Stay on your toes

So you think you’re tough? You want to talk about tough, take a look at the goalie. There are few who will take the last line of defense to heart as much as the goalie. If we win, we praise the goal scorers, if we lose we all look at the goalie. Isn’t that what we do sometimes? Not everybody really does that, but sometimes it sure does feel like it. I have had some great net tenders, and have watched a lot of other goalies play their guts out for their teams. If we out shoot a team, and their goalie makes good saves I always let them know how well they did, even if they are on the other team. You learn to respect the position, and those who take their place in the crease. It’s a tough job mentally and physically. It takes everyone on the team to win. Each player and coach does his or her part to put it all together on the ice or on the field. Who does the goalie rely on? He relies on his defense, and lets them know they can rely on him to play his best. He also works to gain the trust of the coach and the team. In turn they support him by doing their part to out score the other team. A lot hinges on trust, skill, hard work and guts. If you want to wear the mask, then be prepared for anything and everything. On the ice or on the field, you’re putting yourself between the ball/puck and the net. Goalies give me heartburn, but I also take my hat off to them…….Stay on your toes and keep your eyes open.