jon math
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Location: New England, USA
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End of a Personal Era
I loaded my hockey equipment into a stranger’s car last night and watched it drive off. It’s official now, no going back. I’ve play organized ice hockey from the mid 60’s until a few years ago. I’ve always been a goaltender and have gone from playing bare faced, through the fiberglass mask era, helmet and cages and finally the latest combos; my gear has evolved as rules and technology have changed as well naturally. All that protective stuff, daily yoga and stretching, running jogging and now power walking just has not protected my bad back, my vision has never returned to pre injury condition so my days of puck stopping ended officially finally last night.
My only regret was never scoring a goal. I have three credited to me but they were teams own goals credited to the last opposing player to handle the puck…me. I‘ve rung a few off posts, and had one reach the open net right at the buzzer…so close but so far.
Aside from waking up in the hospital once, a fractured ankle, and finally the eye injury that ended it, I had a pretty healthy carrier. I have no idea how many shots I’ve stopped, or goals I’ve given up; but I remember the first and last ones—I suppose I always will.
I’m certainly feeling my age and more than a little melancholy today.
--- "I'll be a story in your head, but that's OK. We're all stories in the end. Just make it a good one, eh?
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2/26/2016, 9:26 am
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bunnyman666
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Re: End of a Personal Era
I can identify with what you are going through, though on a slightly different level. I have only started stopping pucks last year. However, the feelings that we somewhat share is from a variety of forced transitions; however, the closest we share is when I hung up my bicycle and racing flats for the last time in the world of duathlon.
It is hard to accept forced transitions. I still remember my very last duathlon where I had DNF'd. I was cold and miserable, was under-prepared with my outerwear because of a bad weathef forecast and I didn't pack appropriately. I was medically forced into the sag wagon by the judgment of the race officials, and it was HUMILIATING. It was my last ditch effort to revive my duathlon career and was given a "perform or go home" order from my sponsors. That was the day that I knew I had overdrawn from the athletic talent ATM. I tried one more time to start up racing again, but became a blogger about triathlon bikes and bike parts for a few years. I had a LOT of fun testing and writing about cool bike stuff, but the thrill of getting a podium finish was never duplicated. I also tried coaching for awhile, but I ultimately recommended my clients to Powerman and Ironman winners I knew. Coaching wasn't as fun for me, but I am glad I tried it.
What am I trying to say from my long-winded story? There is plenty of ways to still participate. I also know that you will never be able to get 100% of the thrill doing it through someone else, but you have decades of knowledge to impart into young goalies.
Good luck in your transition.
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2/27/2016, 7:50 pm
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robb bromley1
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Re: End of a Personal Era
Hey John just don't lose the interest in masks and keep your thoughts coming as they are always an enjoy to read. sincerely Robb Bromley
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3/2/2016, 8:34 am
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jon math
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Re: End of a Personal Era
quote: robb bromley1 wrote:
Hey John just don't lose the interest in masks and keep your thoughts coming as they are always an enjoy to read. sincerely Robb Bromley
Thanks Robb. No worries there. I did not let any of them go. I plan to be buried with my Higgins, if hell freezes over I’ll need it :D
--- "I'll be a story in your head, but that's OK. We're all stories in the end. Just make it a good one, eh?
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3/2/2016, 9:17 am
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gerg29
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Re: End of a Personal Era
Jon
I hung em up recently too. Moving to a new area a few years ago , it just wasn't the same. Just strangers on the ice. Also the late ice times. Almost 40 years of the gig. Quite a journey eh ?
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3/8/2016, 6:46 pm
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jon math
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Re: End of a Personal Era
“Strangers on the ice” that is a pretty accurate description of the end for me too.
The game certainly changed over the years. When I started only six of eight guys on a given team could really shoot a puck with enough velocity and accuracy to be dangerous, with the advent of aluminum and carbon sticks overnight almost everyone on the ice was.
When I started guys had a lot more respect too. If someone caught you in the mask or even up high they most likely would ask if you were OK at the next stoppage. At at the end I had one guy wedge his stick into the cage of my mask and was pissed that he damaged the tip of it; and he was even outraged when he got called for spearing. A general purpose fourth line jerk! I was pushing for an attempt to injure major :D
--- "I'll be a story in your head, but that's OK. We're all stories in the end. Just make it a good one, eh?
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3/9/2016, 5:57 am
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McGuillicuddy
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Re: End of a Personal Era
I'm not sure if it will be my health (probably knees) or my inability to perform at a level that I am happy with that will spell the end for me. I'm still going fairly strong at the moment but I know that I'm not as consistently good as I was even 5 years ago. At some point the decline will become too much for my fragile ego to bear!
Last edited by McGuillicuddy, 3/16/2016, 12:48 pm
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3/16/2016, 12:47 pm
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Fullright
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Re: End of a Personal Era
Mr. Math, guys like you are the reason I love the position. Congratulations on an amazing run.
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3/17/2016, 7:32 pm
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jon math
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Re: End of a Personal Era
quote: Fullright wrote:
Mr. Math, guys like you are the reason I love the position. Congratulations on an amazing run.
Thank you! It was a lot of fun.
--- "I'll be a story in your head, but that's OK. We're all stories in the end. Just make it a good one, eh?
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3/22/2016, 7:57 am
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