Undaunted by the appearance of the referee from the last game, and a short bench with three players on vacation, and one out injured for the season, we pressed on into a contest with Short Fuse. Alas, it was a loss, 0-4. Not that this was totally unexpected.
I do feel at least partially at fault for one of the goals against us. I could have gotten back if I had asked my legs to go. I didn't ask, they didn't go, I didn't go, I couldn't defend. The shot came from my side of the ice, too.
But that was the low-light of the game for me. Highlights include a run to the net with a shot on goal, and good work on the penalty kill. On one penalty, I cleared the puck out about three times, and even used the boards to my advantage. On another at the end of the game, I stole the puck at center ice and drove in for a short-handed chance. My shot missed the net (I'm a lousy shot from the left) but that's less time spent defending our net. So I can't say it was wrong.
Overall, I think this was one of the better games I have played, despite having very little to show for it on the stat sheet. I skated okay (could have been better), and I have improved noticeably in expanding my ice vision and situational awareness.
I believe that when we have our full (non-injured) complement of players, we can beat Short Fuse. Don't ask about the Enforcers or Red Barons. :-)The usual plug: If you feel like following the team, look for the Bay Area Bulldogs in Conference D of the Pacific Hockey Association.