My Roller Hockey Saga (Part Eleven)

Question
Well, after recovering from my broken rib, coming down with whooping cough, and even catching a minor case of pneumonia, I think I'm all better now.  I tried skating again today, and I was actually very surprised.  If anything I was better than I ever was those many weeks ago, so I don't think I have strayed too far off track.  My little hiatus from skating did give me a lot of time to think however.  This whole time, I guess I had expected to play as a forward on the team, but the more I think about it, that probably is the most competitive spot to go for.  I'm pretty sure that I would be bad at defense, since no matter how hard I try backwards skating just isn't coming to me, so all that really left was goalie.  I guess I would be fine with being a goalie (especially since I probably wouldn't have to be the fastest/most proficient skater on the team), but I don't know how I would practice that position (other than just have some people fire pucks at me).  Also, I don't have any goalie gear, so that brought me back to being a forward.  So I guess I was just wondering if you thought that goalie might be a possibility (I would really rather play forward, but I would also like to keep my options open, because I'd rather play any position than not make the team).  

One more question, where I live it's been snowing for a while, so all of the pavement that I have been skating on is wet in some spots.  It seems like any time I go across a puddle (it seems like just a drop will do it) and try to turn or stop, it usually ends up badly.  It just seems like I lose all of the traction on my wheels and they just slip out from underneath me.  I was just wondering if this is a problem for everyone, or if I'm just doing something wrong.  I know that some of the roller hockey rinks in our area are outside, but I didn't know if this would ever be a problem during a game, so I guess my question is "are you guaranteed a dry rink when you play"?  Any info would be great, especially on maybe playing goalie (actually the more I think about it, that probably would be stupid, since I haven't ever played goalie in any sport before, the closest being catcher in little league).  Oh well, any opinion would be great, so thanks again!

(Side note - I won first place in my music competition, it doesn't have anything to do with this, I'm just very excited, lol)

Answer
Hey, nice to hear form you and I'm glad your feeling back to normal.  You sure had a lot of things happening all at once but glad you're feeling better.  And before I forget...congratulations on your 1st place in the music competition.  That's wonderful and I'm happy for you.

Forward vs goalie?   Because I have little knowledge about hockey I would imagine your best bet is to go and talk to one of the hockey coaches at school.  I'm not sure if the All Experts web site has someone in hockey that can answer your questions rather than me just making an educated guess.

My opinion is.....I have a feeling that the hockey coach will "tell" you what position you will play unless you've had prior experience in being either a forward or goalie.

This may not be the answer you want to hear but I have to be honest with you so you're not disappointed down the road.  Hockey teams only take the better skaters.  Even though you're doing a great job you have to remember that skating is still new to you and you still need a lot of practice just skating (forward & backward) to even consider trying out for the team.

Don't misunderstand what I'm saying.......I just think you need to give yourself more time on skates to have the confidence you need to try out.  Set your goals, stick to them and when skating is 2nd nature, that's when you try out for the team.

In the meantime.....yes, the only way to practice to be a goalie is to have someone fire pucks at you.  You can "pretend" by yourself by making quick maneuvers attempting to block an imaginary puck.  That will also help but nothing beats the real thing.

Practice being a goalie and also a forward.  But the most important thing right now is the actual skating skills.  You can't be either a forward or goalie without them.

As for losing traction on water.  Wheels and water are a terrible combination.  Yes it makes you slip and there's not much you can do about it other than avoid any amount of water.  Water is also bad for the bearings that are in your wheels.  It will cause them to rust and go bad.

Outdoor rinks are for seasonal playing/practicing only.  No hockey floor should ever have any water on it.  It's not safe for anyone...no matter how good you are on your skates.

Hope that helps answer your questions.  I would seriously write down the questions that you have and go visit the hockey coach at school and tell him your interested in joining the team in the future.  I'm sure he will be glad to share any information that you would need to prepare properly.

You take care and stay well.  Let me know if I can help you with anything else.  Be safe!  <g>
Pat