I played in a more advanced league
(Slapsticks) after C-league, and it was an interesting experience, to say the
least. One of my teammates from C-league told me about it, and it afforded the
chance to play at Thompson Arena, where Dartmouth plays, which was kind of
cool. The guys who play Slapsticks span the range of skills, but for the most
part, are more skilled and competitive than what you get in C-league. It’s an
open stick concept, where guys just get together and play. I am, without
question, at the bottom of the food chain. I don’t think I’m the worst player
out there, but I’m close.
What really makes it different is
that it’s not a team, per se, so there is not as much camaraderie. When you
score a goal, there’s no congratulations or celebration, you just put the puck
back in play and start over. When you play on a team, it’s much more
interesting, and you feel invested in the game. Plus, C-league players are more
my speed, and they can relate to my station in life. With the Slapsticks, the
guys are not only better skaters/players, but they’re not above letting you
know your screwed up or scolding you for your mistakes. I know, it happens to
me all the time.
For all it’s worth, I get a lot of
constructive criticism, and that helps my game, but I do feel pressure to up my
game and avoid stupid mistakes. With C-league, they’re much more forgiving,
mainly because they’re out there making the same mistakes. Besides, there’s value
in life to being in over your head. It’s not always warm, fuzzy, and
comfortable, but you definitely grow from the experience, and that’s what
life’s all about, right?
To once again paraphrase Boy
Dylan, if you’re not busy being born, you’re simply busy dying.
Until the next time, thanks for
reading, and thanks to bbska for the pic.
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