Life in the UK: The First 50 Days

Hello goalies, goalie fans, and parents!

I hope this first update of the year finds everyone enjoying the start of yet another hockey season. I am shocked that it has already been fifty days since I last stood on American soil...

Since my Thomas Cook Airlines outbound flight - direct from JFK to Manchester - touched down that sunny day in mid August, it has been a series of highs and lows, as is the perpetual cycle of hockey life.

In late August, the pre-season saw my new team, the Manchester Storm, short of a few players who were still awaiting official approval to enter the United Kingdom. However, our abbreviated squad mustered up the energy for several dramatic games which included a home shootout victory against Nottingham, and a road win in a very cold, archaic arena straight out of the 1980's (I don't think it has been updated since) in Peterborough, England.

The boys in our team polos and tracksuits (a.k.a. "trax-edo") at a meet-and-greet event with the fans

The Storm then travelled to Cardiff, Wales, the second country visited in as many weeks. In our first Challenge Cup game of the year, we suffered a tough 5-1 loss in front of a spirited packed house. Although we didn't come out with any points, a rowdy and energetic atmosphere was provided by the Welsh spectators in my first official game in the Elite Ice Hockey League. After a long bus trip back to Manchester and a quick sleep, the Storm captured its first home win against the Edinburgh Capitals in an impressive 8-1 win the next afternoon. It was definitely a well-deserved win for all those involved and an honor to be a part of a very important milestone for the team. It had been 13 years since the Manchester Storm had played a competitive game after the team ceased operations in 2002.

Barely making a save in Wales against the Cardiff Devils -- I swear that one didn't go in 

The following weekend, the team made its first real "roadie" to Northern Ireland where we would battle the Belfast Giants. We caught our flight from Manchester in the morning, grabbed a quick bite and nap at the hotel in the afternoon, and played in front of another great crowd that very same evening. As a result of this trip, I have a newfound respect for players in the NHL who play on the same day of a flight. Travel can be extremely draining no matter how long or short the duration. We ended up losing 6-2. However on a positive note (all press is good press), we made The Hockey News, playing the part of the victim on a couple of amazing individual plays by Giants' player and former Boston University forward Chris Higgins.

You can see the video clips on The Hockey News website below. I am obviously the guy in net doing an impression of a deer in headlights on both goals:  http://www.thehockeynews.com/blog/watch-eihl-player-dish-two-of-the-most-jaw-dropping-assists-youll-see-all-season/

Remember goalies, it's good to be humbled once in a while.

Game Day: our plane to Belfast -- not the biggest plane ever

The following week was one of the more memorable weeks of my time spent in the UK so far. After a few tough losses on the ice, it was great to get some down time to take my mind off hockey for a while and experience the city of Manchester. A few teammates and I took the train downtown, where we did some sightseeing and snapped a few photos of the picturesque buildings.

Manchester Town Hall in Albert Square

Later in the week, a couple of my teammates and I were lucky enough to get great seats to a Manchester City football (soccer) match. Up against the top team from the Italian league, Juventus FC, the blue and white 'Man City' put in a valiant effort but fell short 2-1 in Champions League action. The sheer beauty of the stadium and energy of the crowd was enough entertainment in itself, let alone witnessing up close the talent of some of the best in the world.

Etihad Stadium, home of Manchester City FC. Attendance for this game was 50,000+ fans! 

The fellas and I (wearing my new 'Man City' blue and white scarf)

After a few days of fun, it was back to work for the Storm where we eventually got back on the winning track and defeated the Coventry Blaze to snap a four-game losing streak. Over the next couple weeks after a few tough games in Scotland, our team showed its character and came up with another home win against Edinburgh in exciting shootout fashion --see video highlights of the match https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r6BpGZONQEc

As I said earlier, hockey can be a roller coaster of ups and downs, so it is especially important for you younger 'tendies to keep a positive attitude and not get discouraged when things don't go as planned. We all get beat once in a while, but it's how you respond that counts. It's this part of the game -- the emotional aspect -- that will become very, very important in years to come as many goalies that move up the hockey pyramid already have the physical skill (e.g. skating) and mental skill (e.g. reading the play).

So remember...keep your head up, put the work in, trust in your abilities, and the saves and wins will come !!!

Until next time, keep the biscuit out of the basket...

Cheers,

Zane

Season's End

Well, another hockey year is in the books.

The 2014-15 season for Rungsted Ishockey officially came to an end in Game 7 of the quarterfinals against the Dansk Metal Ligaen's top-ranked Herning Blue Fox. The 2-1 result in the Danish "hockey capital city" was played just as the rest of the series: in a hard-fought and tightly defensive and strategic manner, where goal scoring was sparse and a small error always lead to a big opportunity. All series long, players and fans experienced what was expected. It was stereotypical, yet exciting playoff hockey in front of several sell-out crowds.

We pay respect to our fans who traveled all the way to Herning for Game 7 action.

The most exciting game for me was our Game 4 victory in front of the Rungsted faithful. I will always remember the feeling when Saxo Bank Arena erupted after local hero Christoffer Lindhoj scored the eventual game-winner in front of his hometown fans. Chills shot through my entire body. Truly amazing, as was the feeling when the final buzzer sounded!

My teammates join me in celebration of the Game 4 victory in front of our home crowd in Rungsted.

As a competitive individual, I wish the end result to the series would have been different, but nothing could take away the vast respect and gratitude I have for my teammates as a result of this season's efforts. If there is anything I learned throughout my time as an athlete, it's that earning your teammates' respect through competition is paramount. Your teammates, many of them who become your closest friends, share with you all the good and bad experiences, the ups and downs, all season long. These are the guys that sit next to you in the locker room and spend long hours training on and off the ice, riding countless nights on the bus, running stairs, sharing team meals, all while working towards become better hockey players.

Our loyal fan club's display of their passion and support before the puck drop at Saxo Bank Arena.

I am so glad to have been part of a great group of people that was able to make the playoffs for the first time in franchise history, and I am so proud of my teammates, especially the young players who stepped up and performed beyond expectations when they were needed to replace some key players. It was a great experience for me and I will take home some great memories that I will not soon forget. Thank you to everyone who supported us and helped us out along the way and a special thanks to our fans for a very special season!

To see more of the action, here's a link for your enjoyment to the Game 7 Video Highlights!

Q & A with NHL prospect Mike Condon

Hello goalies and goalie fans! I hope the New Year finds you happy and healthy and enjoying the weather that we all associate with hockey season. I mentioned in my previous blog post that this one would include a 'Q & A' with a former Princeton teammate of mine. Did you guess correctly who was pictured?

Correct Answer: Mike Condon, Princeton Class of 2013.

Massachusetts native Mike Condon was recently tabbed in an article as one of the top goalie prospects in the American Hockey League (featured on the Shnarped website). Now playing for the Hamilton Bulldogs -- the "farm team" for the Montreal Canadiens -- the six-foot-two-inch target is currently among the Top 10 in save percentage in the league.

During the Canadiens' 2014 playoff run, Condon was chosen to be a 'Black Ace' for the team. The 'Black Aces' or 'Taxi Squad' are the handful of alternate players that travel and practice alongside the team throughout the playoffs. These are the guys who are put in the lineup if someone gets injured so Mike was essentially one small step from the Stanley Cup Playoff action!

Also a former prep school goaltender (Belmont Hill School), Mike was kind enough to let us pick his brain in this blog's first ever 'Q & A' session.

Mike, sporting his Subway sponsored 'Habs' jersey...Gotta eat fresh!

Where did you grow up playing youth hockey?
I grew up playing local hockey in some small towns in Massachusetts, specifically the Holliston Demons and Natick Comets. From there I was luckily enough to make a AAA team called the Boston Junior Eagles.

Why did you start playing as a goalie?
I started playing street hockey in my driveway because my older brother needed a goalie. I didn't really have a choice in the matter, but I'm thankful he made me get in between the pipes.

Who were some of your role models growing up?
I've had a lot of role models in hockey. I grew up watching John Vanbiesbrouck and Byron Dafoe. During my teenage years, I got to see Henrik Lundqvist make his debut with the Rangers in pre-season against the Bruins. Since then I've been a huge fan of the way he plays and the way he carries himself off the ice.

What achievement are you most proud of up to this point in your hockey career?
My most proud achievement in hockey other than being offered an opportunity to play at Princeton University has been signing a contract with the Montreal Canadiens.

Condon in action for the AHL's Hamilton Bulldogs.

How did you prepare in the off-season for NHL training camp with the Montreal Canadiens?
Off-season training is ciritical for being prepared for camp and the season. In the old days, camp was used to get in shape. Now you have to be your strongest and most prepared for the first day of camp. Every day you are being evaluated and one bad day can decide what league you're going to end up in. I try not to skate too much during the summer, once a week with a goalie coach and once a week in a high-skilled summer league. In order to avoid wear and tear on your body, I spent a lot of time working out in pools. It's a full body workout with great cardio. It stretches and strengthens your whole body without putting stress on your joints.

Can you share any rituals/superstitions that you have as a goalie?
I don't have many rituals or superstitions. One of my biggest is that I never use a fresh tape job for a game. Each tape job needs a little action in practice the day before.

What was it like being a 'Black Ace' in the 2014 Canadiens' playoff run?
Being a black ace during playoffs was an eye opening and unbelievable experience. I got exposed to NHL life and NHL expectations. Being so close to the action has made me the hungriest I've ever been to take my game to the next level.

Do you have a favorite pre-game meal?
Favorite pre-game meal is pretty standard. Some chicken, pasta, and salad is what I usually have before games.

What’s on your iPod?
I got pretty much everything on my iPod. Electronic Dance music for workouts, alternative music when I want to relax, and a good amount of country for long drives.

Who is your favorite NHL goalie?
Favorite NHL goalie would have to be Henrik Lundqvist.

What’s it like to be from Boston and play for arch-enemy Montreal?
Being from Boston and playing in Montreal's organization has been pretty ironic. I grew up watching the Bruins like every kid from Massachusetts, but at this point in my career it's all business, and I'm proud to be a part of such a storied franchise.

Thanks, Mike! We wish you the best of luck in your bright future of puckstopping!