One year ago, I first stepped onto the ice as a goalie. I’ve loved every moment since then.

As I’ve mentioned in the past, I never played team sports growing up (save for two brief stints when I was very young that I hardly remember). I wish I would have started playing organized hockey when I was younger, but I am glad that I did finally start playing competitively last year. All it took was the will to get off my duff, the humility to admit that I needed lessons, and, frankly, the financial wherewithal to fund the endeavor (not exactly cheap, hockey).

I ran into a guy the other week at a game of shinny who was in his 70s. In spite of my late start, if my body holds out until I too am a septuagenarian, I could play for half a century. I like that thought. I wonder how the game will change by 2055? (For comparison, in 1955, ice hockey goalies were not yet wearing masks)

I must admit that my current team is a bit deficient in the offense department. Well, the defense could stand to improve, too. In other words, we’re not very good. By way of example: In our five games so far this season, we have been out-shot every time, between 10 and 30 shots per game. At 40-45 total shots per games, at least I’m getting plenty of experience. I just wish that I had more of a chance with some of those shots.

I believe that every shot is stoppable. With hindsight, I can figure out exactly how I could have saved every shot that ended up getting past me. I screw up my fair share, and I’ve let in plenty of “easy” goals, but I’m getting better.

Of course, some situations are nearly impossible, particularly 2-on-0 breakaways and one-timers off back-door passes. In fact, either of those plays, if executed properly, should result in a goal. I find myself facing such scenarios quite often, and it’s frustrating. Want to know the best way to look like a better goaltender? Get better defensemen.



Ragged defense or no, I enjoy playing goal. There are few thrills like coming up with a clutch glove save on a breakaway. I love learning a new save. I love getting better, stronger, quicker, and smarter. I love learning from past errors and twisting a player’s predictable shooting habits into stellar saves. It’s hard work — MUCH harder than it looks — but I love it.

Drop the puck!