Wonder35

Thank you but since retired. I played my final game on March 29, 2024, age 74.

I asked John Brown to build me a set of pads that looked old tyme traditional but without toe straps, planned on upping my game and learning to slide. It did not go well. After a few months of frustration I contacted John. He suggested that I remove the toe ties and install some straps. I gave up on my short lived attempt to be a “Slider” and my game immediately improved.

Lange Goalie Skates from the early 80's . The outer boot was a multiple piece shell of grey/black plastic riveted at the ankle, with built in blades. The inner boot was a separate item and was easily removed. The whole concept was based upon ski boots. The quality was 3 steps below shite. The boots wore out quickly and were very uncomfortable. A fellow goalie I played with eons ago would wear only socks inside of the skate shell because his inner boots wore out and he wasn't able to find replacements. I can only imagine the pain, discomfort and lack of support. Yes, I owned a pair, briefly. Ughhhh Very similar to Microns.

Posts from the heart are a healthy release of pent up emotions. This board has loads of goaltenders representing a wide range of ages and talents. You have poured much of your young life into becoming a professional goaltender without much positive feedback or results. Congratulations on speaking out and sharing your feelings. I have no magic pill or life altering advice to deliver. But know that you are amongst friends here and there is very little expressed that any or many of us have encountered. I realized very early that hockey would not support my lifestyle so sought out a fun and interesting career elsewhere. Somehow I fell into a situation where Shiftwork allowed me to play quite a bit of hockey without robbing me of precious family time. I wish you well and hockey can still be a significant part of your life without having to depend upon it for an income.

So, is that a reverse, inverted, upside down RVH?

Exactly ....... I don't even know (or care) what RVH means. TTFN

And so it ends ……….. my final game. Me and my Dummy. Anyone here care to describe my RVH?

That may be a challenge with the memory of a chap in his mid 70's - Me!

I wonder if the Rangers have a plan for this young giant. Would he have to be put on waivers to be sent down to the minors for a spell? I am probably being too rosy eyed to think that this could be a solution. He sells tickets and has probably become a home town hero.

The Last Stand by Nathaniel Philbrick, Custer, Sitting Bull and the Battle of the Little Big Horn.

Goodbye Hockey. ......... I am playing my final game on Friday, March 29. For years my body has been complaining. This time I have listened. It has been a grand run, 75-80 games per year with my 55+ team and more recently we've morphed into a 70+ squad. Of course I'll miss it, over 65 years of being a goalie. But following hip, knee and shoulder surgeries the arthritis has won !@#$%^&*. So at age 74 I'm hanging them up. I won't be selling any gear as my Granddaughter is following the Family Curse and is now a 'tender. It is my plan to drop in every once in a while on this site and take the temperature. But probably won't have much to offer, as if I ever have. Cheers y'all Steve Berry West Kelowna, BC Canada

My nomination is Mike Palmateer of the Leafs and later the Capitals. He was a left handed acrobat in the cage, fun to watch but subject to lower body injuries due to his puck stopping "style" or lack thereof.

I enjoyed that immensely, thank you.

Some real beauties there ............................ and BROWNS too! Man, what a treat! Thank you.

Tired of seeing my mid 80’s Greg Harrison mask yet? I had Greg respray it in 1990. All of the foam and straps were replaced (by me) about 8 years ago. At the end of this season I will most likely be hanging up the gear for good. Relax fellow tendies, my mask will stay within our family.

Good on ya fellow 'tender. I'm 74 and on a good day I can get a half butterfly with my left leg stretched somewhere out there, doing something which I cannot fully control. My right leg does a decent impersonation of a half butterfly. It's not a pretty sight.

It is so emotional for me to acknowledge this. My friend Glen Cochrane, former NHL player, scout for the Anaheim Ducks, died this morning. Glen had been undergoing treatments for Cancer in Vancouver. Somehow it seems appropriate that Glen, always a Warrior, left us on Hockey Day in Canada. Blessings to Joan and their girls.

If you want to watch some old time rhubarbs check out my friend Glen Cochrane, now a Scout for the Ducks. He duked it out with all the big boys.

I performed this hair and beard drying technique this morning following my Aqua Fit Class. Have any of you ever experienced a frozen beard?

Methinks that you are promoting "back to the good old days" of Philly Flyers goon hockey. Yes, it is a shame that Bedard had his jaw broken and a team mate broke a finger in coming to his rescue. It was an expensive lesson for the teen age phenom and the Black Hawk organization. A clean hit, I think so. A hard hit, yes. No penalty, yes.

Coop, MVP Best Man in the Showers.

The "average" salary in the PWHL is $55,000.

We had full sized Dressing Rooms but there was tape signifying how close, or not, that we could be.

I was at my granddaughter's game a week ago. She is the goaltender for a girls' U11 team in Ontario. In the warmup she took a glancing shot off her mask. Immediately the offending shooter dropped and did 10. This happened in front of a significant crowd (Annual Christmas Tournament). Her teammate was humbled and embarrassed. Apparently it is the same punishment to bean your goalie in practice. I like that.

During COVID we had to dress at home, no showers available at the rink. It was so funny to see a bunch of old guys, in full regalia, waiting outside until 15 minutes before game time. Goalies were given an exemption after I showed the Recreational Director how it was impossible, let alone damn dangerous, to drive a vehicle whilst wearing a C/A. We goaltenders wore our under garments and learned to dress and undress quickly with the rest of our gear.