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So, I played a div B game in Langley, and was really getting into the heads of the other team. Save after save, pucks in my glove, rebounds all directed to the corners, I was playing awesome. We're up 4-1, when I see a pass come from the corner to the stick of their open man in the slot. He winds up and takes a one timer that hits me square in the cage. My Eddy mask is a tank, and with the addition of the Maltese gel it took the shot like a champ, so I soldiered on. Told stripes that I was good to go, and got back into position for the next rush. Then, with 4 mins left in the game, they come in hard on a 2 on 1. P1 makes a pass to P2, and he lasers a wrister to the net.....
I didn't drop, but stayed low when he released his shot. 0.3 seconds later, the puck hit me square in the throat.
It took a second for me to register what had happened. I still had enough focus to slap the puck into the corner, where my d man picked it up and initiated a quick breakout. But I still didn't know if I was okay though. I pulled off my mask, took a couple deeps breaths, and attempted to swallow some water. Successful and confident in both, I figured it best to get back into it. We finished the game with a 5-1 win.
Huge thanks to the Maltese gel neck guard that I was wearing. I don't wear a dangler, so it's my only form of neck protection, and it did a great job. I have an ugly bruise on my throat now, and of course it's sore. But I know without the Maltese that I wouldn't be typing this right now.
I owe you a Pho lunch, Ballpeen!
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