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Most times it’s the smallest things that have the biggest impact. The Boy’s team had a tourney

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Most times it’s the smallest things that have the biggest impact. The Boy’s team had a tourney

Most times it’s the smallest things that have the biggest impact.

The Boy’s team had a tourney in Ottawa the year before last.  Our boys won their first two games and were doing quite well.  In the third game, they came up against a weak opponent and, with a semi-final berth secured, the coach decided to shuffle his players around for the third period. Defencemen were moved up to forward positions and forwards (including the Boy) were moved back to defence where they could get some experience and have some fun in a somewhat foreign role. The Boy, who is defensive minded, has played forward for the last several years, but was moved back to the blue line on this rare occasion.  This was also a year when all players began adding slap shots to their repertoire, invariably trying to mimic the booming blasts of NHL stars. But they all had a ways to go to reach Al MacInnis status (or even the much lesser known Bob MacInnis status, for that matter)  

As it turns out, this tournament also had an enterprising local businessman who would record and burn every game to DVD and then offer the same to proud parents for a “nominal” price. Our team took advantage of a special offer, whereby we would each get full recordings of all games for $20.  We would receive six DVDs in total as it turned out because the Boys made it to the Finals; so not a bad deal at all. Personally, the $20 I spent on the DVDs was simply justified by a roughly 10 second clip within a single game.

The particular game in question found several other fathers and I standing right next to the videographer who was dutifully capturing the sights and sounds on the ice below.

To paraphrase and somewhat colour commentate the 10 seconds of action provided herein, a puck sent around the boards by the other team in the offensive zone was intercepted by the Boy (top left corner of the video) who was pinching in from his new found defensive position.  Recognizing an opportunity to unleash a gargantuan blast from the point, the Boy loaded up and took a mighty swing……..  If you listen closely, you can hear several fathers and I bellowing out a resounding “Whoooaaas”, “OLEs!” and “Ha Ha Ha’s” as the Boy triumphantly misjudged the position of the puck or the length of his stick. In short, he flat out missed. Unfortunately, what you don’t see in the video is the Boy’s subsequent response to our emphatic “OLE!”, which is nothing short of classic.  At 13, the Boy had the presence of mind to give us a ceremonial middle-finger salute and I could see the grin on his face from across the ice. These are the images which shall forever be etched in my memory.  He immediately grasped the humour of the moment and played right along.

This seemingly simple snippet of time in an inconsequential game is the true definition of hockey for me and why I cherish watching my kids play. Had the Boy simply fired the puck into the corner or even put a decent shot on net, it wouldn’t have left the same idelible mark as that wondrous miscue and the honest reactions that followed. I should, however, point out that the “Whoas”, “OLEs” and “Ha Ha Ha’s” have come back to haunt me in spades as the Boy regularly looks and derisively comments on the rec hockey miscues of his 40+ Dad, which occur on a much more regular basis.

As I watch this clip again for the umpteenth time, I just wish I had more of this stuff on video.

#imahockeydad

Priorities #imahockeydad

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The Boy had a team meeting and then practice from 8:30-10:30 last night…seriously cutting into my ability to catch the first NFL game of the season between the Vikings and defending champion Saints, a rematch of last year’s NFC championship game and the return of the ageless Brett Favre.

I was going to just drop him off and pick him up after the practice.  But he said he wanted me to check out his sweet new yellow practice jersey and Atlanta Thrasher-style socks.  Maybe I would also get to see him make a nice pass in a drill or make a goalie look silly on a breakaway with a sick deke or bar down shot. How could I resist a chance to catch any of this potentially hyperbolic action.  Hockey Mom reminds me that I better not complain because I’ll sure be sorry when he stops wanting us to pay attention. Of course, he could have showed a little more regard for his football-starved father after practice and just tried this one time to be one of the first players out of the dressing room. We got home with enough time for me to catch the fourth quarter of a relatively boring season opener.  There will be many more football games I’ll be able to miss as the Boy’s, Devil’s and NFL seasons collide in the months to come. As chance would have it, the Devil was to have a game this Sunday, but its been cancelled and the day now actually looks hockey-free; so I’ll likely be on the couch soaking up as much of Week One pigskin action as I can to tide me over for the rest of September.

#imahockeydad

Priorities #imahockeydad

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The Boy had a team meeting and then practice from 8:30-10:30 last night…seriously cutting into my ability to catch the first NFL game of the season between the Vikings and defending champion Saints, a rematch of last year’s NFC championship game and the return of the ageless Brett Favre.

I was going to just drop him off and pick him up after the practice.  But he said he wanted me to check out his sweet new yellow practice jersey and Atlanta Thrasher-style socks.  Maybe I would also get to see him make a nice pass in a drill or make a goalie look silly on a breakaway with a sick deke or bar down shot. How could I resist a chance to catch any of this potentially hyperbolic action.  Hockey Mom reminds me that I better not complain because I’ll sure be sorry when he stops wanting us to pay attention. Of course, he could have showed a little more regard for his football-starved father after practice and just tried this one time to be one of the first players out of the dressing room. We got home with enough time for me to catch the fourth quarter of a relatively boring season opener.  There will be many more football games I’ll be able to miss as the Boy’s, Devil’s and NFL seasons collide in the months to come. As chance would have it, the Devil was to have a game this Sunday, but its been cancelled and the day now actually looks hockey-free; so I’ll likely be on the couch soaking up as much of Week One pigskin action as I can to tide me over for the rest of September.

#imahockeydad

Wear your Captain’s hat #imahockeydad

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The Boy’s favourite pro hockey player as far back as I can remember has been Joe Sakic. At last count, the Boy had amassed well over 100 different hockey cards bearing the image of his boyhood idol.  He has gone through several variations of Colorado Avalanche and Team Canada jerseys, shirts, socks, underwear, hats and other paraphernalia.  He has come to adopt and profess the benefits of the Sakic hockey stick curve pattern. Joe Sakic has been the main focus of several school poems, essays and maybe even a science project.  He even named his roommate and pet guinea pig, Joe Sakpig; a name which would have to later be changed to Josephina when we unwittingly discovered that said pig had the wrong plumbing for a boy and we didn’t want her to be gender confused on our account. 

As parents, we are pleased to know that a major reason behind Joe Sakic being the Boy’s favourite is the fact that he is a team Captain. In the hearts and minds of many hockey fans, like the Boy, he is “THE” Captain. Joe Sakic has been a perennial leader of NHL championship winning Avalanche teams, having spent his entire career loyal to that one team, and successful Canadian teams at the international level. In the 2002 Winter Olympic in Salt Lake City, Joe led Team Canada to a gold medal and was name tournament MVP. Joe Sakic is a phenomenally skilled athlete, but he is much more than that. He is generally soft-spoken and leads by example. He treats the game and those associated with the game with respect which, in turn, garners him the respect of his colleagues and peers.  These are the same morals and standards we have tried to convey to the Boy and the Devil.  Respect is an integral part of the game they have come to love and important to societal living in general.

The Boy has had the good fortune of being named a team Captain, in his own right, on three occasions and an Assistant Captain on a couple of others.  We would like to think this is because his coaches have recognized his commitment to these basic principles and his ability to set a good example for others. The Devil’s coaches, to date, have seemingly been less willing to name permanent Captains and Assistant Captains, perhaps worrying about the political correctness and/or ramifications of such appointments.  But I think it is an important part of the game and the life lesson. As such, the lesson has not been lost on the Devil nor do I think it would be lost on her teammates.  While coaches are generally responsible for choosing and naming Captains and Assistant Captains, I believe some input needs to be garnered from the team itself; particularly as the kids get older. On teams, as in life, leaders naturally develop and lead, quite often by their actions rather than their words. Leaders are leaders whether a symbolic “C” is bestowed upon them or not.

As both of our kids have joined new teams and entered new situations over the years, we have consistently told them to “wear their Captain’s hat” whether they’ve actually had letters placed on their game jersey’s or not. We believe they understand this means treating their teammates, coaches and others they may interact with in a respectful manner.  We hope the message of setting a good example on and off the ice is resonating with them.

Sports gives us these larger than life characters, some of whom conduct themselves and become better role models than others. We are thankful for players and people like Joe Sakic and now more women like Hailey Wickenheiser; who provide positive images that we can use to guide our kids through the early stages of the game of life. 

#imahockeydad

Wear your Captain’s hat #imahockeydad

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The Boy’s favourite pro hockey player as far back as I can remember has been Joe Sakic. At last count, the Boy had amassed well over 100 different hockey cards bearing the image of his boyhood idol.  He has gone through several variations of Colorado Avalanche and Team Canada jerseys, shirts, socks, underwear, hats and other paraphernalia.  He has come to adopt and profess the benefits of the Sakic hockey stick curve pattern. Joe Sakic has been the main focus of several school poems, essays and maybe even a science project.  He even named his roommate and pet guinea pig, Joe Sakpig; a name which would have to later be changed to Josephina when we unwittingly discovered that said pig had the wrong plumbing for a boy and we didn’t want her to be gender confused on our account. 

As parents, we are pleased to know that a major reason behind Joe Sakic being the Boy’s favourite is the fact that he is a team Captain. In the hearts and minds of many hockey fans, like the Boy, he is “THE” Captain. Joe Sakic has been a perennial leader of NHL championship winning Avalanche teams, having spent his entire career loyal to that one team, and successful Canadian teams at the international level. In the 2002 Winter Olympic in Salt Lake City, Joe led Team Canada to a gold medal and was name tournament MVP. Joe Sakic is a phenomenally skilled athlete, but he is much more than that. He is generally soft-spoken and leads by example. He treats the game and those associated with the game with respect which, in turn, garners him the respect of his colleagues and peers.  These are the same morals and standards we have tried to convey to the Boy and the Devil.  Respect is an integral part of the game they have come to love and important to societal living in general.

The Boy has had the good fortune of being named a team Captain, in his own right, on three occasions and an Assistant Captain on a couple of others.  We would like to think this is because his coaches have recognized his commitment to these basic principles and his ability to set a good example for others. The Devil’s coaches, to date, have seemingly been less willing to name permanent Captains and Assistant Captains, perhaps worrying about the political correctness and/or ramifications of such appointments.  But I think it is an important part of the game and the life lesson. As such, the lesson has not been lost on the Devil nor do I think it would be lost on her teammates.  While coaches are generally responsible for choosing and naming Captains and Assistant Captains, I believe some input needs to be garnered from the team itself; particularly as the kids get older. On teams, as in life, leaders naturally develop and lead, quite often by their actions rather than their words. Leaders are leaders whether a symbolic “C” is bestowed upon them or not.

As both of our kids have joined new teams and entered new situations over the years, we have consistently told them to “wear their Captain’s hat” whether they’ve actually had letters placed on their game jersey’s or not. We believe they understand this means treating their teammates, coaches and others they may interact with in a respectful manner.  We hope the message of setting a good example on and off the ice is resonating with them.

Sports gives us these larger than life characters, some of whom conduct themselves and become better role models than others. We are thankful for players and people like Joe Sakic and now more women like Hailey Wickenheiser; who provide positive images that we can use to guide our kids through the early stages of the game of life. 

#imahockeydad

The Devil’s busy too #imahockeydad

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As suspected, we’ve received the Devil’s schedule and it’s no less hectic than the Boy’s.  In fact, early on it looks to be even a little more demanding.

With girls’ rep hockey in our jurisdiction, leagues are structured according to a system whereby teams are ranked and put into divisions based on results in exhibition game. All teams are tasked with scheduling a number of “pre-season” games against teams believed to be of similar caliber in order to gauge their ability, or inability as the case may be, to compete with these teams. In order to get a the most accurate rating it makes sense to book a fair number of these games.  Mind you this is generally left to the discretion of the coach and his/her staff.  In previous years the Devil has been on teams where the coaching staff either did not have the desire or interest in finding out where the team should be properly ranked and thus played a seemingly bare minimum. This can, of course, come back to haunt a team which may be placed in a higher division than it should be. Some would argue this simply means a higher level of competition, but it can also mean a season of lopsided losses and dejected players.

Such is not the case this year, as the Devil already has eight exhibition games scheduled this month including two games in two different towns on one Saturday and an early morning practice followed by a late afternoon game the following Saturday. This schedule is sure to test both the ability and the conditioning of the team, while at the same time getting them all quite familiar with one another.  All good stuff in the eyes of this hockey dad.

So I’ve now combined the September schedules and it seems that in the 23 days starting the day after tomorrow there will only be 4 where either of our two young athletes will not be engaged in some form of hockey-related activity (i.e. practice, game, dryland training). We’ve yet to decide exactly who will be taking who to which practice and/or game, but we’ll likely just play it by ear depending on other scheduling challenges. Mix in some more fundraising activities (i.e. bottle drive, raffle ticket sales, something else will likely pop up) and there’s nothing like easing into the pre-season. Bring it on I say! It’s what I’ve been waiting all Summer for. Alright, besides the introduction of HST, the start of NFL season and the latest installment of Glee! (jk)

#imahockeydad

The Devil’s busy too #imahockeydad

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As suspected, we’ve received the Devil’s schedule and it’s no less hectic than the Boy’s.  In fact, early on it looks to be even a little more demanding.

With girls’ rep hockey in our jurisdiction, leagues are structured according to a system whereby teams are ranked and put into divisions based on results in exhibition game. All teams are tasked with scheduling a number of “pre-season” games against teams believed to be of similar caliber in order to gauge their ability, or inability as the case may be, to compete with these teams. In order to get a the most accurate rating it makes sense to book a fair number of these games.  Mind you this is generally left to the discretion of the coach and his/her staff.  In previous years the Devil has been on teams where the coaching staff either did not have the desire or interest in finding out where the team should be properly ranked and thus played a seemingly bare minimum. This can, of course, come back to haunt a team which may be placed in a higher division than it should be. Some would argue this simply means a higher level of competition, but it can also mean a season of lopsided losses and dejected players.

Such is not the case this year, as the Devil already has eight exhibition games scheduled this month including two games in two different towns on one Saturday and an early morning practice followed by a late afternoon game the following Saturday. This schedule is sure to test both the ability and the conditioning of the team, while at the same time getting them all quite familiar with one another.  All good stuff in the eyes of this hockey dad.

So I’ve now combined the September schedules and it seems that in the 23 days starting the day after tomorrow there will only be 4 where either of our two young athletes will not be engaged in some form of hockey-related activity (i.e. practice, game, dryland training). We’ve yet to decide exactly who will be taking who to which practice and/or game, but we’ll likely just play it by ear depending on other scheduling challenges. Mix in some more fundraising activities (i.e. bottle drive, raffle ticket sales, something else will likely pop up) and there’s nothing like easing into the pre-season. Bring it on I say! It’s what I’ve been waiting all Summer for. Alright, besides the introduction of HST, the start of NFL season and the latest installment of Glee! (jk)

#imahockeydad

Da boy’s schedule is in #imahockeydad

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We received an email pointing to the Boy’s online schedule for the upcoming season, bringing with it those oh so memorable feelings of awe and slight bewilderment.  Here’s the breakdown of days in the coming months when he, no we, will be in a rink somewhere for practices, exhibition, regular season or tournament games — a few of which will be in far off places like Fort Erie, Ontario and Oswego, New York:

September – 13 days
October – 17 days
November – 17 days
December – 16 days

There are a few more days already on the sked for January, then playoffs will take us well into March and maybe even April. Tryouts for the 2011-2012 will follow in May.  In the next couple of weeks we’ll get the Devil’s schedule to fill in the blanks and double up on many of the days.  Add to this school classes, homework, school trips, work, social events, occasional sleeping, eating and other necessities and there isn’t a whole lot left.  Hockey tournaments even usurp a few school and work days as they often start on Fridays and occasionally Thursdays depending on the location. The kids certainly don’t mind, but it can get a little dicey when juggling work commitments.  I am always surprised to see the inordinate number of mothers and fathers who are able to attend all of the practices and games. Aren’t we all supposed to be at work…paying for all this hockey?  

It really is a whole lotta time, particularly when you see it all plotted on a calendar.  Hockey mom lovingly does the plotting with diligence and affixes the finished product to our fridge. I throw it all into a Blackberry, try to avoid the conflicts and keep up if I can. So if you don’t find me at home, try my cell, check a local rink or consult the fridge calendar; it’s all on there.

#imahockeydad

Da boy’s schedule is in #imahockeydad

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We received an email pointing to the Boy’s online schedule for the upcoming season, bringing with it those oh so memorable feelings of awe and slight bewilderment.  Here’s the breakdown of days in the coming months when he, no we, will be in a rink somewhere for practices, exhibition, regular season or tournament games — a few of which will be in far off places like Fort Erie, Ontario and Oswego, New York:

September – 13 days
October – 17 days
November – 17 days
December – 16 days

There are a few more days already on the sked for January, then playoffs will take us well into March and maybe even April. Tryouts for the 2011-2012 will follow in May.  In the next couple of weeks we’ll get the Devil’s schedule to fill in the blanks and double up on many of the days.  Add to this school classes, homework, school trips, work, social events, occasional sleeping, eating and other necessities and there isn’t a whole lot left.  Hockey tournaments even usurp a few school and work days as they often start on Fridays and occasionally Thursdays depending on the location. The kids certainly don’t mind, but it can get a little dicey when juggling work commitments.  I am always surprised to see the inordinate number of mothers and fathers who are able to attend all of the practices and games. Aren’t we all supposed to be at work…paying for all this hockey?  

It really is a whole lotta time, particularly when you see it all plotted on a calendar.  Hockey mom lovingly does the plotting with diligence and affixes the finished product to our fridge. I throw it all into a Blackberry, try to avoid the conflicts and keep up if I can. So if you don’t find me at home, try my cell, check a local rink or consult the fridge calendar; it’s all on there.

#imahockeydad

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Yesterday it was 30 plus degrees celcius outside so where were we…in a rink of course. But it was a special kind of day because the Devil and the Boy got to play together on the same team.

The Devil’s team ran a 3-on-3 fundraising tournament which required/allowed each player on her team an opportunity to put together her own team comprised of three boys, three girls and a goalie  These players (so we understood) could be within two years of the age of the player so the Devil chose her 15-year old brother and two of his buddies along with three of her friends (her age) including a goalie.  The day before the tournament even began her team lost a girl to illness.  We were not able to find a replacement so the team proceeded with two female skaters, three male skaters and a goalie; lots of skating to come.  This was all pretty exciting for mom and dad because we never really get a chance to see our kids play together.  I took to the bench as a quasi-coach, but really just a door man, as I was soon to find the Devil telling me who was to take the ice and when.  I might add here that I came to the rink wearing shorts and a t-shirt with no idea that I would have to spend the majority of the day in what would eventually seem like sub-zero conditions. 

The Devil’s team’s first game was against an all-girls team which included a couple of very good sixteen year olds.  The Devil’s team won that first game and we were soon to learn that the Devil’s relatively large and somewhat skilled male teammate selections were a tad controversial. Her boys (including her brother) were admittedly strong players in relation to those from other teams who ranged from 10 to 16 years old. It was made clear from the very beginning that this was a “fun”draising tournament and winning/losing were secondary. Our boys were likewise instructed from the beginning that they were to compete, but keep in mind that they were, in some cases. playing much younger and/or less skilled players.  All of that being said, just try telling any 10 + year old athlete that they’re just playing for fun. All players on all teams were playing to win as each game saw kids battling at both ends of the ice.  A couple of games saw outstanding performances turned in by diminutive and reportedly unseasoned, but enthusiastic goaltenders.  The Devil and her female teammate played exceedingly well; taking advantage of and making some tape-to-tape passes to the Boys. One particular pass from the Devil to the Boy for a one-timer goal found me fist-pumping with pride.

The Devil’s team went on to an undefeated record and to win the tournament, which would cover nearly 10 hours and consist of a total of seven twenty minute games. Actually eight for the Devil and one of the Boys as both unwittingly substituted for teams missing players following their own team’s fourth game and 11 for the Devil’s goalie as she was called upon to sub for other teams who were not able to find full-time keepers. Pre-tournament we knew there were three games guaranteed, but were a little surprised to learn of four additional games which kept us at the rink until nearly 10 pm. Suffice it to say, our five players, all of whom had a post-win sleep-over at our house, ate heartily (including Dairy Queen treats demanded by the Boys and a late-night Mexican feast prepared by the anxious hockey mom) and then slept long and soundly. Even the young and seemingly resilient Devil and Boy woke up complaining of aching muscles.  In truth, such an effort probably would have crippled most parents for the better part of a week.

It was a long hot day in a cold, stanky rink, but I very much look forward to being able to see my kids play side-by-side again and maybe doing a little more selfish fist-pumping.

#imahockeydad