BenderHockey

Use all your equipment. Practice how you want to play. You might find you think you found the right way to do something, but then when the pads/skates come into play, it changes. I also see in your video, that you tend to be sitting on your calves a bit when you go down. In a butterfly save situation, you want your hips/trunk to be flat/straight up and square to the shooter, not angled backwards.

A lot of rinks in this area. When I got my crest, I emailed all the assignors directly. Let them know I was available and looking for games, and gave them my contact info.

Started refereeing again after a 7 year break. Starting over at level 1, but have 13 games scheduled already. Felt so good to get back out there again!

What were the circumstances behind that?!

You had a closed book exam for level 1?

Still waiting.....

Yeah, I was totally surprised. I kinda wish it hadn't processed so quickly, then maybe I wouldn't be angry at having to wait for these electives. At least they could let us know when, instead of "maybe in a few weeks. Hopefully."

I understand. My Seminar information is Processed, and verifies date, time, and location.

I attended my classroom seminar Saturday. This AM, it had posted on my status page already. I am being held up ONLY by this aspect.

Speaking of officials, a quick vent directed at USA Hockey officiating dept: my card/crest isn't going to be sent until I complete ELECTIVE online classes, that aren't even going to be available for "possibly a few more weeks". Where's the thought process in that?

Optimus, one cheat I do is that I don't use the toe tie/toe bridge. What I then do is use my toes to push the pads a little closer together. Doesn't seal the 5 hole totally, but shrinks it a bit.

Stretch. A lot. And then stretch some more. I have the same issue with the 5 hole at first, but you loosen up over time. You need to be cognizant of it when you're on the ice, or it will be exposed.

They enforce the penalties they see. It's up to the players to be disciplined.

Just wait until you are also wearing the big pads as well. Makes it even worse.

Indeed. How could I leave out the Hit King? I'll have to change my initials to HOF.

The 80's had some of the best pure hitters ever. Boggs, Gwynn, Mattingly, Molitor. A shame you don't see that as much anymore.

As someone who has just recently done this, let me push you away from INT equipment. The glove and blocker, while it may feel like it fits a bit better, has the downside of being smaller overall, and will appear smaller to the opposing forwards, showing more net. Larger surface area of SR gloves will take up more net. Also, you WILL feel a difference. Not on every shot, but the ones that mean something will HURT. As for leg pads, same issues arise. INT is 10" across as opposed to 11". Doesn't sound like a big difference, but every little bit of net that we can cover is appreciated, especially for us beginners. Also, it will not use the same materials for interior padding, nor the same amounts. They are designed to stop teenager shots, not necessarily adult shots. The big price difference is quite enticing, agreed. I'm just giving you my (unsolicited) $.02 I purchased INT pads and gloves before upgrading to SR. Quite an expensive mistake to make. If you have any questions, feel free to hit me up. I played out for 20 years, and then got the whim to play goal. Have been doing it for about a year and I love it.

This is where the words, "Are you F&*^ing kidding me?!?" would actually come out of my mouth, and actually be directed at the customer.

You seem to have some issues that need working on.

Close. They put America INTO a depression.

Pete Seeger

You get who you get. The good teams deal with it/adjust accordingly.

I don't travel enough to accrue any points of any kind. I guess that's an entirely different vent...

Thanks. Maybe I'll stop in and say hello, wearing the sweater of course!

Damn, vacations are expensive.....