It’s good to read about the other older goalies trying to stay in this. I’ve gone through the “I’m done” and miss a week tantrums cuz I had a bad game. Been through the “what am I doing? If get hurt I can’t work”. Yet I can’t seem to leave, so although I’ve never really set an age to stop I’m inspired to think it’s possible in my 70,s! Wonder35…
In the past year alone I’ve replaced my skates, never would’ve imagined playing net without cowlings, but now I’m all in. My gloves and pads and knee pads to Warrior, I like the looks, the weight and the belief that it’ll help. I’ve convinced my wife it’s all necessary for me to keep playing. My adult son thinks I’m an ass! Although, when he was around he played with me and those are great memories, hopefully for both of us.
i still love the reaction to a two pad stack save, the old guys remember”when” and young guys think it’s nuts. I get the “the what was that sh*t” when I stand there and it hits me. There’s an expectation all goalies drop and when we don’t…. Well, you guys know, it messes with their heads.
I'm still foolish enough to think “I would’ve had that” when I watch the NHL, so I believe it’s the competitive mindset, the social gathering in a smelly small room and the desire to still keep moving that won’t let me stop.
And as I always tell the guys after, “ well, if I was any good I wouldn’t be playing with you guys”