I played hockey for about 13 years, from the time I was 4 untill about 2 years ago. I can tell you that the average shift of about 45 seconds, to a minute tops is the most exahusting 45 seconds you can experience in sports. On many occasions I have hoped over the boards after a hard shift and "puked my brains up". It is an awsome feeling though when things are going your way and your team is playing good. The pain sort of takes a back seat and you do what you have to do.