Well, they say any goal is a good goal. While I don’t necessarily agree with that one, if it goes on the scoreboard I guess it is a goal. This holds true even if the net ends up all the way back against the boards with the goalie embedded in the mesh and a player is lying top of him.
When I see a player coming into me, I usually take one of two approaches:
- EJECT! EJECT! EJECT! I’d rather play another day than have some bozo land on my knee and snap some tendons. Sure, they get a goal, but they also find that the cold steel post leaves a lasting memory.
- Elbows Up and Hold On! When ejecting from the crease is not an option, I have (finally) learned to tighten up, lead with the elbows (or blocker, or stick) and hold on for the ride. While I tend to be a little softer than a post, the least I can do is help remind skaters that I’m a big guy and I have sharp skates and elbows.
In the following sequence, I don’t think I even had a chance. I pretty much remember simply ending up with my back against the netting and the net all the way back against the back boards. I’m glad Jason was there to capture this one, ’cause it confirmed my suspicion that my ‘D had something to do with it.
(Oh, and somewhere in that tangle, you can see that the bloody puck found a way in! )
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