When a new goalie steps on the ice for the first time, it can be a challenge, to say the least. I figured hey I played college baseball, it can’t be that difficult, so I did what I could do at becoming one of the Steelhead’s newest rookies.
“Well we’re live on location here at Century Link with yours truly, Neil Graham, tuning in with one of the future Idaho Steelheads here, Dan how was your first day on the ice?”
I will say this: I fell multiple times, but I do not believe on puck got in the back of the net.
It’s harder than it looks being an Idaho Steelheads goalie. First things first, you have to put on knee pads, and more knee pads, and even more knee pads. Then I put on skates, before topping off my look with a helmet. The gear weighs as much as 50 pounds, and after only ever ice skating three times in my life, I had trouble keeping my balance.
Once we hit the ice, it was time to test my skills, and it wasn’t pretty.
“I’m not a hockey guy so I don’t know much from afar, but looking at it first glance I thought you had a decent glove. Does that stem from your days as a baseball player?” said Head Coach Neil Graham.
Sort of. I never played catcher but catching a ball on the outfield helped out.
Needless to say, I was a little sore.
Icy Hot and a cold bath and probably ice the knees down a little bit.
I have to say, I have a lot more respect for these guys out playing on the ice, but I think I’ll take my Sports Director job over a goalie any day.
