The circle is now complete. As we were whupped mightily in our exhibition game, so were the new beginners. It was something like 10-0 or maybe 12-0, but the game counts for little. I played a bunch of defenseman, and much more in the offensive zone than the defensive. My last shift of the game was at right wing, just as a reminder of how to play there.
This was a very good game for me; I was better at anticipating where the puck would be, and I was able to keep the puck in the offensive zone when the situation warranted. No huge obvious screw-ups, which is always nice. Occaisionally I actually had to play some defense. But I'm sure the beginners will get better as the season goes on. I need to work on my positioning in the defensive zone. I also need to work on my pre-hockey meal; this time, the traditional chicken and pasta was bigger and later than I usually make it, and I did not run out of gas. Maybe the beginners were too easy. We'll see how thist turns out.
It's a new season of hockey, and I intend to play as many games as I can which looks like all but one), improve my game, and have fun. In some order or other. Our team now looks somewhat different; some players left for financial reasons (buying house, getting married), and We do have a few new forwards and a new goalie. It looks like our defensive core will be three players, which isn't so great, but I'm sure we can con at least one other person into stepping back to the blue line.
The usual plug: If you feel like following the team, look for the Bay Area Bulldogs in Conference D of the Pacific Hockey Association.