For the second season in row, my hockey team, Alman Electric, was eliminated in the first round of the playoffs 2 games to 1 in a best of three series against the hated Hangovers. We got off to a horrible start in game three going down 2-0 in the opening period. We just had no legs. As usual, we got into penalty trouble in the second and third periods (including a dumb 4 minute penalty to me for slashing). The Hangovers just happen to have the best player in the league playing defense for them, and he single-handedly shut our offense DOWN. He’s so good that the league office told him not to score any goals or he wouldn’t be allowed to play (presumably because he can score at will). Every time we had an odd man rush or a scoring chance, that freaking guy was there to break up the play. I hate him.

Not only did we lose, but I injured my right knee with about 5 minutes left in the game when some douchbag checked me from behind into the boards. It was by far the most painful injury I’ve ever had in my 12 years of playing hockey (and I’ve had a LOT of injuries). I had to be helped off the ice and couldn’t put any weight whatsoever on my swollen knee. I didn’t go to the hospital, but I did end up taking the next day off work. Today it feels 300% better – I can limp around a bit and the pain is at least manageable. The swelling has gone down and the bruising is starting to show. Luckily, I didn’t twist my knee at all during the collision, so all my tendons and ligaments seem to be OK. The majority of the impact was to my kneecap and the bottom of my femur, so I should be good to go when summer season starts up in mid June.

And yes, I did shave off my playoff hockey beard. (Sarah was VERY appreciative)…