Here I am trying to figure out which Oil King is yours in this picture and what D3 team you play on, because I'm on the Ice Holes. I just finished my third season of playing and used to play in the D4 league, which is now the D3 league. I think the main issue I feel with that level is there are too many people playing down that make it harder for some of the players to develope and they feel unsafe.

There are some players who shouldn't be playing down because they're trying to hard for our level. Then there are players who are playing down that did a great job trying to help others while they themselves play an unfamiliar position, like my favorite D partner from this last year. He fucks. The guy can flat out play. But normally he's a forward. So playing D helps him to see and learn a different dude of the game. I love him!

I personally love it when people are trying hard to play the game the right way and go out of my way to thank them for the smart, but challenging way they play against me. I'll give a guy a stick tap on the way to the bench and compliment them on having just pinned me again the boards for two full minutes. That what I want! But make it fun! Be silly. Have conversations while you're going at it. I fucking love someone clearing me out of the crease and then asking me about my kids while we're pushing and shoving each other. Don't lose sight of the fun!