Something was dreadfully wrong.
We were waiting for more people to show up. For a while we were worried that we wouldn't have enough players. But with the addition of two replacement players (i.e. members of the Panthers who thought they could handle two games in a row) we scrounged up enough players for a team.
But something else was also wrong.
The first period went by with only one penalty, that being for delay of game. Not roughing, or cross-checking, or tripping.
But wait a minute, I ask. These are the Enforcers. Tempers are supposed to flare and things are supposed to get ugly.
What it boiled down to was a hard-fought, hard-working game. Personally, I think it was my best effort all season. I apparently learned a thing or two from those Wednesday and Friday night sessions that I've been attending. My play was a bit more aggressive. I had better legs. I foiled a rush or two; I wasn't afraid to battle in the corners; I did a decent job of keeping the puck in the offensive zone; I even threw a few shots towards the net.
The final score was only 4-3, but it was in our favor. We must have done something right.
And on a related note, I think I'll write down that lovely meal I prepared for myself before the game, because it seemed to work so well.
The usual plug: If you feel like following the team, look for the Bay Area Bulldogs in Conference D of the Pacific Hockey Association.