I have a milestone birthday coming up, way too rapidly it seems. Milestone birthdays always seem to come with an evaluation of life, and a desire to recapture part of your youth that is slowly fading away.
I don't need a fancy sports car as my diesel Jetta is sporty enough for me. I don't need a younger wife as the one I married is perfect for me. But there is one thing I've wanted to do for a long time...
I want to be a hockey goalie again. And I'm looking for any excuse not to.
I started with the equipment. It's a lot different than when I played as a kid. Back then (or should I say, way back then) the chest protector was just slightly above wearing two sweatshirts and a jersey. A shot to the shoulder, arm or chest
was something you were reminded of for weeks as the bruise healed, unless you got proficient at avoiding the puck. Today's equipment is made of Kevlar, the stuff used in bullet-proof vests. There goes one excuse.
Ahh, yes, the expense! Well, no luck there, either. Craigslist is full of good used equipment, and to make it even more convenient, I found Rusty Cats Garage in Tsawwassen had a great supply of goalie stuff. They had almost everything I needed. When I waffled on buying it, they even held it aside and waited for me. For two weeks. Thanks a lot.
But even if I have the equipment, I have to get on the ice, and I'm sure no team wants a complete rookie in net! That's where the Corporation of Delta comes in with its Learn to Play Hockey program. Seems they don't have a goalie, so they'd love to have me join in. Lucky me.
Being a goalie is much more complicated than it was when I was younger. There are so many changes to the position, I'm not sure I'll know what to do. Except that I've been a volunteer goalie coach in the South Delta Minor
Hockey Association with a great professional coach, Pasco Valana. Valana's coached goalies all the way up to the NHL. I've learned a ton about being a goalie. That was my last excuse.
So there I am, Friday evening at the South Delta Recreation Centre. Somehow I figured out how to strap all this stuff on and make my way to the ice.
A few skating drills to get my feet underneath me and then it's between the pipes. I stare down all of these adult players, many of whom have only just started to play. I'm all set, so take your best shot.
It didn't take long to conclude I am a lousy goalie. What I know in my head does not translate well into what my body can do. Plus, I quickly realize just how out of shape I am. But after my back stops aching the next day, all I can think about is how soon I can get back on the ice.
As much as I tried to deny my mid-life crisis, I can't use Parks and Rec, Pasco or Rusty Cats as an excuse to avoid it. Thanks a lot, guys. Really.
And keep fighting, Kyle, we're all rooting for you!
