How to Take a Hockey Puck to the Face Like a John Giannone (Like a Hero)

                Getting hit in the face with a football is one thing and most fans would agree that a red nose and bit of damaged dignity is probably worth it for the cool story and the potential chance to keep the ball. However getting hit in the face with a hockey puck is quite another matter indeed and could potentially be pretty serious.

                When journalists are out there on the rinks reporting on the games then, they're really putting themselves in the line of fire. Sure, they're quite in the running for a Victory Cross for bravery, but nevertheless there's inherent risk there. And sometimes it goes wrong. Sometimes they get hit. in. the. face.

                Honestly it makes great entertainment for us, but for them it must really smart - particularly at that range. The question is, how do you take a hit like that and stay standing? Just as bouncers learn basic self-defence as part of their training, I believe  reporters should learn how to take a hit from a puck and come out of it unfazed. Here then I'll look at the secret to taking a hockey puck to the face like a hero.

Hockey Reporter Takes One for the Team

 

                Only the other week, the writer John Giannone was reporting from the rink-side at an NHL New York Rangers game, only to take a puck right in the face. The whole thing was caught on camera and you could see quite a lot of blood there, but when asked if he was okay Giannone answered 'it's all good'. So it turns out the guy is a legend...

                Now I don't recommend putting yourself purposefully in the line of fire, but if you report on hockey or just enjoy watching it live you too are putting yourself at risk. So here's what you should do if you see one coming right at you.

Step One: Duck and Dive

                 Obviously if you can leap out the way of the puck and there isn't an elderly lady standing right behind you (or an irritating friend nearby to use as a human shield) then it's best to do so. You'll probably be quite crowded in where you are and jumping forward can mean inadvertently leaping into the oncoming projectile, so the best advice is to try dropping directly downwards into a squat. Stay alert throughout the game and keep your eye on the puck. That's what you paid to do anyway.

                Most of all, do not try to catch the puck. You are NOT Bruce Lee.

Step Two: Go With the Flow

                Failing this, if you lack the super-human reactions to move out of the way in time then you should resort to plan B which is to take the puck on the chin. This expression actually comes from boxing and it means letting the hit 'glance' off of you by moving your head in the same direction. This will mean that you're transferring the energy as much as possible and lessening the impact. Don't try and do a strongman impression by standing rigidly and letting it bounce off your noggin -remember the old Kung Fu adage that it is the willow tree, not the oak, that is more likely to still be standing after it is hit by strong winds.

                Thus you should in fact exaggerate the motion cause when you are hit, but be aware that you are going to be shaking your head around more as a result and this could increase your chance of concussion. In order to look awesome you must try not to have a concussion... And don't wave your arms around too much as that will just make you look special.

Step 3: Look Nonchalant, Get Your Camera Out

 

                What you just did was pretty awesome, but if you jump up and down cheering then you negate your man points. Instead try to look nonchalant as though nothing has happened. If someone asks you if you're okay ask why, and if they say 'because of the hockey puck' you say 'what hockey puck?'. You should also get your camera out because this is a moment you will want immortalized. Finally, if you have some blood to show for it, you may be able to get some free stuff or even a picture in the local paper, so look around for an official. That puck to the face just may have been your one way ticket to stardom...