Filling in for lower leagues.

[ryan95]

I normally play in a platinum and gold league. But recently is started to fill in for a team in a silver league. I played my fiest game for them tonight and was horrible. Guys were putting the puck top shelf as they were falling over themselves. It also seemed like almost every shot was a change-up. I' d have to wait that extra second to make the save after the shot, and that really messed up my timing. So my question is does anyone else have this issue, and if so is there a remedy for it. And if this topic has been covered the link will be helpful. I searched and could'nt find what I was looking for. thanks.

[kna829]

Yup, I find it MUCH easier to play with/against more skilled guys.

I think it's because the game is predictable; pass-to-tape, pass-to-tape, shot, save. With less skilled guys, it's lofted pass-to-shinpads, pass behind the receiver, two guys collide away from the puck (causing me to glance away), guy trips over paint but somehow lofts a slow wobbling puck the f*cks with my timing, goal.

I have much more fun playing w/ skilled guys and it's better on my ego -- it's not so humiliating when a guy can thread the puck thru a small hole.

[geojedi]

There is nothing more frustrating than a guy who looks one way, has his stick pointing another, partially fans on a shot that just clears your stick and beats you five hole and having to watch him celebrate his Game 7 OT Cup winner because he beat a better goalie.

My advice on playing down. Drink a little first. Brings you to their level if you are playing down.

[ryan95]

that sounds good. maybe ill keep a pitcher on the net. and your right, the amount of shots to the shinpads is unreal. thanks.

[Stretch75]

I have experienced the same. Sometimes the shots are so slow they crawl up your stick and wobble in instead of redirecting to the corner or glass. My advice would be don't play down unless you are really having fun...too frustrating and probably builds bad habits.

[hammer]

How about that breakaway that takes 2 minutes to finish. The other night I got so antsy the I made a suckers dive/poke check and he got around me - made me look like a fool. Even thought the guys player were good they got winded and this guy was parked on our side of the red line. He got 3 more open shots but no goals.

I'm playing at any level to get ice time and it seems the lower level players just seem to bring you down no matter how nice a setup you have to receive their shot.

[kevinsane]

I played 2 divisions down last year, as no one else needed goalies, and I was new in town.
I frickin' hated it. The whole game was turnovers, slow motion plays, and improbable goals that had my D skating back and yelling "stand up!". I finally taped a game, and the team gathered to watch it. It was torture porn.
Never again.

[ryan95]

the best part is the screens, definatley the screens. most of the D- think standing 5 feet in front of me is helpful. my voice is horse today from yelling "screen" so much. There were some nice same team collisions though. with all the gear flying everywhere, it looked like I was having a garage sale.

[rony]

Originally Posted by ryan95

There were some nice same team collisions though. with all the gear flying everywhere, it looked like I was having a garage sale.

That is commonly referred to as a Yard Sale!

I love playing in the lower leagues... You can always expect the following:

• Same team player collisions, with full out yard sales!
• Screening from your own defense men and sometime offense (WTF!)
• Slow motion wobbly shots on goal
• The sound of a puck smacking off a shin guard, more than normally at higher level
• People who can't skate pulling off moves that should not be possible:
  • Falling shot on goal, not graceful
  • Shooting while on their knees
• People being lazy and not skating after the puck
• Last but not least, no one there to pick up the rebound!

[ouch!]

Definitely, the unpredictability of it all makes it much harder to play down. Not just the way shots come in (off-speed, weird deflections, etc.) But, sometimes, I have no idea what my D is going to do in front of me.
And, there's the guy that thinks he can carry the puck out from behind the net, jog over and plow through traffic right up the middle.
Oh, well, I get to play down for free, cuz nobody else would do it.

[flavio]

I just started playing for a friend's team... he warned me that the level would probably be lower than I'm used to. He wasn't kidding. And I'm not that good!

I would actually prefer if there was no defence. They just seem to get in the way, and never do the things I expect them to do.

I usually just use the hour of ice time to work on bf slides and recoveries, etc. So all is not lost

F.

[Huntster]

Originally Posted by kevinsane

I played 2 divisions down last year, as no one else needed goalies, and I was new in town.
I frickin' hated it. The whole game was turnovers, slow motion plays, and improbable goals that had my D skating back and yelling "stand up!". I finally taped a game, and the team gathered to watch it. It was torture porn.
Never again.

How is there two divisions lower than the lowest? Was it 65+ oldtimers?

[kevinsane]

Originally Posted by Huntster

How is there two divisions lower than the lowest? Was it 65+ oldtimers?

A bunch of guys with bad hips. They retired your number, which was nice.

[guest1]

I play whatever level. Doesn't bother me. Everyone needs to be PWN3D by ole moto. Shutouts are way easier in lower level leagues. I love it when the score is like 10-0. Then they all yell at you to go back to your 'A' league or whatever and you tell them you just bought the gear yesterday. That's the best.

[MrMikeEMike]

Originally Posted by motoGoalie

Ind you tell them you just bought the gear yesterday. That's the best.

Best reason yet to clean puck marks off your gear. That excuse might actually fly!