Puck 'N Hockey

I have to be honest with my fellow Caps fans.  I did not really watch 4-3 shootout win over the Penguins last night.  I saw the first few minutes after puck drop.  I listened to the rest of the first period and part of the second period on the radio.  While I love watching and following the Capitals, I had more important hockey business to attend to.  Preparing for a big tournament weekend.

I decided to skate the Wednesday evening pickup session at Hagerstown with some of my beer league and tournament team mates.  At the USA Hockey Adult Classic in Lancaster, PA, we will be playing three games in 18 hours between Friday afternoon and Saturday morning.  Hopefully, the additional ice time and general physical activity I got in this week, helps my body make it through the whirlwind schedule this weekend.  Why do we amateurs put ourselves through this?  Simple, the love of the game and hanging out postgame.

Our team comes from varied hockey backgrounds.  We have a few former club college and junior players.  We have former upper tier youth and high school players.  We also have some guys who just started skating as adults.  What we all share is a desire to play semi-competitive hockey and drink beers with the boys after the game.

We sign up for the local adult leagues which get the ice slots at awful, late night hours.  We travel to weekend tournaments while others probably relax at home watching hockey on TV.  After our games, we hang out and “rehydrate” with choice beverages.  We relive the on ice performances and talk about hockey, work, movies, and music.  The social aspect of the game is what really keeps us coming back.  It is no coincidence that after every game at this weekend’s tournament, a case of beer will be provided.

So, this weekend, our team will make the trip up to Amish country to participate in a punishing schedule consisting of two Friday evening games and a Saturday morning game.  If we are lucky, we will have the chance to play in the finals Sunday afternoon.  What is certain, we will have a great time celebrating, win or lose.