Okay, so I decided to actually get out there and do something today. Felt like my hands were getting rusty just sitting around. The plan? Work on some puck stuff, maybe try that move I saw… something related to that “jake black hockey” idea I had bouncing around my head.
Prep and Warm-up
First things first, had to dig out my gear. Skates felt okay, maybe needed sharpening soon, but good enough for today. Getting dressed always takes longer than I think. Finally got onto the ice. Felt good, that initial glide. Did a few laps just to loosen up the legs. Didn’t want to pull anything.
Then, grabbed my stick and a few pucks. Started really slow. Just basic stickhandling, trying to get the feel back. You know, keeping the puck on the blade, moving it side to side. Felt a bit awkward at first. The puck seemed determined to roll off my stick every few seconds.
Trying That Thing…
So, about that “jake black” thing. Honestly, I don’t even know if it was Jack Black doing some funny hockey skit or just some random dude I saw online named Jake Black. Doesn’t matter. Saw this weird-looking deke, kinda jerky but seemed like it could work, or at least be funny to try.
So I gave it a shot. Moved the puck like I thought I saw him do it. Yeah, that was a mistake. Puck went one way, my feet went another. Almost wiped out completely. Definitely looked like an idiot. Maybe some things just look better on video, you know? Or maybe that guy was just messing around.
- Attempt 1: Puck lost immediately.
- Attempt 2: Got tangled in my own feet.
- Attempt 3: Puck slid away, stick hit the ice. Nope.
Okay, scratched that idea. Clearly not happening today. My coordination just wasn’t there for fancy stuff.
Back to Basics
Decided to dial it way back. Just focused on simple drills. Set up a couple of cones (okay, they were just water bottles I found). Practiced stickhandling around them. Slowly at first, then trying to pick up speed. Still wasn’t super smooth, but better than when I started. Consistency is key, right? That’s what I keep telling myself.
Then I moved over to the net. It was empty, perfect. Just wanted to take some shots. Worked on my wrist shot mostly. Trying to get that quick release.
- Lined up maybe 20 pucks.
- Focused on snapping the wrist.
- Some went where I wanted. A lot didn’t.
- Hit the post a couple of times. Always makes a nice sound.
Didn’t bother with slap shots. My shoulder felt a bit tight anyway.
Cool Down
Skated a few easy laps just to cool down. Felt pretty good overall. Sweaty, tired, but like I actually did something useful. Didn’t master any weird “jake black” moves, but spent some solid time with the puck. Hands felt a little less like rocks by the end. Guess that’s a win. Just gotta keep getting out there when I can. That’s the real practice.
