Drop the Puck

I played hockey for ten years of my life, maybe more, as a goalie. Those were some of the best times of my life. Since then I have moved on from the sport, other than playing pond hockey each winter, but have not forgotten how it has shaped who I am today. When I used to take my position between the pipes, I would always have and overwhelming feeling of being perfect- - the shutout game that would lead my team to victory. While this was the case in certain circumstances, it would hardly be the reality in each game. To this day I can't say I've lost that motivation for perfection, and without it something seems to be missing for me. I grew up playing hockey with my friends, many of which I am still in contact with today; some even who play for the Minnesota Gophers, and even one in the NHL. These friends were my teammates who encouraged my perfection, obviously because they didn't want me to let in any goals and we could win the game. This encouragement led me to become a better player all around. I became obsessed with the sport. I practiced in my garage, in my basement, with my team in the off season, and even read up on different tactics to take on as a gaoltender. I wanted to be the best goalie for my team.

A few years later, as I started hitting my teenage, rebellious stage, my attitude became somewhat lackluster towards my duties as a goalie. I still played my best and wanted to do great, but didn't have the same driving attitude that my teammates felt. I eventually ended my hockey career at fifteen, thinking I was too young to make my entire life about hockey. There were different things I wanted to do, and time I didn't want to focus all on hockey. While it is now six years later and I sit here writing this, I feel as though that focus for perfection never left me, even in the years after hockey. Although I have grown up, matured some, and realized that perfection is one of lifes most unattainable goals, I can still have the motivation be great at whatever I do. I have witnessed some of those friends I grew up playing hockey with, grow into who they are now; some without a lack of motivation to do anything. I think that if it weren't for my years playing hockey, and a want for games of perfection, I wouldn't have gained a sense of motivation for work as strong as the one I have today. I miss playing hockey with a real team; the sense of comradery and achievement. These are things I once felt with my team, but now have to find in other aspects of life- - - Motivation for perfection.