Pros v. Joes... had my hands full for sure!

[jf-laflaire]

Earlier today I had a fortunate experience of playing against an NHL tender today. He played with about 6 different teams this year... former Spit Michael Leighton.

He was about my size & very solid technically. He had great stickwork, especially around the net & on dekes. It is difficult to do this Pros v. Joes thing b/c these guys train every day... so you're not really expected to excel. Being used to beer league & pickup though I think trumps some pro experience but not the experience Mike had.

Great guy. Really nice. My buddy asked him about his season & he was talking about the waivers & stuff & I was like, "hey you should just get some velcro colour accents on your gear & jersey it would make life easier for Itech," he could've been an ass but knew I was just poking fun (as I tend to do too much) which was cool. Some pro guys get really pissy about that kind of comment.

In this group of guys we play with we all throw jabs at each other constantly so it is the norm.

He was really down to earth & such. Just like one of the guys with us.

Anywho, I told him some of my ideas to get him around the gear rules & he wants me to send them to Itech & get them done for him, as he has problems with the 38" thing (same issues I have) so I guess we "bonded" in that sense as nerdy as it sounds

It was my last day of "vacation" as I go back to school tomorrow morning It was a nice day, I did some yard work, went for some stick & puck then lunch... free time is nice

I snagged his info for a sub for me, as I need goalies through the summer especially b/c I play ball hockey & it conflicts with my summer skate so that will be good. The guys give me a hard time when I send them tenders who are suspect in their opinion... well in this case they cannot say nothing to me & in fact will likely tell me to stay home The good thing is that he goes back to camp when ball hockey ends so its a win-win...

Anywho I just wanted to start a thread about the pros & cons of playing against pros for beer leaguers such as ourselves...here's a short list of a Joe's cons...

1. Fitness level
2. Overall proficiency & maintenence of skill set
3. Experience against higher calibre shooters
4. Coaching, coaching, coaching!
5. The real life we have (i.e. career)

Lets have a thinktank about these types of comparisons...

[adavis]

That is some kickass stuff. The last time I played against a pro goalie was last summer, Paul Solie. I was absolutely humbled when halfway through the skate (all NHL, AHL and UHL players) we switched ends and he asked me where I played last year. I said Grand Rapids. His response was amazing: "Really, were you a late season sign up?". I said no, I play mens league, and he was literally shocked. Super nice guy and a hell of a goalie with a hell of a work ethic.

[jf-laflaire]

That is some kickass stuff. The last time I played against a pro goalie was last summer, Mike Solie. I was absolutely humbled when halfway through the skate (all NHL, AHL and UHL players) we switched ends and he asked me where I played last year. I said Grand Rapids. His response was amazing: "Really, were you a late season sign up?". I said no, I play mens league, and he was literally shocked. Super nice guy and a hell of a goalie with a hell of a work ethic.

The shock is funny eh? I think its the best compliment you can get really...

Its nice to get these chances & it serves as a motivation to keep working on our skills I think. Just b/c we don't play pro doesn't mean we don't have to improve.

I think you would agree (& others) that once you get to the Junior A/OHL level you pretty much have the athleticism & skill set to play with anyone (as I like to say, fool people by impersonating a real goalie)... the rest is between the ears & other little details.

Goaltending is funny too as "joes" can beat a "pro" on any given day, similar to competitive poker I think... but the pros usually will end up in the final round I guess more often.

[adavis]

Originally Posted by jf-laflaire

Goaltending is funny too as "joes" can beat a "pro" on any given day, similar to competitive poker I think... but the pros usually will end up in the final round I guess more often.

This is right on the money. Anyone with the right skill set can steal a game, but stringing more than that together is where the chaff leaves the wheat.

[bruins4777]

I think once you reach the junior a/ohl level there is still a huge difference in skill between those who become NHL goalies and those who lag behind as life long minor league goalies and those who don't make it entirely.

[CoachJester]

Wasn't Mr. Leighton a student of Keeks?

[jf-laflaire]

Jester:

I asked him that. He was when he was young & also worked for Keeks. He was very good with his twig around the net & such & I guess that made his life really easy.

Really nice guy. I am sketching out those plans for him Hope he doesn't get nailed by that though... but the way they measure he will be golden.

I think once you reach the junior a/ohl level there is still a huge difference in skill between those who become NHL goalies and those who lag behind as life long minor league goalies and those who don't make it entirely.

I think the skill you are talking about is the mental aspect of goaltending, which is HUGE. I meant more of a thing such as, basically the recovery times of OHL, UHL & NHL goalies may not be a huge discreptancy, I can see skating as one that would though, as well as rebound control... which I believe that rebound control is a mental skill b/c the physical elements regarding it are minimal IMO.