The Next Generation

My house is busting at the seams with hockey equipment. My husband is an avid player (he even has the injuries to prove it) and my oldest son is becoming attached to the sport as well. My garage has 4 pairs of hockey pants, 7 pairs of skates, two helmets, and a bag of pads in all sizes. Along with this abundance of protection comes an abundance of stench. I am tempted to have my husband build a heated "hockey shed" outside to help my poor nose.

My little guy is now very interested in hockey and is in his second year of lessons. He wants to be just like the men in his life and relishes in putting on his padded pants, gloves, and helmet. Wednesday's are hockey days at my house. My oldest plays late on Wednesday night and my little guy now plays right before him. Let me paint a picture of what his practices look like.

You must always start with some mean gear, a growl, and some safety. His brother has been learning how to check people and J can't wait to get started. The fists just tell it all. With a grab of the helmet and a good shake....we are ready to get started.

We then race down to the ice. Crowds of cows....err, children, corral their way down the path. They are all eager to get on the ice. J holds my hand to steady himself as he gingerly places his blades on the ice...and then he's off. Arms immediately shoot out to his sides. I can't help but think about gymnasts who pop their arms out after landing a jump. His little feet stutter up and down as he works his way to his instructor. They all penguin waddle their way to the hand drawn stars on the ice. 

Oomph, be careful! Inevitably there is a fall but no tears. He gets into the doggy position (all fours) and quickly shows a knee. Time to push and pop. J steadies himself and pushes with all his might. POP! Up he goes and out shoot the arms.

He is quick to pop up when no one is looking. However, if the cute teacher comes over....he bats his loooong eyelashes and she quickly gives him a hand. Already working it and he's only 3. I'm in trouble.

Today was a great day. I saw gliding and motivation to get up on his own. The coordinator at the rink asked if he'd been doing lessons after Spring Break. Well, of course he'll be doing that.

"Do you think he's ready for the Skate to Play class?", she gingerly asked me.

"Are you kidding me? He'd LOVE that. I get to put a stick in his hand right?"

"You betcha."

"Sign me up. Just beware...he knows how to use it!"

One quick look back and he's ready to go. Another skater in the house and some extra stench in the garage. I couldn't be happier.