com (then followed the hockey world link), where they have all kinds of old school / out of production (for good reason) pads . . .

Awesome! Now that's light!

Would have done these,

but they weren't in my size.

So I went with these:

$25.40, including shipping (again, a ridiculously steep shipping price). But just so it's clear, as my teammates would attest, I was not "born to play."

Happy shopping, anti-shoulder pad crowd!

This Just In: New Management = Changes

2007-11-01T11:07:00.000-07:00

So, the Sharks are in charge. They held a Captain's meeting Tuesday night to discuss how things will operate going forward. To many captains' surpise things will be different! No! Really!?! Uh, yeah.

(1) Everyone needs to be a USA Hockey member. Oh the humanity! Management wants an easy way to prove that everyone is insured! What is the world coming to?

(2) Every team has to pay the full team fee. The whole fee!?! No more friendly discounts? Appalling.

(3) At some point in the season, free-subbing of players has to stop, even if the team is shorthanded. You mean we can't bring in ringers from the Platinum league game that just ended because we only have eight of our own guys? Oh, the tragedy of it all! Where's the flexibility?

Frankly, I can't think of a single thing the new management discussed that isn't a welcome change. In addition to the three things listed above, the referees will now all be trained and certified. USA Hockey standards of play will be enforced, regularly. There will be actual league record keeping. Teams will have to play with their own players, but will be allowed to create sub lists. Players will only be eligible for the post-season if they played regularly in the regular season.

Some things there are no changes to: the fee for the season is exactly as advertised by the prior management and the teams will play the same basic schedule they have been playing (which is good for most leagues, not so good for my league, but there is a chance they will remedy that).

Some of the grumbling was ridiculous, if you ask me (and by reading this, you implicitly are). Seriously, how hard is it to maintain a basic roster and a set group of subs that are all level-appropriate? Isn't it time to end the arbitrary practice of allowing friendly discounts to some teams, while others pay the full freight.

All in all, players should remember two things: management of the league has been arbitrary and practically non-existent over the last few years; and there's a reason the City (the owners of the rink) replaced the old management team: their policies weren't any good. So, in comes a team with a good reputation (a reputation that is actually at stake in the community at large) and lots of practice running great leagues. I'm all for it.

Strike Up the Band; Hockey's Back!!

2007-10-26T15:44:00.000-07:00

After lots of handwringing, silly city politics, limbo of non-management, etc., we're finally back. Oakland Hockey is now The Sharks in Oakland, or something like that, and the new season for adult hockey begins November 4th. Thank goodness. It's been too long.

Now we're scrambling to get sweaters that match, sign up for USA Hockey, and pretend that we're not all totally out of shape. Two out of three ain't bad.

Corporatization, Rumors, and Good Ol' City Government

2007-06-18T15:52:00.000-07:00

It appeared that closure was almost here. The Sharks contract to take over the OIC was complete, with just the issue of how much money is needed to repair OIC's suffering physical plant. The Sharks were to take over the Oakland Ice Center on July 1, take 4 weeks to perform necessary maintenance, then return to operations. There were some issues with all of that, no doubt, but the limbo the rink is in would come to an end.

Not so fast!

For reasons of city politics that I'm not privy to, the City removed the final vote to approve the contract for the Sharks from the June 5 agenda. Of course, one of the reasons was the additional $1/2 million the Sharks wanted to fix the rink of all that ails it before they were willing to execute . . .

In place of the Sharks performing the maintenance, it appears the City found its own contractor to fix the ice, with the current rink "management," Iceoplex "managing" the maintenance operations. The current plan is for Rink Services, an independent contractor, to melt down, repair, and rebuild each sheet of ice independently over July and August. (Link). All the while, Iceoplex continues to "manage" the rink.

The big question in the sky? What's going on with the Sharks? Did their request for more money kill the deal?

And as usual, no word from the folks at OIC. None. And the current hockey schedule only goes through the end of June . . .

Summer Hockey

2007-06-18T13:25:00.000-07:00

14 guys say they'll play . . . 10 follow through . . . 11 say they'll be at the next game . . . 8 show up.

Ahhh . . . summer hockey!

Defense Training Video

2007-06-18T10:05:00.000-07:00

There are three things to learn from this video:
(1) Not all Canadians are great hockey players;
(2) Beginner Adult Rec-Hockey is really slow;
(3) This is a pretty good description of basic zone defense (which my present team -- me included -- has been sucking at).

Without further ado . . .

And finally, my apologies for not posting in over two months . . . what can I say? Off season, followed by summer hockey.

Corporatization, Part V (fat lady singing)

2007-04-05T16:05:00.000-07:00

It's done.

This is our new host:

See Link

I think it is the right decision, but of course change is always a little unnerving. Here goes nothing . . .

The Off Season Sucks

2007-04-04T09:56:00.000-07:00

We're between winter and summer seasons, the rink is probably about to change management, so God only knows what will happen to our summer season (the rink doesn't even have sign-up information available right now).

The off season sucks.

Here's what one hearty soul decided to do about it . . .

(Sent by several friends, so I'd better include it . . . my favorite part is at the very beginning where he describes how his hockey season came to an end . . . listen for it: lost the championship game "on a garbage goal; the guy was clearly in the crease" -- spoken like a true goalie)

Corporatization, Part IV (aka local government gridlock)

2007-03-27T08:35:00.000-07:00

The Sharks want to manage OIC. RMSC wants to manage OIC. Oakland doesn't want Iceoplex managing OIC, and from the way Iceoplex is acting, they don't want to manage OIC. But the City can't agree about what to do. Hockey players are concerned about a fee increase with the Sharks, even though it's a phantom increase for many teams, and according to Iceoplex's current (unenforced) rules. See here. RMSC thinks its unspecified fee increases aren't as bad as the Sharks specified non-increase in fees. Iceoplex no longer does any rink maintenance and stopped collecting fees about 4 months ago.

So the City staff recommended extending Iceoplex's contract for six months to work all this out. Brilliant.

Next hearing is April 3 at 7pm: details

Find Your Home, Puck

2007-03-22T11:37:00.000-07:00

Well, after scoring over 5 per game in our first 10, we scored less than 2 per game in our last ten. We're going into the playoffs losing 8 of our last 9, and in our last six games (all losses), we've scored 1, 1, 2, 2, 1, and 0 goals. Time for some zen teaching techniques, courtesy of the golf greats (there's a lesson here, trust me) . . .

Find your home, puck. Be at one with the net.

Let's hope this little visualization technique helps . . .

The Life of a Rec-Hockey Addict . . . er, "Captain"

2007-03-12T17:22:00.000-07:00

As I've said, I've assumed the role of Captain more for my ability to compile statistics and ensure that someone brings beer than for my skill on the ice (you should see the scoring charts I've compiled to track our losing streak).

Like "Rolly," in the Beer League trailer, I'm not necessarily a great motivator or tactician. I routinely exhort my teamates to avoid unecessary penalties, only to go out on the ice and commit a reactionary act of aggression myself. Probably the most common double standard I set is that I tell my guys not to bitch at the refs. But something about that "C" on my chest makes me think I have carte blanche to abuse the men in stripes. I've probably agitated the refs more -- and caused more ill will towards our team -- than every other player on our roster combined. Now that's leadership. Or not.

Lately I've been a little better about the penalties and mouthing off to the refs, but I'm the first person to complain about a clearing pass sent across the middle of the ice, then do the same thing myself mere seconds later. And there's the "don't just throw the puck into the middle because you think you've had it too long" advice. Like mouthing off to the refs, I probably do that more than anyone on my team . . . just after exhorting everyone else not to do it.

So why do they put up with it? Probably because they don't want to spend the time to keep track of the stats and make sure beer arrives.

It takes time to enter the stats. And I stay on top of it. Everyone on the team gets a weekly update on their goals, assists, penalty minutes, and number of times they've brought beer. That gives me a goals for and a goals against average. I track goals against and wins and losses for my goaltender (and my consistent goaltending sub), but can't track shots on goal or save percentage because the scorekeepers don't routinely or accurately track it. I keep track of our power play goals, goals against, as well as short handed goals and goals against, and a rough estimation of our percent success on the power play and the penalty kill. So the team has a pretty good handle on who's doing what. And you should see the charts. And the comparisons with previous years. To try and minimize just how big of a dork my teamates think I am, I don't necessarily share all the charts and prior year comparisons, but I do them (available upon request).

Another thing that takes more time than you might think is figuring out who on earth is actually coming to skate any given night. You'd think that someone who is paying about $25 per game to play would be there come hell or high water, but back in the real world we have jobs, significant others, and mood swings that justify the financial loss of not coming. (Note to spouses: it's still cheaper than golf). So, making sure we have 10 skaters is actually a pretty big task. Made bigger when people don't tell you they won't be there. There are the core guys that you know will be there. Then there are the maybees. Then there are the guys that drive up the captain's blood pressure, the ones that are consistently late, or nearly late; and the guys that you have no idea whether they are coming or not, even if they told you they are. Nothing beats dressing in the locker room with 6 guys and no goalie, when you should have 11 skaters and a goalie. Our last goaltender (and current routine sub) was habitually late. He only missed the first face-off once, but talk about adding stress to a rec-captain's life; there's nothing like dressing without a goalie. After a while the routinely late guys become, well, routine. I know they will arrive (or at least I think I know), but I just have to accept that they won't arrive until the last minute. Just part of life. But why is it that it seems the guys that live the closest are routinely the latest?

We have the list of subs, all ordered in my head by who's going to help us the most. But I don't like playing with subs because, well, they're subs. I want to win or lose with my team. This is a point of dissension with some of my guys -- I'd rather play and lose with 9, if they are our 9. Others would rather get the sub and win with 10. They're probably right, but I'm stubborn. I caved two weeks ago, and we still lost, even with what I would describe as a ringer. I see that as kharma siding with me, but who's to know?

I decide the lineup. For better or worse. Hockey is a team sport, and a handful of very good players will play differently, and at different levels, depending on who else they play with. So I try to put our lines together the best I can. I talk to one of my teamates about these decisions before most games. In that I'm a rec-hockey addict, I spend more time thinking about this stuff than I should (talk about redundant -- I'm writing a freakin' blog about it, for goodness sake).

I'm a decent forward, and can play defense if needed (but generally don't want to, so I'll assign the task to some other forward who also doesn't want to play back). I understand positioning and strategy (plays) at a basic level, having studied it, but never received any formal coaching. So I comment on it from the bench and between periods, but I don't know if I actually help the team with it.

Anyway, that's the life of a rec-hockey captain. At least my rec-hockey addicted life.

The Wet Bathing Suit Problem

2007-03-07T10:17:00.000-08:00

Hockey gear can be nasty stuff. You sweat in it a ridiculous amount, which means it's smelly. If you don't air it out after a game, it will be wet and NASTY when you next put it on. Nothing like putting on a wet bathing suit full of several days old sweat. Ewwww.

Then there's the problem of where to put it when you get home. If you've got a family, a roomate, or just like having people over . . . ever . . . there's no way the spouse or your social relations are letting you keep it in your bedroom or the living room. It's gotta be in the garage or the basement (if you have such a thing -- most folks in California don't). You could put it outside, which would be ideal if it weren't for ant infestations (that happened to an old goaltender of ours) and other vermin deciding all that sweat makes it a perfect snack.

So, after your weekly adult-rec game, you spread it out in your garage to let it dry. Problem is, especially for the family guys, you're always running a little late getting to the car, so you're stuffing your gear in your bag, hoping you don't forget something, as you're running out the door. Which leads to,

"Anybody got an extra elbow pad?" You just can't play without elbow pads. You can't. Nasty injuries await those who make that mistake. I've done it once. Never again.

"Anybody got an extra shinguard?" Can't even consider playing without one of those. Yikes.

"An extra sock?" "Someone got a white sweater?"

"Where's my #&%$ing jock!?!" Had that one happen last week. Nerve racking, I tell you. It's not like you can ask if someone's got a spare . . .

And that's the important stuff. There's also the towel for the shower, soap, undershirt, mouthguard, water bottle. Sheesh.

Of course, you can just leave the stuff in your bag, and resign yourself to the wet bathing suit, and this . . .

Corporatization, Part III

2007-03-05T20:26:00.000-08:00

Oh, the fun of local politics. Rink Management Services Corporation (or something like that) is locked in a death struggle with an affiliate of the San Jose Sharks over who will take over management at the Oakland Ice Center. After the City Council deadlocked at 4-4 on the issue, it requested that the mayor break the tie.

On March 1, Mayor Dellums sent this note to the City Council: (link). In other words, "I don't have time for this . . . figure it out yourselves."

While I have a slight preference that the Sharks take over because I think they are more likely to improve the physical plant/facility (and as I've written, the cost concerns are minimal), my big concern is that the rink could shut down while all this is figured out. Then we'd all lose. Current management has all but shut down already, as maintenence is lacking and the adult hockey is getting ignored more and more (and I can only imagine its the same with the other programs).

And while this goes on people at the rink, including referees who stand to lose their jobs at OIC when new management takes over, are circulating a petition to try to "fight" the coming "increase" in fees. Of course, they haven't done the research or the math to know that fees only go up for teams that insist on playing shorthanded, but why bother when it's so much more fun to be lazy and reactionary?

For My Canadian Brother-In-Law

2007-03-05T11:33:00.000-08:00

A classic from Molson . . . I can imagine my Brother-In-Law may have felt like treating me this way more than a couple of times . . .

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These Are Professionals

2007-03-05T10:25:00.000-08:00

Ok, so I'm ripping this off from a friend's blog, but it's too good not to include on a hockey blog. This is the sort of thing that makes me feel better about my own "mad skills." This is the St. Louis Blues vs. the Chicago Blackhawks of the NHL . . . you know, professionals . . .

Bad Bounces

2007-03-05T10:04:00.000-08:00

When it rains, it pours. We started the season 10-1. Over our first 10 games, we averaged 5.3 goals per game. Then our best forward left, guys had to miss games for one reason or another, and we started losing . . . a lot. We've lost 6 of our last 7, averaging 2.1 goals per game in the second half (including our one win of late, a 7 goal outburst). Last night we played one of the better teams in our division (which has a very clear top half and bottom half -- we're still in the top half) and lost 4-2.

It was a close game, but we gave up two power play goals, and once again, struggled to put the puck in the net. Nonetheless, it was one of our better efforts of late. We just didn't catch any breaks. It was almost surreal. Some days, the puck bounces your way, others it doesn't. And when you're in the middle of a 7 game freefall, it often doesn't. Last night was a good example. I was swiping at a rebound last night when the puck took a funny hop over my stick. I was a tap away from a 1 on 0 breakaway, and the tap bounced right to their defenseman. Not twenty seconds later, a linemate had a the same thing happen. A clean face-off win in their zone, and the puck slid past our defenseman, who was lined up just a hair too far from the boards, out of the zone. The whole night, it just felt as though we couldn't catch a break. When we finally did -- a shot off the post bounced down into their net, it made the score 4-2 with 1:30 to play. Too little, too late.

Just the way it goes. 2 games left before the playoffs. Plenty of time to right the ship.

Visiting Post

2007-03-04T09:36:00.000-08:00

One of my teammates suggested I add his commentary on a new rule that needs implementing. I'll edit it a bit, but more or less, here it is.

I think that hockey needs to implement Anti-Bitch rules. I think that when you are such a little bitch that you need to cherry pick with an empty net and skate it right into the net to be certain it goes in, it should count against you. Whining at the ref, (this is opposed to questioning the call -- a fine line, no doubt); cherrypicking for an open-net goal; running up the score, (I mean blatent trying to score in the last couple minutes, especially when its obvious the other team is done); checking someone from behind, (wether into the boards or not -- this one already has a misconduct penalty attached to it, even for minor violations), this carries over to jumping someone from behind. All of these Anti-Bitch rules would be penalyzed according to which rule you broke, the goal ones would deduct goals from your side , the checking would be Major penalties, much like they should be, but they should actually be called as they are. And after you are penalyzed for one of these Anti-Bitch rules, you get a picture of yourself in the rink, and on the website with the word BITCH underneath and above just for good measure. I think you should add this to your Blog.

Done.

Losing 8-1: Hurt Me So Good.

2007-02-23T08:45:00.000-08:00

We got shelled. 8-1. Worst loss of the year. Our goaltender has been averaging under 2 goals against. But we gave him no support. We had tons of scoring chances, but shot badly over and over and over again. We had bad calls go against us. First coincidental minors when one of their guys punched our guy in the face. Huh!?! Then, when our guy couldn't get the penalty box door open, they gave him 2 more for unsportsmanlike conduct. Seriously. I played my worst game of the year. I couldn't get my legs going, was slow, lazy, shot badly, and didn't really play defense. We had eight skaters and never found any rhythm. We hung our goaltender out to dry again, and again, and again, and again . . . (well, eight times, at least). Basically, we sucked. And it was awesome. Seriously.

I had an all-time bad day yesterday. I woke up on the wrong side of the bed. Basically anything the wife or child said annoyed me (including the potty training "mistake" all over the couch). It was pouring rain outside. I got salary information at work (gee, I wonder where the stress came from?). My employer screwed me. I was pissed. I ate too much. Thought too much about being fat. Did drudge work all day. Stayed pissed at my employer. Stayed at work too late. Got home and spent 45 minutes bitching to my wife about how upset I was with my employer (I'm sure she loved that -- how much fun is it to listen to someone complain for 45 minutes?). Then, packed up my gear to go play a game that started after 10. Tired, angry, surly.

Sweet hockey, ease the pain.

So I played badly. So my team played badly. Our once 10-1 team has lost four of five, including two to teams with 5 or fewer wins. And I had a great time. I spent 2 hours thinking about hockey, not work or any other petty annoying things. We had beer in the parking lot at midnight, and I wasn't mad any more. Got in the car to drive home and Bob Seger sang, "Roll, roll me away, won't you roll me away, tonight . . . "

Got home with a smile on my face. Five hours of sleep, but the wife and child didn't annoy me at all this morning. At work this morning I'm still not thrilled about the money, but the fire that consumed me yesterday is gone. It's a beautiful sunny day, and the weekend starts in eight hours.

I love hockey.

Slapshot? It's a Movie, Guys. You Know, Fiction.

2007-02-22T12:02:00.000-08:00

On Tuesday Mickey Meyer, goaltender for the University of Southern California's ACHA club hockey team mooned the crowd at BYU. Or, to be specific, "rode his stick like a horse, dropped his bulky pants, mooned the crowd and slapped his buttocks during a game against BYU, police said." (link)

Apparently he was upset with some bad calls. Um, this isn't Slapshot, Mickey. But nice work encouraging the use of the alternate name for USC, the "University of Spoiled Children." For his trouble he received a game misconduct and a citation for misdemeanor indecency. Note to Mickey, Utah is the wrong place to pull this kind of stunt . . .

Corporatization, Part II

2007-02-21T15:07:00.000-08:00

A friend just sent me this link, from an Oakland rag, published on the 14th:
Sharks in Oakland?

First, allow me to pat myself on the back for having this almost 2 weeks earlier (Link). Ok, ego massaged, time to move on.

I've spoken with some people involved in the San Jose Sharks organization, and I'm actually pleased with the direction I think they will go (although that's not to say their competitor might not do just as well). The change in fees that I suggested in my first post is a reality with the Sharks, but it will depend on the size of the team. Now, the fees per player are $515 in Oakland ("OIC"), which is supposed to generate in the neighborhood of $7200-$7500 per team, assuming 14-15 paying players. The problem is OIC allows teams to play with fewer than that. The average size, according to Iceoplex (current management, on their way out no matter what), is currently about 10 paying players. That means plenty of ice time, but it also means plenty of games shorthanded when someone can't make it . . . or picking up "subs" (aka ringers).

Under the Sharks plan, because the team will have to pay, it will behoove teams to have closer to 14 or 15 players. In that scenario, players will only pay another $50 bucks or so more over the $515 ($557 if you have 14 and pay ontime which qualifies you for a team discount of $500 or so). And, with the likely 4 extra games, we will actually end up paying less per game than we do now. Now, there is a hidden fee: the Sharks also require memebership in USA Hockey (because it comes with catastrophic medical insurance), which is another $32 per year (or close to that). My team started the year with 14 players this year, and will likely do so again next year. So our guys will pay a smidgen more, but less per game. I'm ok with that.

I'm especially ok with that because a few years back the league told me that my guys had to pay extra because we only had 12 paying skaters. We paid. Now I learn that the average team has 10 paying skaters (according to Iceoplex's report to the Oakland City Council), and they are paying the $515, not anything more. I'm just a little upset that we paid more (as I'm sure will my teammates be when they read this).

What will likely happen under the Sharks scenario, because guys won't want to pay much more than the $560 and the Sharks won't find an additional 250 skaters to fill out the current teams, is the number of teams playing at OIC will drop. That will mean, among other things, fewer "subs." And actually, the Sharks organization polices that as well. They have much more active control over rosters by rink officials, meaning you play with the guys on your team, not the extra "sub" that will help you win a game . . . (query how this will work for goaltending subs as the need arises -- something for another time). More important than fewer "subs," is fewer games against teams with only 2 or 3 guys on the bench, meaning they are spent by the 3rd period, and the games lose their competitiveness. I'm ok with that.

In addition, the Sharks organization will use Hockey Officials of Northern California (HONC -- isn't that awesome!) to call the games, which probably means a more consistent calling of USA hockey rules, something I'm in favor of. It also means we won't have the same refs over and over again, with Mad Eric telling me he doesn't like my team.

Finally, in Fremont and San Jose, the Sharks run very clean facilities. That would be a change for Oakland. No more hand lacerations from loose bolts in the boards (that happened a couple of weeks ago), no more ponds of water where the cooling unit has broken ("just try to avoid that spot on the ice tonight, ok boys?"), and perhaps showers that work in all the locker rooms (instead of just some).

Now, would the Sharks' competitors do some of these same things? Probably. And if so, good on 'em -- I'm not picking sides in the fight going on at City Hall. All I'm saying is I think the Sharks organization would upgrade the quality of hockey in Oakland. My initial reaction was fear at the increase in costs. But having spoken with officials at the Sharks organization and looking into how they run things elsewhere, now I'm looking forward to the change.

Long story short: the headline is scary, but the devil's in the details . . . and the details aren't so bad.

Canadians LOVE Hockey (aka Why I love living in San Francisco)

2007-02-20T11:43:00.000-08:00

I've gotten this from a couple of friends recently -- it obviously needs some sharing: how to do a backyard right (if you live somewhere cold -- did I mention it was in the 70s and sunny all weekend in San Francisco?)

Valentine's Day

2007-02-16T09:32:00.000-08:00

Ladies (so much of the readership, I know),

This is why men don't like Valentine's Day . . .

I had a game on February 13. The night before, my wife asks, "if your game were on Valentine's Day, would you play?" So, I thought about it for a second . . .

My wife is a firm believer that Valentine's Day is a made up, BS holiday sold by Hallmark as a boost to their revenue. I wholeheartedly agree. But I'm not stupid.

"No, I wouldn't play."

"Good. Valentine's Day is stupid, and we never do much special for it, but I'd be pissed if you went to play hockey."

There you have it. Yet another reason to dislike Valentine's Day.

To be fair, everyone enjoys getting a little extra positive attention, and I guess that's the best thing to do on Valentine's Day for the wife/girlfriend (casual hook-up?). And in the future, if I have a game on Valentine's Day, I'll make sure it's prominently on the calendar, but say that I'm not planning on going. Maybe my wife will remember that she doesn't think much more of Valentine's Day than I do, and she'll tell me to go . . . maybe.

The Fans

2007-02-16T09:23:00.000-08:00

Talking with a colleague the other day, and she said her ideal job would be a professional athlete because of the thrill of all those people in the stands cheering for her. (Don't know if she's seen, say, the WNBA ratings lately . . .)

We have our fans -- a handful at a time. The odd girlfriend or wife. Parents in town. Some friends who think it's unique that they have a buddy playing ice hockey in Oakland, CA (I'm guessing you don't get a lot of those out the Minnesota way).

The wives often come early in the marriage (same for girlfriends). Then kids come along, or they just get sick of sitting on cold metal benches, watching slow hockey by over-the-hill 30+ year-olds,

then hanging out in the parking lot in the ghetto with a bunch of hockey-jocks drinking beer. After a few years, every once in a while they still come make a cameo. Mine would come and bring my daughter if one of our games would start before 7:30 one of these days (we used to get some as early as 5 on some Sundays -- hasn't happened in a while). Small kids, of course, play a big role in this drop in spousal attendence. But when they get older, they start to want to see dad out there skating, plus get a little ride on the ice after the game. That's always good for some kicks.

It is fun to have fans . . . even when there are fewer than the WNBA has.

Shoulder Pads?

2007-02-09T09:42:00.000-08:00

Like most adult-rec leagues, ours is "non-checking." Plenty of contact, but nothing compared to a full-bore checking league. Several years ago I bought a new pair of Jofa shoulder pads. Nice bulkly ones. And I promply went out and got clobbered in the slot, landing shoulder first. I spent the next month praising the new purchase that had saved me.

About 2 months ago, unbeknownst to me, my shoulder pads fell out of my bag on the way through the rink lobby. I realized I didn't have them in the locker room, went back out and couldn't find them, so I assumed I must have accidentally left them at home (better that than say a shinguard and an elbow pad . . . which happened to one of our guys a couple of games ago). So I figured what the hell, I'll play without them. And I loved it. I felt lighter, faster, better. (As I left that night, my pads were sitting on the counter at the entrance.)

A handful of guys go without shoulder pads in our league, and ever since that first night a while back, I've been one of them. I really like it. In addition to feeling like I skate better, I don't lose as much fluid during the game. What's not to like? I guess the fact that after two weeks ago when I knocked open a door during the game, I'm still looking at nasty bruises on my shoulder where I hit it. And at any moment I could get drilled like I was four years ago, landing shoulder first.

Complicating this, when the rink changes management, they will implement USA Hockey's equipment requirements, which include shoulder pads . . . think they will notice if I'm not wearing them?

So, do I keep skating without them? (I survived the Baby Huey game/incident just fine.)

Do I put them back on?

Do I go out and get some old-school Gretzky style pads?

This is my dilemma.

When Did This Guy Decide He Needed To Play Hockey?

2007-02-07T10:02:00.001-08:00

I've been in two actual fights in hockey in my life. Plenty of shoving here and there, but only two real fights. The first, I was 16, playing roller hockey. 17 years later, my second, last night. With Baby Huey. Well, three of my teammates and I . . . after the game.

We had a comfortable 7-2 lead. The refs had whistled the other team for 10 penalties (in our league that's enough to lose a point in the standings), and frankly there could have been several more. We had five of our own, and also could have had a couple more. Frustrated, they started losing their cool, accusing us of diving (we weren't), and generally mouthing off. Not ones to back down, we returned our own verbal jabs. After a verbal exchange, with 3:30 remaining, the refs decided to call the game (which, incidentally, isn't allowed under USA Hockey).

Baby Huey, here, was pissed. First he let the refs have it on the ice with a verbal assault that made my petty exchange with a ref in a hallway look like a disney training film. Then, he followed our team off the ice, jabbering at us the whole way about how we were diving. Naturally, we *calmly* explained that we weren't, and that he should just worry about learning to play hockey.

The father of a two-year old, I should know better. People are genetically programmed, and Baby Huey is no different. His older brother was permanently thrown from the league two years ago when, after receiving a game misconduct, he tried to hit the referee with a slapshot. Baby Huey has the same genetic code.

After following us towards our locker room, mouthing off the whole time, he turned to go to his locker room, and gave our goaltender a hard shove. Not too surprisingly one of our bigger defenseman jumped in and it was on.

Now, most of our team was already in the locker room, and all of his team was, too. It was him, and four of us. Not the brightest time for him to start a fight, but as I say, genetic programming. The other genetic component is Huey is big . . . real big. I hover around 2 bills, and our defenseman that jumped in is bigger than me by a decent margin, and both of us are small compared to Huey. I'm downright puny.

So, a couple of us jump in to break it up, the rink attendant jumps in, and everyone is subdued, and split up . . . when Huey comes at us again. Same drill, broken up, walking away, Huey comes at us a third time. This time, it's just him, our big D, and the rink attendant trying to stop it. So I grab Huey's sweater just to pull him off our guy. Between the rink attendent and I, we get him off our D (who was doing fine, by the way). He turns to walk away, sees my sweater and it was like a bull seeing red -- instantly he jumps me. So I cover up, two rink attendents jump in, and after he gets a couple of shots in, it's over.

Sigh. Why do people like Baby Huey think they need to play hockey?

"That Rule Doesn't Apply Here"

2007-02-07T09:39:00.000-08:00

The refs did a pretty decent job last night. They let some obvious interference go, and they missed a few calls here and there (for instance, the allowed me to drill a guy along the boards, then promptly whistled him for roughing when he retaliated 10 seconds later). Twice they simply didn't know the rule.

First, as discussed after last week's game, when the refs assess a checking from behind minor penalty, a misconduct penalty is required. Last night, they called checking from behind against the other team, but no misconduct. The ref who made the call told me it's not the rule ( but see Rule 607(a): "A minor plus a misconduct penalty, or a major plus a game misconduct penalty, shall be imposed on any player who body checks or pushes an opponent from behind.") The second ref instead of disagreeing with me says, "that rule doesn't apply here." "USA Hockey rules don't apply here?" "Not all of them." Um. Ok.

Second, with 3:30 remaining, they called the game because tempers were flaring a bit in a game that was out of reach. This, too, is not allowed under USA Hockey:

Under what circumstances may a Referee terminate a game prematurely?

The only permitted premature termination of a game, other than for lack of available players, is if conditions beyond the control of all game participants (teams and Officials) become unsatisfactory. Rule Reference 637(f).

These examples would NOT qualify for premature termination of the game:

• obvious lack of bench control on one or both teams;
• midway through the game 50 penalties have been called.

I can't say whether they made the right decision. It didn't follow the rules, and as it turned out, it didn't prevent a fight, either. But I certainly understood their thinking.

Base Plays: Hybrid Zone Defense

2007-02-06T14:54:00.000-08:00

Again, our team needs to keep it simple. Here is the hybrid zone defense. What makes it "hybrid" is that once a player establishes his zone, he looks for someone there, and checks the player in his zone closest to the net. The defending player stays on his check until another player takes over for him and the zone is restablished or the breakout begins.

The second piece is important as well. To avoid leaving players open in the slot, if the center is drawn to the corner, the weak-side wing needs to drop into the high slot to prevent open shots from there. If the defenseman retrievs the puck, that winger must immediately skate to his boards to prepare to receive a breakout pass (Click on image for larger view):

Corporatization Of Hockey In The 'Hood

2007-02-05T17:55:00.000-08:00

The City of Oakland isn't thrilled with how things have gone in the last few years, and Iceoplex's contract has expired. After receiving proposals from 4 companies, it appears the San Jose Sharks organization will take over management of the rink in the late Spring. That's all well and good, except for this little nugget: they have an "aggressive" forecast for increasing revenues. Where does it come from? A dramatic increase in revenue from adult hockey (currently about 1/3 of the rink's revenue) without increasing the number of teams. Quick, math majors . . . how does that work? You got it . . . increasing the fees. They say they will keep the per player cost the same, but increase the average team size by 4-5. Which means less ice time, unless individual players want to pony up. Here it is: Link (at pages 2 to 3)

The city recognizes this means an increase of about 250 players in the now 64-team league. Interesting to see where they all come from

Um . . . will be interesting to see how this works itself out . . .

Mommas, Don't Let Your Kids Grow Up To Play Hockey

2007-02-05T08:58:00.000-08:00

So I was at the hockey store this weekend buying some stuff, having some skate maintenance done, etc., and a dad walks in with his teenage and pre-teen sons. The teenager needs a new stick. $175 +tax later, the chip off the 'ol block had the newest, fanciest, coolest Bauer/Nike Vapor XXX one-piece stick. Which, at some point over the next year will get jammed into the boards at a funny angle and break.

When I was starting in hockey, Easton had just released aluminum shafts, and very few people would spend the nearly $100 (gasp!!!) to get one. I traded in my wooden sticks (the old Sher-wood 5030, Coffey curve) for a composite shaft a few years back, but I don't even have a "nice" shaft. Got mine from an ebay closeout.

Did I mention the other kid that came in with his dad for new skates? Probably around 12 or 13, too. Wears a 4 1/2. Brand spanking new, special order skates. How long do you suppose those will fit?

Anyway, getting your kids into hockey isn't getting any cheaper, is it?

The Rules, Explained

2007-02-02T11:15:00.000-08:00

I seem to be on a rules kick right now. Is there any better explanation than this one:

A beer for me and my lady?

2007-02-02T10:13:00.000-08:00

You're having beer in the parking lot in downtown Oakland at 12:15 in the morning. Guy, not exactly well dressed, walks up and says, "hey, you guys got an extra couple of beers for me and my lady?" Hey, I give the guy points for being direct about it. But we were a little short on the beer -- PBR, last night -- so we had to send him packing. Fortunately for him, hockey players are a pretty reliable group. One of the three other beer drinking groups was happy to oblige. He let us know he was ok as he left with the beer.

What impressed me most? As I got in my car and drove home, I passed him on an adjacent street. And he really was there with his "lady." Good on ya, beer hawkin' Oakland guy, good on ya.

Disappointment

2007-02-02T09:13:00.000-08:00

A showdown of the first and second place teams. We're in second, at 10-2, they're in first, at 11-1, their only loss is to us. Good game in the first period. Fast, everyone's skating hard, end-to-end action. Their goaltender is unbelievably weak, but they don't allow many shots on goal. In the second period, we pick up a goal for the 1-0 lead. But we start getting into penalty trouble (see post below), and their good skaters start dictating the pace of the game (they have a stable of good players, which, I guess, makes up for their goaltender).

In the third period, despite over 4 minutes of powerplay time for us, we're getting killed. We just can't mount any pressure, and even when we are on the power play, they are keeping the puck in our zone. With 5 minutes remaining, they finally score to tie it at 1.

Less than a minute later, they get a shot on goal, our netminder covers up, and there is the usual pile up. Three guys go down, two of ours, one of theirs. And they call our guy for interference. An awfully tight call to make in a tie game with under five minutes to play (if it was even correct, and I'm not sure that it was). 20 seconds into their power play, they score to make it 2-1.

Not more than a minute after a very tight call for interference in a tight spot in a close game, there is another shot on our net, our goalie covers, and one of their forwards charges in, attempting to bowl over our defenseman in the process. Clearly interference, as they had just called moments before against us. No call. Naturally.

We pull the goalie with under 2 minutes to play, but they freeze the puck against the boards, leading to a frustration induced checking from behind penalty against us. Nonetheless, with our goalie on the bench, we're even strength, 5-5, and finally generate a couple of chances, but don't convert. A 2-1 loss. We were outplayed, but leading most of the game, it was tough to swallow.

Making it even tougher, their goaltender is probably the worst in the league. A funny thing to say about a team that is in first place, has only lost once, and is now tied (with us) for the lowest goals against in the league. But true. He's awful. But the team in front of him is very good, and prevents the opposition (at least us) from getting many shots off.

Losing a one-goal game for first place, you think about the chances you just missed on. We had several. But, the fact is they outplayed us. They deserved the win.

We're now 1-1 against each other. I look forward to seeing them again in the playoffs.

Delay of Game, Checking from Behind, and Fisticuffs: A Review

2007-02-02T08:35:00.000-08:00

I was a good kid last night. No complaining. Even though Mad Eric was out there. Of course, not 24 hours after I pointed out that the refs in our league don't follow the zero tolerance view regarding arguing calls, one of our guys argued a terrible call, and was immediately assessed a minor for arguing and a misconduct. Naturally, later in the game when one of their players wouldn't shut his cake hole asking for a delay of game call against our goaltender for knocking the net out of place (the net not even having a mooring on one side, it slid pretty easily), no call. Same ref. Oddly enough, not Mad Eric. But don't worry, Mad Eric participated in his share, as discussed below.

Some notes from blown calls last night (these are just ones that not everyone necessarily knows, these aren't all the bad calls):

At the end of the game, with a 2-1 lead, the opposing team was doing everything it could do to freeze the puck along the boards. We've all done this, whether killing a penalty or trying to get through the last few seconds of a period or game. Guess what? Not allowed. Not that a referee in our league would ever call it. Note the italics I've included:

Rule 629 Puck Must Be Kept in Motion

(a) The puck must at all times be kept in motion. Play shall not be stopped because the puck is frozen along the boards by two more opposing players, unless a player falls on or is knocked down onto the puck. If one player freezes the puck along the boards or if a player deliberately falls on the puck a minor penalty for delaying the game shall be assessed under Rule 609(e) or Rule 612(a).
(Note) Notwithstanding the above, the Referee may stop play along the boards if in his judgment allowing play to continue will lead to unnecessary contact surrounding the puck.
(b) A minor penalty shall be imposed on any player including the goalkeeper who holds, freezes or plays the puck with his stick, skates or body along the boards in
such a manner as to cause a stoppage of play.
(c) A player beyond his Defending Zone shall not pass nor carry the puck backward into his Defending Zone for the purpose of delaying the game except when his team is below the on ice numerical strength of the opponents. For an infringement of this
rule, the face-off shall be at the nearest end face-off spot in the Defending
Zone of the offending team.

and the explanatory note:

In the instance in which only one player intentionally holds the puck along the boards for three seconds, the Referee shall have no alternative but to assess a minor penalty for Delaying the Game to the offending player.

Why did I note the italics? Because with a minute to play, one of our guys got frustrated at this tactic, and while one of their players was "tying" the puck up against the boards, he hit him hard from behind. That wouldn't have happened had the referees enforced the rule above. Nonetheless, everyone on the ice and the bench saw what was clearly a major penalty. Here's the rule:

Rule 607 Checking from Behind

(a) A minor plus a misconduct penalty, or a major plus a game misconduct penalty, shall be imposed on any player who body checks or pushes an opponent from behind.

Interesting to note that even if the penalty itself deserved a minor, not a major, a misconduct penalty shall be imposed. In our case, a major was the right call.

Of course, immediately following the check from behind/boarding, the opposing player got up swinging he elbows trying to hit our guy (who had already skated away). This, too, we've all done. As I said the other day, sometimes you have to stick up for yourself. Instead of hitting our offending player, he hit another of our players. However, there was no penalty assessed. Mad Eric's reasoning? "He thought that was the guy that hit him." So, in my nicey-nicey-I'm-the-team-captain-and-I'm-entitled-to-an-explanation voice (really, I was quite calm) I say, "so that's not a penalty -- he's allowed to retaliate? Can you tell me what rule that is?" Mad Eric then said the other ref made the call. Which is amusing because after the game the other ref offered two explanations: (1) "I let Eric make the call;" and (2) "we've been allowing that all game." Elbowing? I don't think so. In any case, here's the unsurprising rule:

Rule 613:

(b) A minor penalty shall be imposed on a player who, having been struck, shall retaliate with a blow or attempted blow. However, at the discretion of the Referee a double minor or a major penalty may be imposed if such player continues the altercation.

Because knowing is half the battle . . .

Watch Your Mouth, Captain . . .

2007-02-01T14:28:00.000-08:00

I'm never one to shy away from telling a referee what I think of him. This is something I need to work on. With the help of the rules, I'm trying, I'm really trying . . .

From USA Hockey's rules for 2005-2007:

From the Players Code of Conduct:

"Never argue with an official’s decision."

From the Officials Code of Conduct:

"Adopt a “zero tolerance” attitude toward verbal or physical abuse."

Furthermore:

"The following points of emphasis must be implemented by
all Referees and Linesmen:
Players
A penalty (Zero Tolerance) shall be assessed whenever a player
(please refer to Rule 601 for appropriate penalty):
1. Openly disputes or argues any decision by an official.2. Uses obscene or vulgar language at any time, including any
swearing, even if it is not directed at a particular person.
3. Visually demonstrates any sign of dissatisfaction with an official’s
decision.
Any time that a player persists in any of these actions, additional
penalties shall be assessed per the penalty progression established
under Rule 601."

Rule 601 states:

"(a) Any player who challenges or disputes the rulings of any
Official or endeavors to incite an opponent (including
taunting) or create a disturbance during the game shall be
assessed a minor penalty for unsportsmanlike conduct. If the
player persists in such challenge or dispute, he shall be
assessed a misconduct penalty, and any further dispute by
the same player will result in a game misconduct penalty
being assessed . . .

(c) If any player is guilty of any one of the following, his team
shall be assessed a bench minor penalty:
(1) In the vicinity of the players’ bench, using obscene,
profane or abusive language to any person or using the
name of any Official coupled with any vociferous remarks."

Good thing most of our refs don't know the rules that well . . .

Game Night

2007-02-01T09:10:00.000-08:00

Thursday night, after 10pm. Beauty. Gotta have beers in the parking lot after the game. Homeless guy will ask if we have anything to spare so he can "get into the shelter." Riiight. The post-game beer means getting home around 1. Which makes for a tired friday at work. Could be worse, could be a Tuesday night, with the rest of the week to struggle through. Oh right -- that's next week.

One guy's out with the flu, so we've got 11 skaters. That's about right: 2 forward lines, 5 D. If everyone shows. If one more guy catches the flu, a late night at work, or a hot date, we'll still have 10, which is fine; actually perfect by our standards: 2 lines of forwards and D. Of course somebody will be running late (how you run late to at 10 o'clock game is sometimes a mystery to me), so we'll wonder how many guys we really have. But we're not short, and some's bringing beer, so our bases are covered.

Blue Collar, White Collar

2007-01-31T09:15:00.000-08:00

Hockey's a funny sport. It's a blue collar game at a white collar price. What do I mean? Watch how goals get scored ("65% . . .").

Hockey is about grit and determination, more than grace and beauty. That's not to say there isn't any grace in hockey, but to be good as a team, you have to outwork your opponents, grind in the corners, fight for position in front of the net,

(available, with some other good shots here) and fight through plenty of contact, whether you play in a checking league, or, like most adult rec-leagues, a "no" check league (the strength of the quotations varies depending on the league). Not to mention, there are inevitably a couple guys who think they are still trying out for the NHL, and think brawling will help. So you gotta be willing to stick up for yourself. Sometimes a little scrap is good to get the blood flowing. Not many pretty boys; hockey players are notorious for being a little low-brow. Which is fine. That's how we like it (says the lawyer in his downtown office . . .)

But, to get all the equipment, it's gonna cost you. For new, intermediate-level stuff, you're looking at around $1000 for everything. If you want the newest hottest skates ($600), the cool 1-piece stick ($200), and fancy protective equipment (helmet, shield, shinguards, pants, shoulder pads, elbow pads, gloves, all at $100+) you can spend a lot more (God help you if you want to play goalie . . .). Which explains why a lot of folks are still skating on their 16 year-old skates that are too big for them, and using elbow pads that are held on by osmosis.

You haven't paid your league fees yet. Our league runs about $600 for the winter season. Want to practice? $10+ per pick-up (or "drop-in") game, unless you live in Canada, Minnesota, Wisconsin, or Michigan where the ponds freeze and they put outdoor rinks on fields in the winter where you can play for free. That doesn't work here in San Francisco and Oakland. Broken stick? A couple of times a season (makes most of us re-think that fancy 1-piece). Tape? A couple of bucks a roll. Skate sharpening? Check. Bridge toll? Yup. Your week to bring the beer? No wonder my wife raises the occasional eyebrow.

So, blue-collar sport, white collar price tag.

The New Skate Dilemma

2007-01-30T17:21:00.000-08:00

Last summer my velveteen rabbit skates, a pair of 1990 Bauer 3000 Custom Supreme's finally gave out. The upper started to separate from the sole, and no amount of new rivets was going to save it. Plus, I'm working now, and 16 years later it might be time for new skates. So I went shopping.

I had two friends who were extremely unhappy with the new skates they bought (Bauers, of course) because they were so stiff they could never be broken in. So I was leary, and did some research. I learned two things of note:

(1) My velveteen rabbit skates, which I had worn for 16 years, were always too big for me. I wear a 10 to 10 1/2 shoe, and my skates were 9 1/2s. I always figured that was right. Turns out I'm now properly in an 8 1/2 skate, and I LOVE IT. Huge improvement.

(2) People often pay more for the "better" skate. But "better" often means stiffer, and depending on your weight that's not necessarily "better."

So, for those of you looking for new skates, take a look at Scott Noble's take on new skate buying, which was extremely helpful for me: http://www.epinions.com/content_3832651908

Scott also published a book, Hockey for Weekend Warriors. The lessons in it are really directed at the novice hockey player, but the equipment buying sections are quite good for players at any level. And he's pretty funny (funnier than me, anyway).

Note: No, I'm not Scott's friend.

The Facemask (I like my teeth)

2007-01-30T12:29:00.000-08:00

My 2-year old daughter has a favorite book for me to read her, John Newby's "Heart of the Game." Guess what it's about . . .

(Found at fine booksellers everywhere) You'll note that the little guy on the cover has a facemask. For some reason that's my girl's favorite thing to talk about. She just loves the facemask. So do I.

In our league, a facemask, although strongly recommended, is optional. As a result, several guys don't wear masks, and the half-shield is the choice for others. One of our better players, four years ago or so, was skating along the boards at the blue line during warm-ups when one of our lesser players decided it was a good time to practice her slapshot (yes, "her" -- we were co-ed back then). 19 stiches, and 5% less vision in his left eye later, he switched to the cage.

Karma will get you. Just a few weeks back, our guy had graduated back to the half shield. And he got hit in the face, lacerating his tongue. Ouch. I swear a stick gets up in my grill at least once a game. Of course, several guys on my own team continue to wear the half-shield . . . better them than me.

Now, there's one rule I take issue with USA Hockey over. They state that any high stick that draws blood (causes injury is actually what they say) is an automatic major penalty. What that really means is that if a guy is stupid enough not to wear a cage or full shield, and gets high sticked, the other player is guilty for his stupidity. I think this should be changed. If a player without a mask or with a half-shield is cut as a result of a high stick, there should be no major penalty unless the high stick was malicious (in which case it wouldn't matter if there was an injury). But that's just me. In the mean time, enjoy explaining your cuts, breaks, and missing teeth to your significant other, boss, co-workers, friends . . .

Base Plays: Offense

2007-01-30T11:54:00.000-08:00

My team has several players (including me) who have never been coached. As a result, we try to keep things simple. Here is our base offense (or at least what I'd like our base offense to be). You can click on the images for for larger views:

The Guy With the Half Shield

2007-01-30T08:24:00.000-08:00

Thursday night we have a showdown. Because the league hasn't posted the scores from last week's game, we don't know if we're tied for first with the team we're playing this week, or one game back from them (we lost, don't know about them).

The team is a new team to the league; a bunch of new guys, not just an old team with a recylced name. We've played them twice; not really enough time to know them very well. But one guy isn't new: "the guy with the half shield."

He's played on three teams now in our division, and he's been a goon for each of them. He's known alternatively as "the guy with the half shield," "Flyers" (for the sweater he often wears . . . that one's often a bad sign), "25," and a few others, some of which don't belong on this forum. He's a good player, a natural goal scorer, and off the ice perfectly decent. I've enjoyed playing with him several times during pick-up games. But when he's trying to win, it's a different story.

Last time we played (our 6-2 win), he got a game misconduct for fighting. I don't think we've ever made it through a game against him when he hasn't been whistled for roughing, and in our league you normally don't get that call unless it's (a) blatant; or (b) a pattern. In his case, it's usually both.

To add fuel to the fire, last year we finished the regular season in 3rd and were set to play the 8th place team. They only had 6 guys and "the guy with the half shield" had just finished his season with his team losing their playoff game immediately before ours. "Hey, these guys are really shorthanded. You mind if I play for them?"

He's good, but no ringer, so we figured what's the harm? And promptly go out and lose to them in overtime. And believe it, he was in on each of their goals. So he's not our favorite guy (not to say we didn't let him skate with us one night we were shorthanded . . . ).

So in addition to battling for first in our division, we've got "the guy with the half shield" to look forward to . . . and his artificially-colored red goatee.

Basics

2007-01-30T08:19:00.000-08:00

So, leading the league, at 10-1, you lose to the second worst team, at 2-8-1. Time for some remedial advice. How did it happen? Not having our top three scorers hurt. Spending nearly an entire period shorthanded hurt. Turnovers hurt. Basically, not playing as well as we normally do hurt. Nonetheless, time to get back to the basics:

(1) Forwards: need to crash the net on the offensive end. We're getting shots, but not rebounds, even when the puck is sitting there. When you have an open shot, take it, and when you see someone taking a shot, crash the slot in front of the net (the slot, not the crease).

(2) Clearing: we have to do a better job clearing our zone. That means make the pass when it's open (don't wait for someone to force you to make the pass), and covering/using the boards effectively. When the puck is coming around the boards, the forward has to be there to pick it up. If someone is barreling down on you and (a) you don't have time for a pass; or (b) there isn't one open, just dump the puck down the boards.

(3) Defensemen (and centers): we need to keep the slot/crease in front of our net clear of opposing players. Most goals scored against us come from too many opposing players left uncovered in the slot and cleaning up second and third rebounds. One thing to keep in mind as a defenseman is that when you see an opposing player wind up for a shot, don't look at the shot, look for other opposing players in and around the slot to cover.

Thus endeth the basics . . .

The "Old" Goalie

2007-01-29T15:25:00.000-08:00

Goalies are a different breed.

Last Tuesday we were 10-1, leading the league, and playing one of the worst teams in the league who were 2-8-1. The wrinkle: their goaltender used to be our goaltender.

Two years ago the "tribal council" (there are four of us) decided we needed a new team. We were in the middle of a run of bad seasons with more or less the same group of guys, and it felt like we were getting worse every week. So, halfway through the season, we decided this was the last season for that group. We had played with the same goaltender since we started playing together. The guy was old, slow, out of position, couldn't contain rebounds, and thought he should be playing in the NHL.

And he was volatile. If he got shelled one night (and our defense wasn't that great), he would let us know that we sucked. He got in a couple of fights (only thrown out once that I can remember), and he would complain incessently about one thing or another. Before every game there was a new ailment or sickness that you could count on to slow him up. After every goal, he would lay on his back for a few dramatic seconds (sometimes as long as until the puck was dropped on the face off) to demonstrate his dispair at the unthinkable: someone actually scored on him. And that was on good nights. On bad nights, he wouldn't even change with us after a game. He'd just drag his stuff out of the locker room and into the hallway, change in a huff, and not say a word to us before leaving for the night. But he never gave up a bad goal . . . just ask him.

Anyway, among the many other problems with our team was that our goaltender just wasn't very good. He was a nice guy (hockey mentality aside), and reliable: he never missed games, but he was good for a couple of soft goals a night. We needed a change.

We played the second half of that season without much care, and really just couldn't wait for the opportunity to start fresh. Come Summer time, the search for better players was on. Everything was falling into place, but we had a problem: we needed a new goalie.

Used to be goalies were in short supply. They played for free and everyone clammored to get them. Then, somewhere along the line (I think it was when rollerblades got popular and the Sharks came to San Jose), everyone decided they could play goalie. Now there's a glut of them, but there aren't a lot of good ones. We needed to cut through the chaff. After realizing that none of the tribal council was doing what we should have done, mine the local pick-up (or "drop-in") hockey games for talent, we contacted the league's head-guy for a recommendation. Just so happens, someone had just come by looking for a new team at about our level. Younger guy (most of us are in our 30s), had recently moved to the Bay Area from Boston, where he was a roller-hockey goaltender for a college club team. He came to a practice we had that summer, and it was clear: he was our guy. Problem was, another team in our league had also contacted him, and he was playing on their summer team (our guys rarely want to play during the summer). So we wined and dined him (which is to say, took him out for a couple of drinks near where we all work), and told him we planned to move up to the next division, as long as we could start winning. Which, mind you, was true. So he opted for us in the Fall, but kept subbing for the other guys whenever they needed him (which was always), as long as they weren't playing us.

He is a solid netminder. A little small, but quick, with a great glove hand. And he doesn't freak out after every goal. In fact, he kind of enjoys games where he gets shelled. He figures it's better practice for him. I'm a forward, and the more I handle the puck in a game, the happier I am. I guess it's the same for him. But there aren't many goalies who think that way. It was a real bonus.

He really only has two draw-backs. First, he's not great at containing rebounds. That we could forgive -- he was a huge upgrade over the first guy. Second, he's never shown up on time in his life. Suffice it to say, as the team captain I suffered a lot of misery and ulcers wondering whether he was actually going to make it to our games on time. Now, he dresses quickly, so that makes up for it . . . a little. And the fact is he never actually missed a game for us. Once we had to start a game without him, while he changed next to the rink, and one of our defenseman was on in his place. The other team went easy on us while he changed, which was gracious. Other teams in our league would not have been so kind. Karma was on their side. They won the game easily anyway.

So, after one good, but not great year, we figured we were still a couple of players away from moving up. During the summer our team had a bad run, and we realized we were still pretty far away from it. So our goaltender tells us (still playing for both teams), unless we're moving up, he's going to play for the other guys. After all, he played for them first and started playing for us because he thought we were moving up. Reasonable. Besides, he just moved down to Santa Clara (near San Jose), and the commute to Oakland is ridiculous. My wife pointed out that's a sign that he's not long for our league in any case. We were sorry to lose him, as he was one of the better goaltenders in our league. Nonetheless, life moves on.

So, we find another young goalie, who, as it turns out, is an upgrade. Bigger, faster, better positioning, awesome communicator with the defense, and controls rebounds. But the "old" guy always gives us problems. So he's who we played last Tuesday. We were 10-1, tied for first. We're averaging 5+ goals a game, giving up about 2 goals against. Basically, it looks like we're going to move up next season. And we're playing old goalie's 2-8-1 team, averaging fewer than 2 goals a game and giving up about 5.

So, naturally, what happens? Our two best goal scorers, brothers, are out. One, our best player, announced three weeks ago that he's moving to Madison, Wisconsin. Literally, half of our offense (1/5 of our goals and 1/4 of our assists) moved with him a week ago. His brother, an even more prolific goal scorer (this season, at least), tells us that with his first muy thai (kick-boxing) fight coming up, he needs to attend his practices Tuesday and Thursdays, so he can't make our games unless they are late. Tuesday's game, of course, was at a perfectly reasonable 7:30. There went nearly half our offense. And we played like it was even more than that.

Despite completely outplaying the bad guys, outshooting them 31-19, and playing the last 4:30 without a goaltender and without giving up a empty-net goal, we lose 3-1. Despite our new goalie's heroics, just like in the old days, we give up a bunch of odd-man rushes, and the bad guys capitalized. And our old goalie joins us in the parking lot for beers, maybe just to remind us that he left us because we're not ready to move up. He never actually said it, but he didn't have to.

At least we weren't ready last Tuesday.

Eric, the Mad Ref

2007-01-29T10:34:00.000-08:00

Game time: naturally, the worst pair of refs in the league. Older guy with glasses. Tries hard, but seems to mess stuff up a lot. Likes the off-setting penalty when someone gets frisky. Doesn't matter too much if the other guy retaliates, chances are, you're both going. But hey, we're not exactly NHL players ourselves. So a little bad reffing, while deserving of some ribbing, isn't the end of the world.

The other ref is the "Ref with the half-shield," Eric. Didn't recognize him before this year (when the league "upgraded" refs). He's called about 8 of our games, and he's awful. His rule, apparently, is if someone falls, there's a penalty, and when in doubt, call something. Except (and it's a big exception), despite the leagues efforts to install the new, tighter called USA hockey rules for interference, he's decided the crease/slot is a "penalty-free" zone. Did I mention he is inconsistent on the blue-lines, calls off-sides based on team reactions, and routinely waves off icing where it will help the icing team?

The bad guys are scrappy in front of the net, and the referees are letting them do it: remember, the "penalty-free" zone? One of our guys, who's missed probably 7 of our 11 games so far including the last three -- so he's itching to skate -- is getting man-handled in there. Early in the second period, he gets drilled in the back while in their crease. The goaltender (our old one) covers up, and there's a whistle. Naturally, our guy gives a hard shove to the defenseman who just cross-checked him.

Tweet!! 2-minutes for roughing. Our guy is pissed. Really pissed. So he mouths off to Eric, the ref who made the call. And he won't let it go. All the way to the box he's yapping away. When he gets there: Tweet!! 2 more minutes for unsportsmanlike (good call). And our guy loses it. Now he's about to fight the ref. Hmmm. Not the recommended technique. Now he's gone: game misconduct (deserved). He slams the penalty box shut, he slams the door to the rink shut, and he starts swinging his stick wildly to break it. Thing is, it's not breaking, which just pisses him off even more. Finally, it snaps, and he's off to the locker room . . . oops. No key. It's still on our bench. What to do? He can't come back on the ice for it, and has his skates on, so can't walk around the concrete behind the rink to get it. Somehow it works out (I was on the ice, so I'm not sure), and he's gone.

Back to the game. Down 2-0, shorthanded for 4 minutes on our guy's double minor that came before his game misconduct, and things aren't looking good.

Note: Eric still messed this up. First, it all started because he apparently thought cross-checking in the slot is legal. The other team's goaltender shares my skepticism, as he told us over beers in the parking lot: "Your guy was just getting abused in there. I couldn't believe he got that call." Second, the call was: 2 for roughing; 2 for unsportsmanlike; game misconduct for unsportsmanlike. Each minor penalty was worth 2 minutes, but hockey nerds, write this down: the game-misconduct carries an additional automatic 5-minute major. Eric, not knowing the rules, didn't assess it (thankfully).

The guy who got tossed? His girlfriend is in the stands. Between periods she says she overheard Eric saying he wasn't going to call a penalty for any of the cross-checks because he thinks our guy dives too much. Nice.

With 1:40 to play in the game, we have a 2-1 breakaway. I come into their zone with my wing carrying the puck. He takes a shot on net, which the goaltender covers as I skate by. The defenseman takes a run at me and very clearly "interferes" with me. As I'm hurtling towards the boards with this guy riding me in, I dig my skates into the ice, lower my shoulder, give him a shove, and drop the guy. Whistle. 2 for interference on him. The ref who blew the whistle is about to drop the puck when Eric tells me I'm going, too, for roughing. Now, I gave the guy a shove, and landed on top of him, so it was a reasonable call, but I was upset about the heretofore uncalled interference, so, in my best nicey-nicey I'm -the-team-captain-and-have-a-right-to-know voice, ask Eric, "what did you see that was roughing?" "I thought I might have seen you try to punch him." Ah -- since he thought he might have seen something, must have been the other ref that made the call. I skate quietly to the box and finish the game there.

After the game, I ask the other guy, "hey, you called a good game (which was sort of true), what did you see me do that was roughing?" "Oh, I didn't see anything. Eric made the call." Eric is off the ice now, but next to the stairs leading down to our locker room. "What did you see that you thought was roughing?" Same "I thought you maybe . . ." response. So I laugh to myself, tell him he's watching a different game than we're playing, and keep laughing loud enough for him to hear it as I head down the stairs. Cocky and uncalled for? Sure. I get 3/4 of the way down, and he decides to chase after me, yelling at me. We exchange pleasantries, such as me telling him (again) that he's the worst ref in the league, by far. He tells me that he hates calling my team's games -- they are his least favorite. And his parting shot is, "the irony is I was trying to help you guys at the end." Nice. Note to refs: don't try to "help" a team. Know the rules, and call what you see.

So, I sent my second email of the year off to the league chief asking the Eric not call our games anymore. Of course he's got a league to run, so he'll ignore it, and Eric will still be there. Oh well. There's sure to be more from Eric the Mad Ref before the season is over.

Note: my teammates tell me it did look like I punched the guy on the way down. I know I didn't, but I did give him a shove, and I guess it did look bad. Now here's my point. If that's what Eric saw, then he should say so, not "I think you might . . ." There's no penalty for "I think you might . . ."

Hockey in the 'Hood?

2007-01-29T10:24:00.000-08:00

What is this? Well, it's a blog about hockey. Not hockey, adult rec-league hockey. A bunch of guys (way) past their prime, lacing up the skates, taping up the sticks, and living out their dreams once a week.

I just re-watched this http://www.zoomcom.ca/beerleague/ for the 20th time. It's us. And I hope I can do "us" justice.

I'm the captain of my rec team in Oakland, California. And yes, to answer your question, there is a lot of hockey in Oakland. Not just Oakland, but the whole San Francisco Bay Area. Our rink, the Oakland Ice Center http://www.oaklandice.com, has eight adult divisions, each with about 8 teams (give or take). And it's in the hood. Not the kind of place you want to hang out late at night. Which, of course, is when we play.

So what's going to be here? First, thoughts about my team. What's going on, who's doing what, and how it's playing out in the locker room, on the ice, and in the parking lot after the game with the beer. (Note to self: check to make sure everyone's cool about this, or keep this disguised). Second, thoughts about rec-hockey generally: resources (if I feel like it), equipment, etc. We'll see. I'm just starting out, so who's to say for sure?