Читать книгу Blindsided - Leslie LaFoy - Страница 7

There are four basic types of hockey players.

The Goalie. He’s the guy standing in front of the net and looking like the Road Warrior version of the Michelin Man. Under those pads is a man who has the single-mindedness of a medic dragging a wounded soldier to safety. Off ice… They can be a bit oblivious to what’s going on around them. If you want their attention, try tossing a puck across their seemingly blank stare.

The Center. Speed. Drive. Confidence. Loads and loads of confidence. While these tendencies can be a bit off-putting off ice, it is possible to drop his jaw. Off ice… Just sweetly move around him and go on like he isn’t there. They’re so not used to that that they’ll come after you out of sheer curiosity.

The Wingers (Left and Right). They’re every bit as good as the center; they just don’t usually get the spotlight. Which is fine by them. It’s not that they lack confidence, it’s that they prefer to play strong supporting roles. Off ice… Invite the whole team over for dinner and ask him to help. He’ll adore you forever.

The Defensemen. aka The Rescuers. They charge into the fray and put not only their bodies, but also their hearts and souls between the puck and the net. They’re usually the most unassuming guys on the ice. “It’s no big deal. It’s just my job.” Off ice… They live to be needed. Just don’t gush publicly over their rescue exploits. Privately… Everyone likes to be appreciated.