Advice: What to do? Stuck on a slow line...

[TheSkatingDead]

I play in a B league group and the teams were re-drafted for this new session. Not to be modest, but for informational purposes only, I was the first draft choice this time around. The team with the worst record gets first pick and I was picked up by them (which, ironically, was the same team I was on last time). I know a few of the guys and my captain, so I was extremely excited to start a new session and to hopefully get a few wins this time. Last night was our first game of the new summer session and it was absolutely horrible... it was an embarrassing blowout lose 12-4.

In the locker room before the game I heard the captain said that someone on the team emailed him and requested a certain line, which I thought was a little ballsy considering we haven’t even played together yet. So the lines were set per his request and I ended up getting stuck with two C players on my line. Not that I care, but I’m more of a fast paced style player and my line mates just could not keep up. I made sure to pass the puck (as I’m not a puck hog), but they would just end up missing the pass or turning it over.

I’m sure by the end of the game everyone on my team could sense my frustration and I realize that it’s all for fun, but I’m tired of losing every game we play and was irritated about the line request made as it didn’t even give the team a chance to see how we all could have played together.

Afterwards, while getting undressed, I didn’t even have a few beers (and I even brought them!), packed up my stuff and left quickly. I’m sure I could have handled it differently as my emotions always seem to get in the way… but I was frustrated and just wanted to leave.

I don’t really want to cause issues on the team by complaining to the team about the line choices, so I’m thinking of just dropping back to defense, so I don’t have to deal with the line issue and just try to have some fun. Besides, we lack the defensive skill, so it might be a better fit…

So, my question to you all… what would you do?

Sorry for the long post, I just needed to vent and hopefully get some comments on how you would all handle it.

Thanks

 

[sanityplease]

Sounds like you should either relax & accept the way it is, or move up to a higher level of play.

IMHO of course.

 

[jsykes]

Sounds like you've only played one game together at this point.

If that is the case, I'd give it another try and see how things progress, these guys playing with you as a better player may push them to get better and faster in order to keep up.

On the other hand, after a couple games, if things arent improving I'd simply talk to the captain and share your thoughts (nicely and calmly) and just explain you feel like you're being held back or that its not benefiting the team. Possibly a change in lines or a move back to defense would then be in order.

But if it were me, I'd give it a couple games and see what happens before jumping to conclusions and then pursue change with the captain if you feel the need later on.

 

[PK Cronin]

Do button hooks all day on the rush or change the style of play to help them out if you can.

Otherwise, just suggest switching the lines up a bit more. If someone else requested lines, can't you?

 

[snizzbone*]

Who emails the captain of the team requesting certain lines? Really?

 

[Jarick]

Give it another game. If you're still stuck with two slow wingers, talk to the captain about changing up the lines. Don't say you want to play with better guys, but say that you think the lines could use more balance. Having two weaker players on the same line makes it hard to get out of the zone a lot like being on the PK but you can't ice the puck. This happened to me last week and if it were to happen every week, I'd go nuts.

 

[mistrhanky]

We definitely have some slower guys on our team and we recently changed up our lines to match based on speed more than talent. Hitting the zone with all of the guys at the same time is key. I would not be afraid to suggest a line change after another game. If you were the first pick, your opinion will probably carry some weight.

 

[Jisatsu]

This has always seemed kinda common practice from my experience. Most teams try to put a faster more competent player on each line to round things out. It's frustrating playing at that level as a forward.

My advice is, and I do this in my rec games with newer players, I tell them to crash the net, and be ready for my pass. I just go straight for the corner, charge behind the net, distract the other team leaving the weaker players unmolested in the prime spots waiting. Works pretty good, and I enjoy assists as much or more than goals. Use your ability to create plays and opportunities. Yeah you'll be doing most of the work, but I personally love the challenge of making something from nothing.

Or you could move up a level and see what it's like being the slow guy on the bench holding people back in the A league.

 

[tarheelhockey]

Aside from actually changing lines, 2 suggestions:

1) Dropping back to defense really isn't a bad idea if you're THAT much better than the average player in your league. If you don't want to move up a level, but you want to be challenged and help out your team a great deal more than just doing solo rushes, you should probably drop back.

2) On a similar note: if you really want to stay in this league and you really don't want to change positions, consider making it a routine play for you to circle back, receive a short pass or even a drop pass from the defenseman, and rush through the neutral zone with a head of steam. Your linemates will have plenty of time to get themselves up the ice and you should all end up crossing the lines at about the same time. 1980s style firewagon hockey!


But really, the best solution is for your other teammates to get over themselves and break up their line for the sake of the group.

 

[CornKicker]

the only logical response would to drink all the beers then fight the guys that are the issue, i would start with corporal pick-a-line first. he needs a good dust up. then i would pick the team captain and toss a few knucks with him cause he let some no name set the lines.

 

[CarlWinslow]

I don't see why it would be unreasonable to suggest to the captain that your style of play might mesh better with some other guys. Just have the choices ready and specifically say, my style would work better with _______ and _______ because _______.

 

[Wilch]

Dropping back to D might not be a bad idea.

You might have greater influence playing D than forward if you're head and shoulders above competition - assuming you're more of a set up guy. If you're playing with a D below your level, at least you only need to carry one guy, not two.

And trust me, if you feel frustrated, the two C level guys on your line are probably even more frustrated than you.

I played a lot with guys much better than me, and it's just painful being the guy who can't finish or catch their 80mph passes. It sucks feeling like the anchor dragging down the line.

 

[TheSkatingDead]

Thank you all for the advice, it's very helpful and I appreciate the input. I'm going to give it another game or two and see how it goes. But I'm thinking I will just drop back to D... only to switch things up.

---

if you feel frustrated, the two C level guys on your line are probably even more frustrated than you.

True... I didnt' think of that.

Sounds like you should either relax & accept the way it is...

Agreed, a reminder is need at times... thanks.

I'd give it a couple games and see what happens before jumping to conclusions.

Very true... it's hard to find out after the first game.

Who emails the captain of the team requesting certain lines? Really?

I know right... this is what ticked me off the most about the whole situation.

... and I enjoy assists as much or more than goals. Use your ability to create plays and opportunities. Yeah you'll be doing most of the work, but I personally love the challenge of making something from nothing.

Excellent point, sounds like a challenge worth taking.

But really, the best solution is for your other teammates to get over themselves and break up their line for the sake of the group.

Yeap... so lame.