Author: richardsmyth

Hi again guys! For my column for Push hockey magazine this month, I’m taking a look at the “mandatory experiment” that is the own-goal rule. Personally, I’m with Jamie Dwyer: I think it stinks. But what do you guys think of it?

I’d love to hear lots of keepers’ opinions on this, so, whether you love it or hate it, let me know by dropping me a line at richardsmyth100@hotmail.com, or by tweeting me (I’m @1stAmongEquals1). Thanks!

Hello all. I’m writing my latest goalie column for PUSH magazine here in the UK, and I’m canvassing opinion on something that’s been pretty central to my game in the last few weeks: the weather.

I’m wondering how you guys deal with extreme weather. How do you keep warm and focussed when the opposition’s not giving you much to do and you’re losing feeling in youir toes and earlobes? Stretch? Dance? Sing?…

And when it’s hot, are you prepared to maybe ditch your arm-guards in the interests of comfort?

In either situation, what sort of breathables/thermals do you favour? Do you think existing kit is up to the job of keeping you comfortable in flag-cracking heat and bum-numbing cold?

Would love to hear your views on this, either in the comments below, by emailing me at richardsmyth100@hotmail.com or by tweeting me at @rsmythfreelance. Cheers!

I’m putting together a magazine article on changes in ‘keeping technique over the last twenty or thirty years… everyone here seems incredibly knowledgeable and opinionated about their ‘keeping, so if any of you go back a bit (like me!) and can remember, say, the offside rule, or cane pads and leather kickers, and fancy a chat about how the game has changed, I’d love to hear from you. You can drop me an email at richardsmyth100@hotmail.com. Thanks!