bunnyman

While performance in contact sports decreases significantly after age 30, there's no reason one can't play at a competitive level long into their thirties or even forties. The main issue is keeping it going. Slack off in your later years, it's MUCH tougher to get back. I am a good case argument for that!!!!

@TretiakCCCP20 Age 35 is actually a peak age in endurance sports, fyi.

@TretiakCCCP20 You can always get a custom cage maker to make one if this one needs replacement. I'm certain it is not cheap, however.

Dunno- it's the Sharks, and they are always a trouble causer for us in the land of Sky BLUE Waters (queue the Hamm's beer theme). We're good, but this is a test for tonight. Go BLUES!!!

@Polaris922 League just seems to be too much of a commitment for me both time wise and monetarily right now. I'd love to, just isn't in the cards right now. none the less, I will have fun with playing at stick and puck twice per month.

@TretiakCCCP20 Forgot the mention- read last post!!!

hm30 are not new gear!!!! Interesting stuff. eBay?

@AlaskaFlyerFan East Alton opened in '95, and Fairview Heights US Ice and Sports opened some time around there.

And now for the second day update: one would think a bank Holiday (Columbus Day in America) would get some bodies in the rink; think again!!! Two showed up. But we ran drills, not a terrible thing!!! He just wore sweats, gloves, and helmet; I was fully kitted out. I need to get used to the mobility limits of a full set of pads, anyway. And I still fall over a few times per session, so I definitely need pants on!!! I don't know when the next time I get out in full gear, but I can't wait!!!

@AlaskaFlyerFan Wood River. East Alton has a rink open year round. i lived in Belleville from 97-09.

@goalnut3133 The Blues can always use more fans... come to the Blue Side!!!!

My skating is improving pretty well. I was sore from pick up hockey on Friday, but am working through the soreness. It's not a joint or anything like that. I forget how anaerobic this sport is!!!!

HOF-HY!!!!!!

@TretiakCCCP20 - When I was playing Junior hockey, I would have not had a problem losing a tooth. Now that I am old and ancient, I like the fact my teeth have held together thus far! My Blue gloves match my Atlanta Thrashers (non-crested) and any other blue sweater I'd get. The red match my Dallas Stars third sweater and the Thrashers sweater (go with the red on each sweater). I would rock gold or silver gloves if I could find them, but since I have two pro-level gloves for half the price of a pair of custom Warriors, all-silver or gold gloves is out of the question for now. Now is someone made a gold or silver helmet, I have one today!!!!

I couldn't get myself to get an Oakley visor... Probably the best optics and fog resistance in the game (I was a sponsored athlete in the sport of duathlon by oakley back in the late '90s), but I am a heat/fog making machine!!!! My helmet was so full of sweat that it looked like I washed my helmet during the game!!!!! I already have my alternate pair of gloves. Shame I don't have a glove drier on the bench like Ray Bourque back in the day (I did, too back in the day; just one of my many silly inventions). I guess I will dry gloves after each game... My gloves are TPS Response R10 in Red/Gold and Navy/Gold. The Gold is GOLD!!!

Just surprised 'cos those usually had a conventional cage. Cool gear once again, mate!!!

Maybe the wifey will watch and shoot pix on Monday.

Trix can't wait for the game against the Rangers!!!!

So Jordan- is that an old Jofa or an old Cooper helmet?

btw- no "spin-o-rama" moves on my first day back. Not falling too many times was enough of a challenge.

'twas just an afternoon of "shinny", but it was fun. I only fell on me arse three or four times. I tried hard not to make contact, and did decently. One wannabe NHL-er, but he was actually a gentleman. Three on three, no goalie was the game of the day. My shot was crap. I did force people to shoot over me. I did score three goals. Sometimes I would give the puck right back to the wrong people. I couldn't take a pass well. I always tended to take the guy with the most skill, which was silly on my part, but he also was a gentleman. He just had to work harder. Again- I have only been back on the ice skating for two weeks, going an average of three times a week. The sweat: damn!!!! I forgot how sweaty I get. I use a padded compression pant/jock that while it contributed to the sweatbox aspect, I felt nothing when I fell on me arse. I chickened out and ran a full cage on my helmet. Not many shots got near the noggin, but I was NOT going to take a chance. Can't wait 'til the next time I can play shinny.

@jammer2 not offended. @goalnut3133 I appreciate that you have my back.

@jammer2 Think about most male rabbits- we love to f***!!!! Is that manly enough?!? Just axin'...

@hf101 What about the execution option? lol

I don't hate the shoot out. I don't want to EVER see it in the play off; however, I dig it kinda. I also understand the tradition of no shoot out. I dunno- make it where the team captain is executed by guillotine after their team loses after a tie. I dunno!?!?