Flooding the hockey rink will forever have new meaning

It's moments like this:

And memories like this:

That make this picture of the Esko Hockey Shack so sad to see. Flood waters filled it five weeks ago, leaving mold and other problems that translate into a building that may have to be condemned.

This building has served as a sort of home away from home for us the last three winters. Other than home and work, I probably spent more waking hours there than anywhere else. It's where Sydney learned to skate last year. It's where AJ perfected his various celebratory poses after scoring and began dreaming of an NHL career.

When I think of where I most feel community, besides my church, this is the place.

Thank goodness a whole lot of other families feel the same way. In an effort to save the building and keeping hockey in Esko this winter, a bunch of parents gathered last night to begin gutting the Shack.

How bad is it? Here's a glimpse of the main room last winter: 

And now:

The view from the snack shack last February:

 And last night:

Everything has to come out. Furniture and equipment that can be saved is now in storage. Particle board, insulation and anything else that's damaged now fills a large dumpster, with more piled against the building to fill a second load.

 Remember this picture from AJ's seventh birthday party?

Now we don't dare let kids inside that side room, or anywhere else, for that matter. Any adults who went in to work had to wear masks over their mouth and nose as protection against the mold.

Sure, I've complained over the years about the intense hockey practice schedule. And I know I've complained every year when it's my turn to work a concession stand shift. But suddenly those seem like such minor inconveniences.

Winter is hard enough. To endure the seemingly endless long nights and brutal cold without the option of a neighborhood hockey rink is something I don't want to imagine. It would be too sad.

An account has been set up for donations:

Esko Youth Hockey Association

c/o Republic Bank

3 Thomson Road

Esko, MN 55733

I've never asked for donations before. But right now I'd do just about anything to make sure next winter includes moments like this:

Chaperoning AJ's first grade class field trip