Enjoy the Off Days

Sorry to be so late in getting this new post out but things have been a little busy in the equipment room lately. Here's a quick update for those of you that care, and for everyone else skip a paragraph to get to some entertainment.
So far the Men's team is sitting at a record of 2-9-1 which is far from where we want to be at this point. The boys are working hard but pucks aren't bouncing our way. We only have 3 games left to finish out the first half and we certainly will be working to climb out of the hole. If any team can do it I know these guys can. The girls are have a current record 2-7-1 and as I write this they are prepping for a Thanksgiving game against the Russian Women's National Team. I have to admit I haven't been able to see as many practices and games for the girls as I would like but knowing their work ethic and skill things will turn around in no time. Both teams this season have rosters packed with young players and as any team with a lot of freshmen there are growing pains. Players need to adapt to speeds and skill levels they haven't been used to but both sets of first year players will most certainly adapt and improve. I wouldn't write either Black Bear team off in the second half.
So now that the update is over I thought I would take this time to share my thoughts on my favorite events in the hockey world. The rare day off mid season.
I love my job but even I need to sometimes take a break and get away from the rink. Since September and the start of classes I can count on one hand the number of days that I didn't work in at least some form. Combining working for both teams and their differing schedules I can pretty much bet that I will work 7 days a week. Taking the average most days I'm in around 8am and leave sometime around 6pm. Game days that's upped from an 9 hour day to a 14 hour day. But don't take only this as complaining, because it's far from it. I wouldn't ever want to work a normal desk job, I'd get bored, and I also don't know many jobs that let me wear shorts year round.
With Thanksgiving this week students were able to go home after Tuesday which allowed our teams to have morning practices. The girls play a rare Thanksgiving day game against the Russian Women's National team and the guys are actually off for a few days. This gives me the chance to catch my breath and relax. Neither team has a game this upcoming weekend so I'm going to turn on the lazy switch and spend some time on my couch. It's nice to get the chance to recharge the batteries and come back refreshed.
So to everyone out there I hope you enjoy any time off you get this holiday season, stuff your face with great food and spend time with friends and family. Also never forget to tip your equipment guys this time of year... we need our beer money so that when the players are away we can play.

No I'll leave you with some random pictures to make up for my lame post.

For those thinking this blog was about hockey, here is our bench

I'm guessing rather than turkey this is what a shark eats on thanksgiving

Quick shout out to my friend Dave who is a total sieve

History Lesson

Here is a little history lesson to brighten everyone's day. November 1st marked the 53rd birthday of the hockey goalie mask. Yes that means that 54 years ago goalies were playing without facial protection. And I thought goalies were nuts now, I guess they have calmed down a little in the last half century. Now I am sure everyone knows the story of how the first mask entered in to the game but for those that don't I'll tell you.
In a game between the NY Rangers and the Montreal Canadiens, Habs goaltender Jacques Plante was struck in the face while blocking a shot. Plante had to leave the game to get his face stitched back together but would return to play the rest of the game,with a simple shield covering his face. What started out as a plain piece of protective equipment simply made to cover the face and protect against lacerations has now evolved into one of the most elaborate pieces of sporting equipment out there.
Plante's mask was just a piece of white plastic, no design to it, and it just covered the face. Now the mask has evolved into a full helmet, covering every part of the head and protecting against impact as well as cuts and scratches. No longer made from plastic today's masks are at the edge of new technology, fiber-glass is now the primary material used which makes today's mask lighter and stronger than ever before. What truly sets a goaltender apart though is not what his mask is made of though, it's more what artwork adorns the brain bucket.
To goalies their mask is a way to express themselves and project this to the fans. A new mask is a new canvas for goalie and painter to come together and create a masterpiece. But hey, rather than me go on about the artwork that goes on a mask why don't I just show pictures of some masks. Many of the masks below have been painted by my friend Heath at EzAirFx for more of his work please visit his site at www.ezairfx.com

David Wilson's mask from 2009-'10 featuring Maine greats

Back of Wilson's mask

My friend Andy's mask that the great Frank Cipra did for him

Other side of Wilson's mask featuring the Stein Song, and Maine fans... I'm the bottom right fan under the "E"

A simple design for a Oli St. Onge while at Sacred Heart

And to finish it off a video of Jimmy Howard chatting about his mask from 2011-2012 season. Enjoy!