Hockey Culture
One of my favorite aspects of hockey culture is the commitment of older players to encouraging and mentor the younger players. It manifest in a number of ways. When Marty St. Louis played for the Lightning, his son played travel hockey here in Florida. There were a number of tournaments we attended that when he was there, he’d offer his encouragement to our boys. As loud as these hockey players are the minute an NHLer walks in the room, you could hear crickets.
You may recall from my blog a couple weeks ago that Goalielocks had skate courtesy of a professional rehabbing here in Florida. Well, today was our boys turn. Goalielocks’ team was offered the opportunity to volunteer at the Panthers’ Learn to Skate program that is being hosted at our rink. Goalielocks equipment was still in the truck, so he helped them set up. Meanwhile, the Mayor was more than happy to go out on the ice and help.
Dressed in their black tracksuits, the Mayor, his friend Justin and a handful of Goalielocks’ teammates took to the ice for learn to play. We watched from the glass fondly recalling how they were all that little once. By comparison to the learn to play kids, even my Mayor looked gargantuan. Our bantams looked like giants next to these little players.
Unquestionably, these boys are tough on the ice. Most of them visit me in the box at least once a game (my Mayor included.) Nonetheless today on the ice, they were gentle giants. It was awesome watching them help the up and coming hockey players throughout the hour. As tough as they can be, they were patient, caring coaches. For my boys, it was a rewarding experience. As we left the rink, they were excited to return next week to help coach.
Post learn to play, I got my second coffee of the day from Dunkin’ before heading to the pet store. Our first stop was a Tanks A Lot, which sells aquarium and a wide array of marine life. For my boys, it was like a candy shop. This store had everything from sea horses (I want one) to two different shark species. Unquestionably, my boys wanted to take home both of the sharks. Unfortunately, we don’t have an aquarium large enough to house the sharks.
After our trips to the pet store, we headed home for Goalielocks to setup his new aquarium. He got several small fish to cycle the thank. Meanwhile, I was hoping to run, but the weather and my hamstrings were not cooperating. Instead I chose to cuddle on the couch with the Mayor and watch the Office. It was a solid choice. Nonetheless, it also means I’ll have to run more miles tomorrow.
Lastly, we’re seven days out from the Broward Palm Beach Purple Stride and still $3,500 away from our fundraising goal. While it looks doubtful that I’ll be logging a PR at this race, due to poor preparations, I do not want to fall short of my fundraising goal. If you’re in S. Florida, join us at the event. If you’re not local to S. Florida, please consider donating to Team Deb Force Five. You can join the team or donate to the team via this link: Team Deb Force Five.
Tonight’s song is a flashback to the 80’s. It’s also one of my kids’ favorite song after it was featured on Family Guy. Enjoy Toto’s “Africa.”