Yup...I did.

Being a hockey Mom ain't easy. 

(and cringe at the use of the word-ain't)

A few years ago, Logan and Emma started their first year of hockey. Gulp.

It took me awhile to admit that this volleyball/basketball loving Mom was going to have to learn the game of hockey.  

But, being a good parent, I did.

Have I ever mentioned that I'm not a fan of cold weather or cold feet or hands or ice?

And now, this volleyball/basketball loving Mom has evolved into a hockey Mom and has accepted her role.

I tie skates.

I know how to put all protective gear on and can have kids dressed in no time.

I know what icing means, off-sides, and where the 5 hole is.

I've bought hockey nets that  now take the place of my dinning room table.

I've come to accept that during hockey season, hockey sticks are a part of my living room décor.

I specifically shop for appropriate clothing to wear in the rink and will pass by a pair of boots that would never keep my feet warm there.

Yes, I've accepted my role.

 

Last month-a fellow hockey Mom posted on our Team FB page for our daughters team...."Anyone want to play in the pond hockey tournament this year? I think the Mom's should have a team."

 

And anyone that knows me well, knows that I am quick to respond and quick to say Yes cause I'm a people pleaser.

 

Pretty soon the banter went on and in the blink of an eye we had sponsors, jerseys and everything paid for and enough Mom's to make a team.

 

Sh*t just got real!!!!

 

Practice times/dates were scheduled.

 

Emails/Texts with requests to borrow equipment were sent out.

 

Trip's to the local small town sporting good store increased.

 

One trip to get skates sharpened for the kids and Kirby also produced a new hockey stick for me. (Justification: Emma can use it in a few years.)

 

The next trip to get skates sharpened resulted in a new pair of hockey gloves.

(Justification: Kirby's were too big and if I was going to have a new stick, I needed new gloves. And Emma can wear them in a few years.)

 

Now-I can skate.

(not fast, but enough to stand up and not fall)

I just can't stop very well.

(Okay, can't stop at all)

And for those of you who read Brady-Brady books I am the Twirlin' torpedo.

Thankfully my background in roller skating and roller blading would come in handy.

Who needs to stop in order to score?

 

As the tournament came closer...I admit-the nerves started to flare up. 

Flashes of myself breaking my leg....or an arm.

Glimpses of myself flying into a snowbank....

Images of a broken nose or black eye from a high sticking hockey stick.

 

As luck would have it...the tournament was on the same day as my 37th birthday.

Happy Birthday to me!

 

To make this long story short.....

We played-We skated-We survived

 

 

Don't mess with a hockey Mom........or a group of them for that matter.

 

Here's what I learned:

-You're never too old to try something new

-I have a whole new respect for the game of hockey

-I have a whole new admiration for my kids who play hockey

-I look good in a hockey jersey

 

Stats: 9 goals in 5 games