The stresses of Hockey

Last night was a test. I'm convinced. Near the end of the first period I watched as my boy Libor Ustrnul slid head first into the boards on the far end of the ice. I was in such immediate denial that I couldn't figure out who number 3 was. Libor has been 3 for at least 2, maybe 3, seasons. When Misti asked who was down, all I said was number 3. the lady next to us was the one that said Libor. I immediately freaked. See, he's very prone to concussions, very very prone. The number one thing he's out for is head injuries. I watched, completely unable to breathe, as he lay there holding his head. After a few minutes he got up on his own, skated over and got his stick and went to the bench. He didn't play another shift that period. He also didn't come out for the next two periods. Worrying starts now.

Second period was pretty good. Good action, good fights. I believe it was during second that our goaltender Kari Letenon jumped a player that had run into him while he was down on the puck. Glad to know that Kari has been taking his lessons from Pasi. Misti and I had said, all he needs to do is let that fire and Finnish temper out and he'd be set, cause he's got the talent.

Then there was third period. Probably the sloppiest play to date. They passed like they just learned how to play, the gave away the puck more time then they took it. It was really really bad. Then near the end of the period, Greg Hawgood take a pretty mean hit. He's down for a good several minute and really wasn't able to get up on his own. He was taken from the ice, he would have been carried if it weren't for the good leg he had to skate on. Seem in the hit his left leg/knee got slammed. I really couldn't tell when it happened, or even from the replays, what exactly happened. But no matter what, we have defense men dropping like flies. Continue the worrying.

After losing 6-3 and Maltias scoring his 600th career goal, we headed over to wait for the guys. Honestly I really don't have the guys sign things much, but I stand there and wish them a good night or good game (when it's warranted). But tonight, tonight I needed to hear that the boys were ok. Anything. And everything we got from everyone said zilch. By the end of the night we found out the guys were getting reamed by coach, Hawgie would only be out 3-4 games, Dwyer gets to play in his place and Libor is fine (other then being pissed, what's new eh?). why worry right? blah...