Last night, I somehow convinced Megan to go with me to watch some AWHL games that were going on at UAA. It's great that she is supportive, even though she really has minimal interest in Hockey itself. I planned on going, pretty much regardless, or play basketball with my buddy, Taylor, who text me during dinner so I was pleased as punch she was willing to go.
Upon arrival, the first game was in the 2nd period. I wanted to get an idea of what kind of level the Denali division was playing at. Oh, so, in my League, there are three divisions: Hunter Division (beginner/recreation), Foraker (intermediate), and Denali (Advanced/competitive). However, as is usually the case, at least in my experience, "competitive" in women's sports standards are usually not what I think them to be. This was also true in last night's Denali Division game that I watched. Don't get me wrong, I can't skate as well as those women can, not even close, and I do not wish to knock them in the very least, but the game is slower and the way they spread the ice/floor/field/pitch/rink, whatever you want to call it, is typical of what you would expect from inexperienced female athletes. This being said, it merely gave me hope that my hopes of moving up in a division in the next season or two is well within reach.
Also, we (Megan, Chancy-Megan's Boyfriend) decided to head up to the vending machines for a snack between periods of the second game (Foraker Division). As we were making our way back to the rink, we saw kids jumping off the diving boards at the pool. It must have been open rec time, because there were no serious swimmers and no lanes set up. Since there are big windows that are above the pool, we stood there watching the guys jump and so silly things off the different spring boards. Some were pretty awesome, some not so awesome. So, we started giving scores! It became quite the game and two girls ended up joining the dive competition. Though, I use the word "dive" loosely here, there were some pretty fun moves displayed. We even gave some 10s and a foot too! LOL! When you start running out of fingers to hold up, you have to resort to the toes! I always gave extra points for a well executed face or body plant, or for an increased degree of difficulty. The lifeguard seemed to enjoy the contest and always looked to us for the scores and so did the divers, and would give a nod of appreciation or head shake after seeing his or her received scores. Next time, we are bringing dry erase boards! LOL! Good times!
I know you [Nancy] said you would not feel sorry for me if I injure myself playing hockey, but, just so you know, I am taking all the necessary precautions to prevent injury. =) My knees are sore, but that is the life of a goalie, and I am also working on remedying the lasting affects of that as well. I'm not as young as I used to be, so stretching before and after is going to play an extremely large role in my knee health, as well as focusing on my hamstrings at the gym. I get a good thigh workout, but the hamstrings tend to miss out on some of the action. Raising my glass to the wonderful world of hockey as I embark on a different workout routine and also head back to the pool! It's nearly winter time, so pool time is always my favorite activity when it's cold outside. Though, in Alaska, you don't see pools outdoors...I'm sure you can understand why, though...how cool would it be to be backstroking, or floating on your back and looking up at the Northern Lights??? If I ever get rich, I will have to build an indoor pool with the option to open the top during the cooler and clear skied days. Hmmm...
This weekend is going to be our season opener against Champion's Choice. The team is already looking forward to shooting at me! LOL! I subbed as their goalie last week for the pre-season game and they have already let me know they look forward to having me be on the other end of their sticks. You gotta love it!
ej
Upon arrival, the first game was in the 2nd period. I wanted to get an idea of what kind of level the Denali division was playing at. Oh, so, in my League, there are three divisions: Hunter Division (beginner/recreation), Foraker (intermediate), and Denali (Advanced/competitive). However, as is usually the case, at least in my experience, "competitive" in women's sports standards are usually not what I think them to be. This was also true in last night's Denali Division game that I watched. Don't get me wrong, I can't skate as well as those women can, not even close, and I do not wish to knock them in the very least, but the game is slower and the way they spread the ice/floor/field/pitch/rink, whatever you want to call it, is typical of what you would expect from inexperienced female athletes. This being said, it merely gave me hope that my hopes of moving up in a division in the next season or two is well within reach.
Also, we (Megan, Chancy-Megan's Boyfriend) decided to head up to the vending machines for a snack between periods of the second game (Foraker Division). As we were making our way back to the rink, we saw kids jumping off the diving boards at the pool. It must have been open rec time, because there were no serious swimmers and no lanes set up. Since there are big windows that are above the pool, we stood there watching the guys jump and so silly things off the different spring boards. Some were pretty awesome, some not so awesome. So, we started giving scores! It became quite the game and two girls ended up joining the dive competition. Though, I use the word "dive" loosely here, there were some pretty fun moves displayed. We even gave some 10s and a foot too! LOL! When you start running out of fingers to hold up, you have to resort to the toes! I always gave extra points for a well executed face or body plant, or for an increased degree of difficulty. The lifeguard seemed to enjoy the contest and always looked to us for the scores and so did the divers, and would give a nod of appreciation or head shake after seeing his or her received scores. Next time, we are bringing dry erase boards! LOL! Good times!
I know you [Nancy] said you would not feel sorry for me if I injure myself playing hockey, but, just so you know, I am taking all the necessary precautions to prevent injury. =) My knees are sore, but that is the life of a goalie, and I am also working on remedying the lasting affects of that as well. I'm not as young as I used to be, so stretching before and after is going to play an extremely large role in my knee health, as well as focusing on my hamstrings at the gym. I get a good thigh workout, but the hamstrings tend to miss out on some of the action. Raising my glass to the wonderful world of hockey as I embark on a different workout routine and also head back to the pool! It's nearly winter time, so pool time is always my favorite activity when it's cold outside. Though, in Alaska, you don't see pools outdoors...I'm sure you can understand why, though...how cool would it be to be backstroking, or floating on your back and looking up at the Northern Lights??? If I ever get rich, I will have to build an indoor pool with the option to open the top during the cooler and clear skied days. Hmmm...
This weekend is going to be our season opener against Champion's Choice. The team is already looking forward to shooting at me! LOL! I subbed as their goalie last week for the pre-season game and they have already let me know they look forward to having me be on the other end of their sticks. You gotta love it!
ej
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