Wednesday November 5th
(jump earlier)
Its official!
This may be my last entry here for a while. I am going to dedicate this place to more of a techie/broadband journal. The way it was meant to be. I am moving all personal things over to my livejournal account.
»cbdudek.livejournal.com |
posted Wednesday November 5th, @10:09AM
Monday November 3rd
(jump earlier later)
More than a little irritated
I guess I will get this entry out of the way. I am always frank and honest in this journal. For better or for worst. Today, I am a little more irritated about a specific team in Copper than I was before. First, a little background...
In short, I played for the Stick Heads for 6 sessions. In that time, we had 6 winning sessions and won 3 championships. There is no denying the success we had as a team. After last session, it was decided that half the team was leaving to form a new team while the other half was going to walk away and play on other teams. This was fine, but I always wondered why this team was breaking up after so many successful sessions.
This Fury copper team is in essence the Stick Heads, but reloaded. Sure, some players walked away, but those players were replaced by better players. As I thought, they got another goalie in net to replace me.
I guess the thing that irritates me the most is the fact that I worked my ass off to better myself. To compete is something I strive to do. I always came prepared to play for the Stick Heads and I never missed a game or left them out to dry. So why the hell was I passed over? Why did the Stick Heads minus a couple players get back together without me in net or those few players? I know it will never be said, but it has to do with confidence in goaltending and the players in specific. Maybe the team was just not comfortable with me. Anyway, I am more than a little pissed off with the people on that team and probably will take it personally. Maybe more than I want to admit. I am going to try not to think about it.
When you have continued success on an established team, you want to have that success every session. This is something I know I won't have with my current team in Copper, the White Tigers. I know they won't have the horses to keep up with these higher eschelon teams. That upsets me a little.
On the good side, the White Tigers did come up with an excellent win on Monday over the Golden Eagles. It was a tight game all the way pretty much until my team scored two unanswered goals to make it 4-2. They chipped back within 1 and then we scored two more to make it 6-3 and that was the way it ended. Overall, I was impressed with the effort. I am always impressed with the effort these guys give. They may not be the most talented, but they work their asses off every night. That is all I ask from any team I play with.
I will feel better about things later on. I promise. Time heals all wounds. |
posted Monday November 3rd, @11:29PM
(jump earlier later)
Return to the Ice
A lot has happened in the last week.
On Wednesday, I had another strong game in a 3-2 victory. One goal that beat me was a shot that hit the top corner of the net and the other was a deflection off my own defenseman's stick. We trailed 2-1 through most of the game until we got 2 goals in the third to win the game. Overall, I am very happy with my effort. I stopped two breakaway chances in the game that helped seal the victory.
On Thursday, I once again had another strong game in a 9-1 victory. Only goal that beat me was a partial breakaway. I went down a little too fast and he deked around me to score. Otherwise, my team dominated the game. The opposing team had a lot of chances early, but didn't pressure much through the rest of the game.
Saturday was left covering Ferris State as they played MSU. As some of you may or may not know, FSU played very well last year. They placed 1st in the league and suprised everyone. This year, they are in a free fall. After a weak game on Friday night, they played strong on Saturday but were a little snakebit. I will be puting photos up on my webiste later.
This week, I have 3 more games and then covering 2 more games this weekend. Needless to say, I have a lot to do in the next week. |
posted Monday November 3rd, @04:25PM
Tuesday October 28th
(jump earlier later)
New Team....New Season
White Tigers vrs Mole Kickers - Mon 10/27
I came up with a very solid game and only one goal I wanted back and we still lost 4-1.
1 - Nice 3 on 1 chance. From the point to the wide open guy on the right hand side who roofed it over me when I slid over to make the save.
2 - The one I wanted back. Forward behind the net with the puck came around and stuffed it in. I didn't go down until it was too late. Gotta seal that low part when they come around like that.
3 - Nice shot from the slot that knicked the far post and went in.
4 - Empty netter.
Overall, a very solid game. I made a lot of good saves. There are still some things that concern me. First off there were a lot of screened shots I didn't even see. Some of them I never reacted to since I didn't hear the shot. Those kinds of shots, if they are on net, are going to cause me problems down the road.
I was thinking of some goals for this new team I am playing for. This team was 1-10 last session and 2-9 the previous session. It will be my goal to get them 3 wins this session, and against harder teams no less. We will see what happens, but it feels nice to play with a new team. |
posted Tuesday October 28th, @10:01AM
Monday October 27th
(jump earlier later)
Championship #5 and an end to Vacation
I never thought so many good things could happen to me while I was on vacation.
I arrived in Dallas on Saturday 10-18 at around 12:30 in the afternoon. All afternoon I was calling down to the rink to see how the Stick Heads were doing. The Stick Heads placed 2nd in the division with an 8-3 record. Another winning season for them. I had prior plans made way in advance to be gone so I had a sub goalie fill in for me. While it pained me to leave, I gave my team the best possible chance to win with a great goalie.
Anyway, the Stick Heads won their first game in OT 3-2. Then, I had to wait until 6:00pm to hear the last result. That was a long time actually...especially when your team is in a dog fight with an undefeated team in the division for the championship. This team had scored almost 90 goals and given up only around 30 in 11 games. I didn't know what to expect, but if anyone could do it, it would be them. Saturday at 6:00pm, I got a call from the celebration on the ice. It was done. The Stick Heads have done it again. Once again beating the odds and winning it all.
Through all my happiness, I suddenly felt robbed. I knew I could have done it if I was there. I knew I would have been the winning goaltender if I was playing in that game. However, it wasn't meant to be. I played all 11 games that season and won 8 of them. I led that team to the playoffs and while I didn't complete the journey, part of that championship was mine and rightfully so. I had worked hard all season to get them there knowing I wouldn't be able to play on playoff day.
Sometime this week, I will lift that trophy and be happy. This may be the last one I lift for a while. The Stick Heads are done for at least one session if not for a while. I am starting on a new team that will have a new set of headaches. I don't anticipate being in the playoffs this session, but I will do what I can to take them there. We will just have to wait and see. |
posted Monday October 27th, @02:13PM
Thursday October 16th
(jump earlier later)
The 100th entry
Today I reached a milestone. 100 entries into my journal and counting. This makes me happy. There are times when I thought I wouldn't keep up with this journal. Some of those times I didn't keep up with it like I should. However, as I go back and reread my thoughts and feelings, I get a sense of satisfaction. This is why I keep up with it.
I had a decent game on Wednesday night but it will be a long season. Lost 8-2, and while I had a lot of chances against me, I stopped a couple good ones. The ones that did beat me there really was nothing I could do about them except for two of the shots. I was beaten five hole twice, and that isn't acceptable. I just didn't go down quick enough. Gotta work on that and sitting lower in my crouch ready to move. I think that was my problem last night.
I know I have been a little bitter lately. It is a mismash of feelings I have been experiencing since the Stick Heads broke up. I hope my vacation next week will put these feelings to rest. |
posted Thursday October 16th, @10:19AM
Tuesday October 14th
(jump earlier later)
Accomplished!
After a tight 9-7 victory against the second place team, that puts the Stick Heads in 2nd place and into the playoffs again. I started out shaky by giving up a few goals I should have had. My team rallied and came back scoring 4 unanswered goals en route to the victory. I admit, I made mistakes, but I am happy that the mission was accomplished. An 8-3 victory for my Stick Heads. Now, their mission will be to win another championship....without me.
I will be in Dallas, TX next week. Part of me wishes I was here to backstop my team, but another part of me is glad to be going. My 3 losses came against the first place undefeated team, the third place team, and the team we beat tonight which was second. In essence, the top teams really gave me some problems. Stepping in for me is one of the top 5 goalies out at Rivertown...Mike Staple.
The part of me that is upset is the fact that if my team goes all the way....that reduces my championship contribution a bit. The challenge there is to go all the way. Win 2 games in a row. Something I have only done 2 times in my short 4 year career.
I have joined another Copper team next session called the White Tigers. I can definetly say it will be a competitive team, but nothing like the Stick Heads. Getting that team into the playoffs will be the tough part. I will be relied on more than I have before.
In the meantime, my name isn't mentioned by any competitive teams. Sure, I will have my beginner team which will be competitive next session. I was hoping to have a chance to win it all next session by playing with a group of experieced players that I know. The Stick Heads could probably make another run next session. They have every session. However, some of the key players wanted to form another team...with a better goalie.
Yes, I am still bitter. However, I just have to come to the conclusion that I will always be beat out by better goalies. I can name a few by name that always seem to get on teams before I will. I would give anything to be named on a team before those select people.
However, bitterness doesn't solve anything. Instead of playing for the next playoff or championship, I am going to have to realize that my chances are slim and just to play for the fun of the game. There is still a part of me that wants that elusive championship. It will always be there. |
posted Tuesday October 14th, @11:05PM
Monday October 6th
(jump earlier later)
Possibly unemployed
After a very successful 7-3 season so far, I found out the Stick Heads won't be coming back next session. I guess it figures. It seems like something like this would happen. In my last year playing hockey, my most successful team was the Stick Heads. Two championships later, it seems like my time with them is coming to an end for good. Once again, I am being left out in the cold.
I know I sound bitter. Maybe I am. The problem I have with this whole thing is I am going to be stuck without a team and playing only ultra-beginner league hockey. I know I am capable of much more than that. I know I can be on a competitive team. I know I have a couple more championships in me. However, no team will take a chance on me. I know a lot of people out there, but it seems that none of them want me on their team. I wonder why sometimes. Maybe it is my attitude. Maybe it is my skill. Either way, I know I can be successful.
I feel I am reaching closer to a crossroads in my young hockey career. I can either play in Aluminum until a team picks me up, or I can walk away. Part of me is considering walking away from Rollerhockey entirely. Even though it pains me to consider that because all my success has been playing Rollerhockey. I still remember winning my first championship. Going the distance with my third championship and lifting that trophy after a successful season. I cried that night but I still fell asleep. My fourth championship I was given the trophy. I still look at it and remember back then. It was one year ago.
Oh how the mighty have fallen. Now I am once again without a team. I really don't know about playing on a house team. I want to be on a competitive team. A team that has a chance for a championship. I just don't know if I will get my wish or not.
My goal next week is to make it an 8-3 session by beating the second place team. Then, I will let the chips fall where they may. |
posted Monday October 6th, @11:42PM
Thursday October 2nd
(jump earlier later)
The No Goal
Thursday was my night to skate out, and I feel I did a pretty decent job. Up until about 20 minutes left in the final period when I scored an obvious goal and the ref didn't call it. I got more than a little upset, and maybe overreacted a bit. I ended up getting tossed from the game. I was more irritated that the ref was calling things from areas he couldn't see properly. My goal was scored when the ref was way up behind me and couldn't see where the goal line was. A goal was scored by the the other team when the puck almost crossed the line when one of our forwards threw the puck out of the crease. It wasn't a goal, but it was still called when the ref was once again not able to see it properly.
The only thing I regret about the situation is bitching at the ref. Something I have always told the players in front of me not to do. I didn't follow my own advice and I paid for it. I will remember this next time.
Overall though, things are going well. Ferris' first home game is on Saturday and I will be there. I am geeked to say the least about college hockey season opening up. I will have pictures and a recap up later.  |
posted Thursday October 2nd, @11:54PM
Tuesday September 30th
(jump earlier later)
The main reason
One of the main reasons why I have never started a journal is because of my tendency to pull away from it at times. I have done that for about a couple months now. I thought of things to talk about, but I just haven't made the time to write in this journal about them. That has to change. Especially considering I go back in this journal to read about what happened in the past.
Speaking of which, it was almost one year ago today when I captured my 3rd championship. How much time flies. I still look at that picture and can remember the good time I had that session. I was so happy for my team and most important for myself. It was the first championship I went the distance for. It was the first one I felt like I earned and deservedly so. There are others who haven't gotten as far as I have.
Today, the story isn't different. The only team I have been on that isn't in a state of flux is my Aluminum beginner team. This session, I am skating out though which makes a difference. I have 3 goals so far this session with a chance to get a few more before the season is out. I set my sights on one to be honest with you. The rest are just a bonus. I am looking foward to goaltending next session for them again. This was a fun session, but my true love of the game is in goaltending. I might revisit skating out later, but while I am able to I want to be a goalie.
The Stick Heads will be splitting up again next session. Last session was a minor disappointment when some members left to form new teams or take sessions off. This session we have success, but that will change. I don't know what is going to happen with me next session yet. I may stick around on Stick Heads if they can find more players. I may get asked to play in another league. Worse case, I am without a team and off looking again. It always worries me when I have to look for another team to play on. Sometimes I wonder if I will be able to find another team. I haven't had that problem before to be honest with you...but it could happen at any time.
Anyway, the Stick Heads should make playoffs this session, and I have played decently for them. It all just depends on our last two games. I really want to stick with them long term.
So much uncertainty... |
posted Tuesday September 30th, @03:37PM
Saturday August 30th
(jump earlier later)
Its been a while
I took a little time off my journal entries. I have no one to blame but myself. I had some good and bad games since my last entry. The only thing is that this journal was not on my priority list. That is a bad thing. I look back on this journal every now and then. Gotta keep it up.
I had two games today and squeaked the first one out 9-8 in overtime. The second one I played reasonably well in a 11-4 victory. I let a couple weak goals in both games, but I came through with a couple solid saves in each one as well. The 9-8 overtime game was a thriller indeed. After letting in the tying goal that was a little weak to say the least, I came up with a huge save in OT that kept my team in it. I dove across the crease when the forward cut across the center. He shot the puck and it hit my helmet and went off into the corner. My team scored a minute later. In the second game, I made a great save off a one timer and then again off the rebound. I won't talk about the two goals I let in that were moderatly weak. Oh well.
It just seems like I am letting in a soft goal every game. I have been trying to square up to the shooter and concentrate on making the save. However, it just seems like there is always one goal that eeks its way through. Well, now that I think about it, I did have a 4-0 shutout win in ice hockey on Wednesday night. So not in that instance. I suppose it doesn't matter as long as my team ends up on the winning end of the sheet. That I can say I have been doing.
My skating out this session has been incredibly fun. I scored my second goal last week off the backhand from a centering pass. It was a great pass and I did make contact with the puck very well. I was pretty suprised. As I said to myself before the season began, one goal would make me happy. Now I have 2 with still 7 games to play. I am not going to make any goals for myself. The only thing I am going to do is keep working my ass off out there.
More to come after the holiday weekend. |
posted Saturday August 30th, @12:18AM
Thursday August 7th
(jump earlier later)
A new session!
Nothing breathes life into me more than a new session. Two teams and 11 games for each team. The Stick Heads were the first on the docket on Monday.
8/4 - Stick Heads vrs Prarie Dogs
After having a few days off, I had a very solid game in a 6-3 win.
1 - Giveaway in the defensive zone by one of my defenseman. The forward took the puck and backhanded it upstairs on me. A good shot, but I feel I should have played up a bit on him.
2 - Shot from the left at the faceoff circle that went through me literally. I had the angle, it just squeezed between my blocker and body to go in. I should have had that one.
3 - Another shot from the faceoff circle, except this one hit the top corner of the net. Nothing I could do here.
Overall, I played a solid game as I said. I came up with a few quality stops. By far though, the Stick Heads outplayed this team. They worked their asses off in this game and it showed.
I am going to include a little blurb on my ice hockey game on Wednesday, but I am not going to make a big story out of it. Let me put it bluntly so I can get to the next important game. We got beat 10-2 by an intermediate level team. My team is a beginner team. Pretty much, 9 of the 10 goals scored were by the same 2 guys on the team that got numerous breakaways and other opportunities. It is a shame that a intermediate level team has to drop down to beginner to blow teams out in order to feel better about themselves. That is all I am going to say on this matter.
8/7 Smith Diamond Reality (formerly Team Kontakt) vrs X-Men.
Thursday night was a rather special night for me. I have always wanted to skate out. However, as long at Team Kontakt was playing in Aluminum, I would never get a chance to skate out it seemed....until another goalie came along. Rick, the rink owner, wanted to get back into playing after surgery took him out for over 9 months. It only made sense for him to play in the beginner division. I skated out.
Even though we lost 6-3, I had my first goal on my first shift. It felt good to get a break like that. I have always wanted to score a goal and now I have one. They say the first one is the hardest. After that, it gets easier. I hope so, but I am going to keep skating and playing like I played tonight. I skated with reckless abandon. I didn't care if I hit the boards going full tilt or my opponents for that matter. That work paid off.
I know this session is still a long ways away, but I want to skate out a little more before this session ends. I want to play in dropin where I can get some practice and keep working hard. Next week, I will do that. Got to give it time. I didn't play goalie well the first time I played. This whole skating out thing is going to take time. |
posted Thursday August 7th, @11:28PM
Monday July 28th
(jump earlier later)
Ugly day
I was looking forward to practice this evening, but it ended up being a nightmare. I wasn't feeling well at work to start out. Yet, I thought it would be best to stick it out and go to practice anyway. I thought I would rebound and feel better after a nice meal at home. By the time 8:00 rolled around, I was feeling even worse. I showed up at practice, got dressed, and played for about 30 minutes. I wasn't feeling great, and I had to stop a couple times to regain my strength. Finally, I had about enough and had to stop. I sat down and watched my team for a little while, trying to get the strength to head back in. A couple people on my team gave me a little grief because of it and I got pretty upset over it. Yes, I let them down, but I wasn't feeling well and that got me going.
By the time the yelling and such got over with, I was close to being replaced for the season. However, in the end, I kept my job. The captain thought I was leaving for good and that just wasn't the case. I have never left a team before like that and I never will. I have been playing with the Stick Heads for a while now and I have no intentions of leaving.
Speaking of replaced, that really irks me. The captain just did it on a whim. Yes, I was upset at the time. However, I just wish he had the initiative to talk to me first before he did it. It was really sudden and everyone gets upset at one point in time. Before I replace anyone, I would talk with them first to find out what the tirade was about. At least, that is what I would have done.
*Sigh*
Well, at least I still have my job with the Stick Heads. I just hope that was just an episode with the Captain and not how he actually felt. Thats all I need is my confidence to go into the ringer again.
I really need to work on that. My confidence hasn't recovered from that first replacement episode. I became comfortable playing with that first team I won two championships with. However, they never gave me a lick of ice time in the playoffs. They never had confidence in me. As one of my teammates said who played on that team with me, "They were a bunch of assholes." He speaks the truth.
I have to look at it from this perspective. If the Stick Heads threw me off, what would be my options? I could probably play in Brass and Aluminum. Maybe a Copper team would pick me up. Gotta think of it as starting new. However, when I think of that, it just makes me upset. Getting tossed off for what reason? Why would the Stick Heads or any team for that matter not ask someone to come back? In the case of my first team, they claimed it was because I wasn't good enough. Sorry, but I had a winning record both sessions we won the championship. I was more than supportive. Maybe a little too supportive.
I can't go on thinking about it to be honest with you. I have to carve out my own identity and be accepted. The captain said it was just a misunderstanding and I believe him...but part of me wonders. |
posted Monday July 28th, @11:55PM
Sunday July 27th
(jump earlier later)
As I said...
In my previous entry, I said it would take a day and now I am back to normal. Those feelings I had last night are no longer there. Or, shall we say, there but buried enough until next playoff day. Here are the things I kept telling myself since that finals game.
1. Team Kontakt didn't get enough pressure in the offensive zone and Schuts got the chances they needed to win the game. When your team is holding all the chances to the outside, you increase your chances of winning.
2. The first playoff game was a 1-0 shutout and that felt awesome. It gave my team a real boost to win a game like that. Defensively, my team played almost flawless. It was the same way that Schuts played in the finals and it is experience my team can build on.
3. As for the cheering going on for the other goalie/team, I have since removed that from my thoughts. I have to come to the realization that others may wish me the best, but friendships are fickle. I have wished the best to other people I know. I may also cheer for them as well. If I know people on two different teams, I usually cheer for the underdog in my mind. I really don't make that thought known though. I am sure I have expressed those feeling at one point in time. Therefore, I may have taken things a little too hard. That is my mistake, and now I must apologize to someone I may have hurt. 
4. It has always been my wish to get Kontakt a championship. That wish has not come true. Sure, we have made it to the finals a record 4 times without going all the way. There just always seems to be a team that wants it a little bit more or a bounce just doesn't go our way. It is my hope that this team doesn't lose faith in me or in themselves. It is a beginner league. You cannot base one game on the success or failure as a team. It is just not right to do.
Done for now, I will type more on this later I am sure. |
posted Sunday July 27th, @11:32PM
Saturday July 26th
(jump earlier later)
*sigh*
I really have no idea what is going to come out on this journal entry. This is more of just a mish-mash of feelings typed out.
First, the playoffs. As I have said before here on numerous times, anyone can win a one game playoff. After pitching a 1-0 shutout the first game, my team lost the finals game 3-1 to Schuts Greenhouse. Both games my team played very well. Team Kontakt is a beginner team, but conducts themselves very well. I am pleased with their performance.
During that game, I was more than a little annoyed by some people I know. Maybe it is because I have never had anyone rally around me. These people, who I thought might be friends, chose to rally around the other goalie. I don't know if I should feel the way I do, but I feel...upset. I may wake up a week from now and acknowledge the fact that I was wrong to feel like this...but for now I do.
No matter how many times I tell myself I did the best job I could and it was a great finals game, there is the nagging doubt that keeps entering my head. It haunts me right now. It slowly creeps down into my gut and squeezes me there now. Part of me actually wants to cry, and I would accept that, but the tears just don't come out.
More than anything, I am fustrated. Fustrated about the fact that I can work hard and play four games a week and not make any headway towards going the distance in the playoffs. Sure, my teams are lucky enough to have successful seasons. However, I am snakebitten in the playoffs. I would like to consider myself a clutch performer. However, facing facts here, I am not.
I also have to face facts that no one will be in my corner. I am the only one that wants to succeed in this sport. I play 4 games a week. Sure, my teams want to have some resembelence of success. I can give them that. Beyond that, it is all up to me. No cheering section, no moral support from anyone but my teammates, and at times it can bum me out.
Sometimes, you just have to say....what the fuck, and make your move. Yes, I got that line from Risky Business. However, it makes sense in times like this. You lose one finals game. Your team has had a successful season. One game should not mean the difference between success and failure. I am going to be like this for the next day or so. Then, I will be back to normal.
[text was edited by author 2003-07-27 00:58:57]
|
posted Saturday July 26th, @11:59PM
Thursday July 24th
(jump earlier later)
Playoffs Coming and Stick Heads Analysis
Lets just head right to the review of Monday's game.
Monday - Stick Heads vrs Donkeys
This was a landslide 15-4 victory for a variety of reasons. Some of the Donkeys better players didn't show up and their goalie had never played before. I really didn't think about the goals I let in much. It was more like a scrimage than anything.
That ends my session with the Stick Heads, now I will analyze my performance.
Stick Heads record: 5-6
Goals For: 54 (4th overall)
Goals Against: 45 (5th overall)
After winning our first two games, we really hit a slump and lost 6 in a row. Most of those games were one or two goal games. Very close in rollerhockey. We scored a whopping 30 goals in the last 3 games. That is totally dominant. This coming from a team that scored 24 goals in 8 games for a 3 goal per game average. That won't win you many games.
As for my performance, I will say this. I was a little hard on myself this session. However, in a one goal game, the key save you make or don't make can be the difference in the game. There were a couple one goal games I didn't come up with that save. I could say there were mistakes I made that cost us the game, but hockey is a team sport. There are other factors other than me making the save. Next session we should have all the original members of the Stick Heads back. Should make for a entertaining session that is for sure.
Wednesday Ice Hockey - Windmeuller Electric vrs ADAC
Tight game down to the last five minutes, with my Windmeuller team coming out on top 6-3. I played another solid game.
1 - Centering pass to a wide open streaking forward who put the shot top shelf on me. I slid over to make the save and he still got it over me. Talk about a perfect shot.
2 - Forward who cut around my defenseman and to the front of the net. He just deked around me and put it home. I was out a little too far and I should have came out a little more to cut off his angle. Otherwise, good goal.
3 - Turnover in the defensive zone led to this goal. Forward wristed a shot in the slot and I just didn't get my pad down in time. I don't know if I was crouched as low as I normally am. If I am crouched low enough, I can get my leg pad down faster.
I stopped two breakaways in the game and a nice deflection and rebound attempt. I am very satisfied with my effort the last two games in ice hockey.
Playoffs are coming in Rollerhockey this weekend. Unlike in previous playoff games, I am relaxed. I am not worried about making a mistake or doing poorly. I will just go out and do the best I can. Letting the chips fall where they may. Anyone can win a one game playoff. That includes my team who is sitting in 2nd place right now. My thoughts may change later, but for now, I am pretty relaxed. |
posted Thursday July 24th, @04:37PM
Monday July 21st
(jump earlier later)
The Raw Deal
I don't know if this is an entirely accurate title for this post, but it was the first thing that came to mind.
While watching Tears of the Sun on Saturday night, I ran across a headline on ESPN.com. Fedorov signed with the Mighty Ducks of Anaheim. Five years and 40 million with incentive bonuses. After reading that, I was a little disappointed.
Fedorov is the first hockey player I admired. Maybe because of his skill and big goals he has scored. Maybe because of the milestones he set. Maybe because he was dedicated to the same team for so long. There are a variety of reasons.
Fedorov has always gotten a raw deal in Detroit. The fans never showed him appreciation like they did Steve Yzerman. He was always met with scrutiny. This suprised me because he was never in any serious trouble during his career in Detroit. He scored on average a point a game through his career. Yes, a point a game. Don't believe me? Check out ESPN's stastics on Fedorov.
Maybe it was appreciation or acceptance he was looking for. Maybe it was actually a 5 year deal. Yes, he got a 5 year deal early in the season, but he was going through a difficult time personally so I can understand why he needed more time to think about it. The offer was then removed from the table. The next few offers were not to his liking. The Ducks gave him what he wanted. 5 years and 40 million with incentives.
In short, I will always show my appreciation for Fedorov. The Wings started to challenge for the cup back when he came into the league. He was a major cog in the Detroit machine that took 3 Stanley Cups. I really can't say that without him, Detroit wouldn't have won 3 championships. I will say that he scored some big goals and it would be tough to replace him.
It is my hope that Detroit fans will give him some slack. Though, that will never happen. I will always appreciate him and wear my Fedorov jersey with pride. I will applaud him when he succeeds and stand behind him when he slumps. He is only human after all...like me. |
posted Monday July 21st, @09:40AM
Friday July 18th
(jump earlier later)
I won't say it...
The title of this entry says it all. I won't say my slump is over...if you call it that. My last three games in a row I have played solid. I haven't let goals in I felt I should have had. I am seeing the puck better than I have in the past. I got back to basics by making sure my stick is down, crouch low, glove up, and I am taking away the angle the best I can. I am working on rebound control, and that is also helping. I need to keep my confidence up by smothering those rebounds more aggressivly. If the puck is within reach, I have to do it. I have plenty of chances to do it too and sometimes I am hesitant.
Monday - Stick Heads vrs Rage 2
Here is a team we beat 5-4 in overtime the first time we played them. I expected another close game and got one. I also started my back to basics thought process and it worked out. I was seeing the puck so much better and I was much more confident. The game was a 4-1 victory. The only goal that was scored on me was a giveaway in the defensive zone. A slapshot went glove side on me. I really wasn't upset with the shot, but my glove wasn't up either. The rest of the game was not filled with routine saves. There were centering passes that the other team got good shots on in the slot. I was just in the right position to stop them. For the second time this season, I felt like I robbed that team and it does feel good to get a win against a tough team.
Wednesday - Winmeuller Electric vrs Future Care
My ice hockey team needed a win and we got one. A 6-3 victory and once again another solid game. I stopped a couple breakaways early and a penalty shot with a minute left in the game. My team jumped out to a 4-0 lead before Future Care carried the play in the second period.
1 - Centering pass that went off a defenseman skate and right to a forward who put the puck past me. I wasn't in position to take the shot due to the deflection.
2 - Another similar play like goal one except I lost sight of the puck after I made a save on the first shot.
3 - Breakaway goal. I stopped the first shot but the shooter collected his own rebound and put it past me.
All in all, a solid effort. My team was happy and so was I.
Thursday - Team Kontakt vrs Team X
The last time I faced this team, it was a hard fought game. Team X had a 4-3 lead on us with less than 5 minutes to go when we scored 3 to get the win. I thought this game would be more of the same, but instead it was a defensive battle with us getting some good shots and deflections to seal a 5-3 win.
1 - Nice tip that went five hole on me. I didn't have my stick down covering that space and I know I should have had my stick there. It was a nice tip though.
2 - Centering pass that was one-timed home. My defenseman didn't give me much help.
3 - Same as #2.
Overall, I was pleased with my performance again. One of my teammates told me I looked more confident. I feel more confident out there. I am reacting to the shot like I should be. I am in a good position to stop the shot. As long as I cover the basics, the chances of me stopping the puck goes up. That is a good thing.
As I said at the beginning, I won't say my slump is over. I was looking over the statistics from this season though and I didn't do as bad as I thought I did. Next week I will be puting out an extensive review on my season at Rivertown. This review will be for my benefit mostly down the road and I intend to do one every season no matter how I do.
More to come later! I have a game or two to play tomorrow along with some hockey shots I will be taking of some games with my new Nikon lens. My brother will be subbing in for at least one team tomorrow so I don't have to play 2-3 games in a row. The camera will come in handy. |
posted Friday July 18th, @12:30AM
Monday July 14th
(jump earlier later)
Dreams and the stretch run
My last few nights of dreams have been weird to say the least. One was a hockey game I was in that went to overtime. The game just went on and on and there was no winner. Finally the ref just decided to flip a coin, and I was on the winning side. Another goalie I know, who played just as hard as I did, was on the losing side. While I was happy to win, I felt bad for him. What does this mean? I have no idea.
I bought one of these books that analyze dreams and are supposed to tell you what the meaning is. The book is pretty cryptic, however, I didn't count it giving me a black and white answer.
The stretch run is coming up over the next couple weeks. I have 4 games this week and 4 games next week leading into the playoffs on the 26th and a chance to add on to my 4 championships. In order to go the distance, I will need to keep working hard. This week, I am continuing my back to basics thoughts. Make sure the stick is down, glove is up, centered to the shot, react to the shot, and control the rebounds. I know, a lot of things to think about, but when times are tough, there comes a time to go back to the basics. |
posted Monday July 14th, @02:37PM
Sunday July 13th
(jump earlier later)
Back after a short sabatical
My 4th of July weekend and the following week were relaxing. My cousin came up from Texas to visit and I spent a lot of time with my family. I only worked a couple days during the week. The rest of the time I took off to spend time with my cousin. We played Command and Conquer, Age of Mythology, and a few MAME games like the Gauntlet and Xenophobe.
I played two games last week. I did well in a 10-4 win and a 5-3 loss. In the next couple weeks I will post a final review on my performance this session.
[text was edited by author 2003-07-13 22:38:39]
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posted Sunday July 13th, @10:37PM
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Nightfall
