November 09, 2008Young season at crossroadsSunday Morning Road Hockey is at a turning point. For the second time in a season that's just four weeks old, the roadsters cooled their heels for most of the morning, wondering if there would even be a game. This time the problem was a lack of goalie equipment, as the usually reliable Kid, who was entrusted with almost two full sets of gear, failed to show up. For the eight players who defied the steady drizzle and slippery court, the uncertainty was especially frustrating; amongst them were two regular goalies, Twizzler and Cowboy Bill, and two emergency backups, Doo and Colonel. "Today is extra frustrating, there's people here, we've got goaltenders but no equipment," said the Colonel, who showed his mettle last week when he won his second career start between the pipes, 20-11. "You entrust that equipment to people and they don't come out and now we're waiting." "I think people are willing to step up this week, but we just don't have the gear," said Cowboy Bill, who's saved a number of games during his long career by strapping on the pads. While the roadsters eventually played a modified game of target hockey, aiming their shots at goalie gloves suspended in each net to register a goal, the disappointment of the day has some players questioning the future of the league and their own commitment to it. "I've only been hear for one year, so it's hard for me to say if this is regular, but people have got to pick it up or otherwise there won't be a league," said Scrappy, one of the Scooby-Doo gang of four young players whose dedication to the games have salvaged many in the past two seasons. "The whole league is in a bit of a transition," said the Colonel, who blamed the season's early woes on the sporadic attendance of some of the game's formerly stalwart veterans. "People who came out all the time aren't here. You end up with a core group of guys who are very young who want to come out, who want to have fun." And if they keep walking away frustrated, they may give up on the league. "I think it's setting a bad tone for the year," said Cowboy Bill. Alienating the commitment of the game's new generation could end up killing it, said the Colonel. "We're at a make it or break it point. If we don't turn the corner in a positive manner, the league will fold." Posted by jaysuburb at November 9, 2008 05:44 PMComments
I'm now doubtful for tomorrow. Last-minute family matters have come up. Arrgh, the joys of parenthood. If I don't make it out, Happy Birthday Colonel, may the evil orange ball be your friend on this day. Unless of course I do make it out and we're on opposite teams. Posted by: wendel at November 15, 2008 10:21 PMI'm a maybe on tomorrow, I've got a pretty bad cough. Posted by: Velma at November 15, 2008 03:11 PMdude! i hope you have a happy birthday. by getting a game in, too. sadly, i can't make it, although i still plan on popping by with the family to drop off the extra goalie gear. see y'all then. Posted by: pfg at November 14, 2008 07:12 PMIt's my birthday on Sunday. Let's celebrate by actually playing a game. Posted by: The Colonel at November 14, 2008 12:54 PMI should be out this Sunday, but the next few weeks are looking iffy as final exams and term projects pile up. Posted by: Scrappy at November 13, 2008 05:38 PMI won't be able to make it out this Sunday but I think my 'gang' will be there. Guess this means you guys will have to find another goalie. Posted by: Scooby at November 13, 2008 01:06 PMThanks PFG for the awesome equipment offer, that should help a lot. Paul Ancient One, as one old man to another, you suck. Imagine putting your daughter's soccer team ahead of road hockey. Couldn't you at least have them come practice on the Spencer playground? Seriously though I look forward to mixing it up in the corners with you whenever you decide to finally grace us with your appearance. Barring unforeseen family demands, I should be there this Sunday, rain or shine.
i'll put together a package, and drop it off on the way out to Fort Langley on Sunday. i've also still got your jersey, Doo. that also means that yes, i can't play this sunday either. unless the family plans shift a bit, which might be possible, but unlikely at this point. i'll let y'all know though. Posted by: pfg at November 12, 2008 07:12 PMHey boys, just wanted to log in and mention that I'm looking at coming out either late in dec or early in jan. Before anyone starts with the "old man mid-season return" cracks, I've been M.I.A for a couple of good reasons; 1. I broke my thumb badly and it only recently rehabbed, 2 I've been helping to coach my daughters soccer team on sun am. I look forward to seeing everone, especially the colonel.. Posted by: PaulOne at November 12, 2008 06:20 PMSweet! Way to step up PFG - much appreciated. Posted by: The Colonel at November 12, 2008 12:57 PMPFG, legend, do you want some of my old goalie gear to help with the equipment snafus? I have pads, pants, chest protector, helmet. well, make that cage, the helmet is my regular hockey one. add jock, glove, blocker, and helmet and voila, you've got another set. equipment's in not bad shape. Posted by: pfg at November 11, 2008 01:14 AMyep, it was me... sorry guys, had to work last second, and forgot about having the goalie gear. Posted by: kid at November 10, 2008 07:40 PMWho screwed up now kid!!!!! I will miss next week but will become a regular fixture afterwards. Posted by: lakattack at November 10, 2008 05:44 PM |