Getting paid to play, on your own flexible schedule, might just be the best thing ever; especially when you do it with Goalie Guru!
But having these perks doesn’t come with no responsibility. Being a top tier goalie who gets paid to play comes with its musts. We have complied the list of the top 5 things you must do to be the best rent-a-goalie you can be!
- Check your phone / Watch your email
When you get an email for a game, sometimes you have to be quick to scoop it up. Confirming quick and with sureness that you want play is important when you are confirmed. Goalie Guru is flexible and no pressure where if you don’t want to play on certain days, you can just ignore the game notifications, but keep updated on the days that you do want to play. We also send out partner product deals and our newsletter by email, and sometimes inquiries for free gear donated by fellow goalies in your city! Once you request to play a game and are confirmed, put your game face on and throw your gear in the trunk, because you need to gear up for battle. Lots of teams aren’t just looking for a body to fill the crease, they are looking for a savior in between the pipes… at 11 PM on a Wednesday night.
2. Show up early and ready (with both skates and two sticks)
Teams panic when their goalie is late. If you roll in 5 minutes before puck drop, you’re giving the bench ulcers. Show up early, grab a stretch, and let them know you’re locked in. Get to know the guys, crack a few jokes, and tell them that you’ve only played a few times (always be exceeding expectations) Bonus points if you bring both skates (yes, this has happened, and we took the heat for it.)
3. Be a Team Player
Sure, you’re the hired gun, but once the puck drops, you’re part of the squad. Cheer on your D when they block shots, chat it up with the bench, and don’t be “that goalie” who sulks after a bad goal. Goalies with good vibes get re-booked and get good ratings and feedback from the team. Not all teams are out to win, sometimes its all about getting a good workout and having a few beers after!
4. Understand the Men’s League Rulebook
Whether a pickup game or league game, you need to understand the rules of the game, or at least the men’s league rules.
Translation: expect everything. If you played pro in Europe last year and are back in the summer to make a few bucks and get some skates in, you need to know:
- That guy on defense hasn’t skated since ’09.
- Someone will cherry-pick all game.
- The ref? If he’s a young guy, he doesn’t care for your jokes, and an old guy, he’s your best friend all game.
Keep calm, laugh it off, and remember: the game is a whole, you aren’t the only person on the ice.
5. Rock the gear / Have good Sty
No matter what skill level you are at, looking the best intimidates the other team immediately, and shows your team that you aren’t just here for a quick buck (or maybe you do need the extra money because you need to feed your gear addiction)
Anything from back in the 90’s or early 2000’s will do (as long as it isn’t too beat up). If you are able to properly butterfly (and throw out the odd double pad stack), then it will do the job, maybe just make sure that helmet is up to date.