You feel bulky and off-balance. Even now that I'm used to it, if there's a wrinkle in my sock, I can't get at it. It can take your focus away and drive you absolutely crazy. Equipment isn't the only distraction between the pipes. Brewer says the area directly in front of her is often a maelstrom of sticks, skates, and spraying ice.
Slapshots are a lot easier to hear than wrist shots.
When I hear the crack, I go down on my knees and flair my legs to the side to guard against a low puck. In ice hockey, the failure of a single player to do her job generates a red light as accusing as any state trooper's. After a goal you have to pull yourself together. I brush the ice away, bang both posts to get relocated, and tap myself on my leg pads. Sometimes she removes her helmet, runs a hand through her sweaty hair, and has a drink of water.