NARCH/Atlantic Cup tourny problem

[MillerTime247]

Just finished second day of tournament play, finishing a respectable third (I did have 2nd best GAA) however out of the playoff rounds.

My problem is this; Had to play 2 games today with a 2 hour break in between. During this break I got stiff even though I tried to stretch some (especially my bad knee) and I suspect it cost me 2 early goals in my second game before I felt warmed up again.

You guys have any experience with this? What do ya'll think the best way to keep as loose as possible would be?

[Timberwoof]

I don't think this is specific to roller hockey -- your'e not banished to here just because you're on wheels.

I've played in a few tournaments -- once my team was schedule for three games in one day! These were on ice, so I was probably cooler than you, but I still tend to sweat like a pig when I play. So I make sure to keep well hydrated while I play. In an hour and a half of pickup hockey, I go through about a quart of half-and-half Gatorade and water.

How much water were you drinking during your game? Were you allowed to keep a water bottle on the net?

[Squealagig]

I had a tournament a few weeks ago too. I sucked but so did all the other goalies as the lighting was absoulutly horrible. I couldn't even see the puck if it went above the height of the boards. I also had two hours between games. I only undressed my top half though. lumbering around in pads seemed to keep me warm enough.

Also although generally for normal games I avoid eating close to game time at tournaments it's kind of impossible. At my last tournament I even ended up eating a sandwich between the first and second period of my second game.

[G-Man]

During this break I got stiff even though I tried to stretch some (especially my bad knee) and I suspect it cost me 2 early goals in my second game before I felt warmed up again.

Stretching is important but doesn't warm you up. You need to do something to get the blood flowing and to warm up the muscles. Jogging in place, skating around, anything that gets the blood flowing might help. Then do some light stretching.

[Clyde]

My last tourney a few weekends ago was double elimination and we actually ended up playing one game on Thursday, three games on Saturday, then one on Sunday. I had an hour and a half between the first and second games on Saturday. About 15 minutes on the exercise bike before suiting up for the second game got the blood flowing and I felt great. (I also brought fresh UnderArmour and showered between games to help feel "fresh") I think G-Man was right when he said that you have to get the blood flowing, not just stretch.

Stay square,
Clyde

[Vision]

Stretching is very important between games but getting the blood circulating is even more so. At tournaments where we have multiple games in a short period of time I rarely take my pads and skates off. About 45 minutes before the next game I begin skating around the rinks to get the blood circulating in my legs and then do 20 minutes of stretching. Seems to keep my knees from complaining too much.