would you lay down to block a slap shot?

Question

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/12/23/AR2007122302363.html

i took a big slapper on the back of my leg the area where shin pads dont cover in my recent highschool game it hurt , i got a nice black and blue then i ended up blocking a shot in the chest from my own guy while fighting for a spot in front of the net

Answer 1

I've blocked a Bobby Hull slapshot (and been hit inadvertantly by a couple of others).

And they hurt.

But, you do what you have to do to win.

Answer 2

It depends how much you want to win. Myself, I do it whenever it needs to be done. Its an art, that alot of people cant do. some people slide right by the shooter, or do it too far away, and all they do is screen the goalie. Never turn your back to it, that how you get it on the calf. Never lead with your face, or upper body. The best thing to do, is take it at an angle, trying to use your shin pads, or pants to absorb the impact. You are also better off , trying to slide toward the shooter, to have a better chance at the block, and if he makes a move to avoid you, to go for a poke check, or a sweep of the stick.

Answer 3

I actually took one right on the side of the knee where my shin pad wasn't protecting my leg yesterday. I have a nice big bump with a bruise sticking out of the side of my knee.

Last spring in a clinic we did drills for half an hour on blocking shots. Wasn't the funnest thing having to slide on the side of your hip and take shots from your coach in all sorts of areas you dont want to be hit. (Thanks to whomever invented the cup).

Plus over the summer I played with some seniors and the big captain of college team took a hard slap shot that I blocked with my skate. Didn't hurt too bad, but I sure wouldn't give my whole body to stop one of those, unless I was getting paid the big bucks.

Answer 4

I play in a social league, where everone has jobs to go to the next day, so if some freaky 6'4 mother brother winds up for a slapshot, I wouldnt lay the body on the line to block it.. that's what my goalie is for :D (unless its a palyoff game or something where we need to win to advance)

But if I were a professional hockey player, and it would help my team in any way by blocking a slapshot by sliding into it, yea i'd do it. It's part of my job.

Answer 5

way to go, blocking a shot is the ultimate way to show your teammates that you care. Sacrificing you body for the good of the team is what hockey is all about. That bruise is a badge of honor, sure it will be tender for a few days, but it feels alot better knowing that you helped your team to victory, then moving out of the way, letting the opposition score, and having to live with the loss for the rest of the season. As for the shot to the chest, tell you D-men to get those shots down low, a shot to the chest isnt gonna get tipped at all, they need to learn to get it four inches off the ice, in prime deflection territory. way to be in front of the net though, that is where the goals are scored!

Im with ya, i blocked two shots in my game the other day, and we went on to win. I blocked one off my ankle that i already have a high ankle sprain on, that didnt feel to good at the time, but finishing the shift by going down and getting the assist on the game winning goal sure did.

Answer 6

In the heat of a battle instinct takes over. When I've played hockey I've blocked amny shots simply on instinct not even thinking despite the fact I never would want to take a slapshot to the body.
But it comes with playing the game. Most of my goals come in front of the net and well it allows me to get tip-ins and rebounds I also takes shots to the body

Answer 7

I always blocked shots but I always had shin guards on when playing on ice, none playing on the street.

But as a goalie (which I played 98% of my time) I always barked at the d-men on my teams to not block them and just keep the crease clear of players. I always yelled at the guys who would put their stick blade in front of the shot too.

I did my part by hacking at the backs of the legs much like Garry "Suitcase" Smith.

Answer 8

good question.

It really all depends...
if were up by 6 goals i'm not about to sacrifice myself for no reason. But if the game is close I will do whatever it takes for my team to win and not think about the bruise thats bound to come from the shot. Or if i'm playing against a friend or someone who has been annoying me all game I will try to block their shot just to piss them off.

Answer 9

yeah I would! I do and will continue to! I have played D my whole hockey career and it's all part of the game, from Oct-march, I'm usually bruised all over from blocking shots be it laying down or taking one in the gut or chest, my hands are usually sore cuz i think I can catch them as well!~

Answer 10

Its not as great a feat as it used to be. Modern high-priced hockey equipment like the pros wear offers them quite a bit of protection, much more than in the past. So I think if I had that including extra padded skates, then yes.

Answer 11

I bet you for what Laing makes a year, probably around 400K, most of us would lay down in front of a Macinnis blast while letting Chris Simon stomp on our feet.

Bob- because we have all done it for beer league glory, much less that kind of scratch. Well, in fairness the shots might be a little(lot) harder, but still.

***I'm sorry, but that has to be the coolest thing I have heard all day. "I blocked a Bobby Hull slapshot." My old man left me a game used, autographed Bobby Hull stick. Have it above the bar.