hey, I'm hamstercaster.. or Yvon, my real name ;-). I'm 37 years old and started goaltending like many kids on the outdoor rink wearing nothing but skates and a regular player stick. Then I got a used set of equipment my cousin gave me as he bought it of one of our minor hockey association. I started playing nets on outdoor rinks but wearing boots instead of skates. Everything was cool except for the damn flimsy 2 piece C/A protectors they had at the time. Anyone remember these? I had to sew shin guard parts onto the shoulders and arms so I wouldn't get bruised too much
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AFter playing defense for a few years, I started playing nets with our bunch 3 mornings a week. First time on goalie skates and I must say the transition was pretty good. I also played in college in an "internal college" league we had. There were 5 or 6 teams, can't rememeber. Then after college I had nowhere to play and stopped playing nets for about 15 years. Last summer I borrowed my friend's goalie equipment and give it a try again. First game wasn't too bad but my back ached like crazy and I wasn't going to follow suite. Then I was talked into trying it a second time and have been goaltending on average 2 to 3 times a week ever since and I have just purchased some Eagle Fusion pads and Eagle Sentry gloves which I should get this week.
Oh yeah, for some reason they call me the Titan.. may have to do with my size (6'0/280 pounds) or because in English my name kinda rimes with Titan if you pronounce it Yvan the Titan.. go figure..
Oh yeah number 2, I've already learnt a few things here that have helped me on the ice and for that, I'll forever be greatful!!
thanks