So another hockey season is upon us—my son’s hockey, that is.
If I am to be perfectly honest, I would have to say that I have mixed emotions about the new season. As much enjoyment that it brings to my son (and husband), and fitness benefits aside, I selfishly grumble upon the disruption to our family life.
The thought of ridiculously early practice times, the bad coffee at the rink, the frozen toes, the disrupted Sunday night dinners and missed family occasions due to practices, games and tournaments makes me kind of crazy. This can’t be good for the family unit, can it? Hockey eats away at precious family time that could be spent playing board games (as if), being together and enjoying a family fall outing.
I had a special opportunity this week that made me think a little differently. Some of the SavvyMoms and their children were invited to meet Jonathan Toews, the all-Canadian superstar, Stanley Cup Champion, captain of the Chicago Blackhawks and Canadian Olympic gold medalist—all this at the age of 23.
Jonathan has teamed up with Canadian Tire and the National Hockey League to promote youth hockey in Canada. Their goal is to provide grass roots initiatives across Canadian communities—one of which is the Canadian Tire NHL Junior Skills Competition. Their website, canadiantirehockeyschool.ca is a great resource for hockey players and their families, full of tips, articles and special offers.
Jonathan is what hockey heroes are made of, and yet he was open and approachable to adults and kids alike. No question was offside. One of my favorites was from one of the young hockey players who asked him: “Are you better than Sidney Crosby?” To which he replied, “I am right now”.
My questions were a little less endearing, but he answered them with as heartfelt a manner as if he was speaking about his latest hockey stats. What about his mom? The toll hockey played on their family life? Did he have any siblings? Were they close?
His reply gave me no doubt that his time at the arena did nothing to erode his family bonds. Quite the contrary, Jonathan beamed when he spoke of his parents—the dedication of his mom and dad, and the sacrifices they made to finance his sport and get him to the rink on time. He was also quick to share that his parents embraced the joy of his sport, including attending the Canadian Olympic game. He also has a younger brother who is a very talented hockey player.
So it made me a little more relaxed about the season ahead and all that is involved. It reminded me of all the good things that a sport can offer in terms of sharing an experience with my young guy—even if one of my biggest contributions is staying on top of the team emails.
Oh, and cheering my heart out at his games, of course.
Comments
Ahhhhh…. what did you think he was going to say?????
We started hockey in our family for the first time last year. Like you I thought that hockey took away from family time, and only caused chaos. Our experience was the opposite, and even my 13 year old pointed out that we spent more time together as a family, going to each others games, and cheering each other on, pizza for dinner Sunday nights after the game, became fun rituals. So for our family hockey actually brought us closer.
Aren’t all mothers “conflicted” hockey parents? I love the excitement of the start of a season but by January, I never want to see another arena EVER!!!??? No matter what, most sports commitments (swimming, skiing, gymnastics etc.) divide a family. It’s the dirty little secret no one tells you when you set out down these roads. And had you known, would you really have changed anything?
I have experienced the same trepidation about my son’s hockey season. This year, with the addition of my daughter into the hockey world, it makes our family life even more hectic. I can only resolve to keep the same ‘chin-up’ and ‘give it your best’ hockey attitude that is expected of my children, and I realize that all of time we share, rushed or otherwise, is valuable for our family unit.
I completely agree with the conflicting emotions but here is another reason to keep loading up the minivan every weekend…
Think of all the life skills the kids are learning- time management, team building, leadership, conflict resolution (!!) and keeping commitments even when it’s inconvenient or you are just too tired. The amount of classroom time you would need to cover all that would be even more challenging - and they get it all having fun!!
It gets better - and the benefits will become apparent as the kids mature.
Good luck!!
I guess my mother also feeling bad when she spends time alone. My brother and dad most of the time spends playing hockey. Yap its helps them to refresh and stay fit. My mom is always very supportive for them and for me as well. I’ll definitely discuss this fact with my mom and family today. Thanks
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