Game two

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Played Game 2 tonight. Here's how it went down:

Home - started with a liberal pre-game application of Voltaren. Works well, but I miss the minty freshness of the A535.
Change room - it's hot. So hot. Almost tropical. We're packed on the bench like sardines. The heat and the mingling of smells from our gear is eye-watering. Sweating starts again. Somewhere across the room a teammate grunts to bend over and do up his laces. The rink manager stops in again to remind us where to puke. He laughs. Everyone's a comedian. Another teammate tells us he just came from Red Lobster and plowed through the bottomless bucket of shrimp. My money's on him to paint the bathroom first. Next to me, my teammate asks if there's a defibrillator nearby. It's not old man hockey if there isn't at least one heart attack joke.
1st period - opposing team is good. We decide early on that we don't want to play them anymore. They go up 4-0 on us. Energy levels holding.
2nd period - opposing team goes up 7-0. Despite the score we're playing better. Good scoring chances and better passing. It's coming together. The guy with a belly full of deep-fried shrimp and buttered lobster biscuits pots one and clears the goose egg from the board.
3rd period - we play harder and hold the other team to fewer goals. Solid shifts this period. Much improvement.
Post-game - beers and banter were enjoyed during a tailgate BBQ session in the parking lot. We didn't win, but we've got an awesome team. Summer season is off to a great start!

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