Hockey, hockey and more hockey

Three down, three to go. That's if you're counting our hockey marathon in consecutive days. Another way of tracking would be two practices and four games down, two more games and four more practices to go. Until we finally get a day off.

 

Let there be no doubt, January is here. And if the hectic hockey schedule wasn't enough of a clue, last night's frigid temperatures left little doubt.

 

 It was AJ's first tournament as a Mite 2. They played on full ice with two... count 'em... TWO referees. This is big time hockey!

And bone chilling cold temperatures. It had been nice during the day. So nice, I figured long johns under jeans would be warm enough. Silly, silly me. The sun went down and we all froze.  

And AJ's team lost miserably. AJ got to play center, which is his new favorite position because he gets to the do the face-off. 

 

And then we woke up this morning and got to do it all again. Three times.

 



We started with Sydney in Morgan Park. In contrast to last night, the weather was about as pleasant for outdoor hockey as anything I've ever experienced. Bright sun, no wind, temperature in the 20s. Plus a nice view of the St. Louis River in the background.

And within 15 minutes, Sydney was sobbing to go home.

Her feet hurt. Her tummy hurt. She didn't want to play any more.

 

 Fearing she was sick, we left the game. But in further conversations, it became apparent that really only her feet hurt. I've been suspecting that her skates were getting tight, so we headed for the hockey store from where we rented them, and sure enough, they were two sizes too small. 

We traded them for a new, bigger pair and then headed to lunch. All was good again.

And then it was time to split up because the kids had games a half hour apart in two different towns. I stuck with AJ (I gave him the choice of which parent and he chose me "because Dad yells louder.") and Jeff went with Sydney.

 

AJ again played well. And his team again lost anyway, though at least not as badly as the night before. AJ got to start as center. Check out the photo below - how's that for an action shot right as the puck was dropped! 

 

 

This game was versus a team from Piedmont Heights in Duluth. Coincidentally, we drove up Piedmont Avenue on the way to the game. AJ noted the street sign saying, "I'm versing Piedmont today!"

 

 

New this game: the coaches attempted to have the kids change lines on the fly, rather than only when the whistle blew. Let's just say they have some work to do with that. AJ started at center, played defense the second period and ended the game as right wing.

It's interesting to see how much more tired the kids are at the end of a game played on a full size rink.

 

 

Of course, as soon as the final whistle blew, and the teams shook hands, AJ skated over and asked, "Can I skate some more?"

Sure. Tomorrow. And the next day. And the day after that.