Its been a weekend of gut checks and celebrations and disappointments all mixed into one. I find winning doesn't feel quite as good when the ones who lost are your friends on the other team. Every parent knows by now, winning the season end tournament, in no way means you are the best, you just came out on top that day. But the rub comes in not trying to diminish the win either. Nolan and his team worked hard, they played with heart and passion, and they played together as a team. That is reason to celebrate.
Coach Czichotzki, was a good influence on Nolan. He taught him how to see the ice and how plays develop. He taught him how to use his body physically and how to play positionally. He inspired Nolan to play, inspired hockey. Nolan knew that if Coach was yelling, bottom line it was because he cared. He demanded more of the kids, and they responded. Thanks Coach.
As parents, I think we grow and develop along with our kids. At times, as a mom, I still flinch when the play is overly aggressive and my kid is either at the giving end, or the receiving end. And yet, the "hockey" mom in me, knows, thats hockey. I've developed a thicker skin, but theres still some chinks in my hockey armor.
Nolan, this is your 6th season of playing hockey. Just 6 years ago we brought an energetic-just-turned-4 year old to the rink and cringed as we watched you make snow angels on the ice. You were more obsessed with diving on the black foam dividers, than skating and playing hockey. Who could have guessed, in 6 years, you'd be skating with The Cup hoisted over your head. May this be the first of many cups you hoist!
Nolan scoring a goal in the Championship game.
Dad/Coach having a little pep talk with son/player. Those lines get blurred at times.
End of the game celebration. Squirt white wins 4-0!
The celebration continues with most of the team in the net now.
Skating with the Squirt "Stanley" Cup. The Cup will be coming to our house sometime in the months ahead. I've heard someone plans to have his breakfast cereal in it.
The name of each of the Squirt players will be engraved on the blank squares of the cup... just like the real Stanley Cup.
Congratulations Squirt 5! Good luck to all the second year players moving up to Peewees.
Thank you Grandpa Jim for taking all of the pictures this weekend!
congratulations to all of them ... they have learned well
ReplyDeleteCongrats! Eating cereal out of the championship trophy sounds so cool!
ReplyDeleteWHAT A GREAT GREAT TIME for those kids. I was smiling like crazy while looking at the photos. I'm sure you were thrilled.Just a great great time in their lives.
ReplyDeleteWhat great pictures Vicky. I bet it's been fun to see Nolan progress in hockey over the years. Where does time fly? Before you know it, he'll be in high school, still playing!
ReplyDeleteYou will never forget these years. I can say that because 15 years ago when my son, husband and I were mountain bike racing, we just had the best times. I miss those days. I still get a tear in my eyes when I think about the memories. Those memories are happening for you right now.
You're a good mom Vicky.
Westra World looks like the American dream ... Congrats to Nolan and his team!!
ReplyDeleteThat's awesome!! How exciting! Congrats to Nolan and his team :) My hockey boys sending high fives to those guys!
ReplyDeleteSusan, thanks, they all improved so much this year :)
ReplyDeleteMissy, I am sure we will get to find out!
Mark, thank you... I think you are spot on. They will not soon forget this time in their young hockey careers.
Lisa, oh please share some more about racing as a family! How very cool, I had no idea :) Would love to see an old pic of all of you racing! I think you are so right... we are trying to savor these times with our kids... its just going so fast!
Bonnie, I think that about sums it up! Although, Nolan is more than a little obsessed with Canada and Canadian hockey :)
Kelly, thanks :) Nolan will think that a high five from your boys is very cool!
Well done Grandpa Jim - Fab pictures :0)
ReplyDeletewhy do I feel that one day, you'll be sitting at the winter olympics cheering on one of your kids as they go for the gold ?
ReplyDeleteSo cool-I love the trophy!!!!!!
ReplyDeleteI'm jealous that kids that young know how to ice skate when I can't even stand up on the ice straight :)
YAHOOO! HIP HIP HURRAY!!!!
ReplyDeleteNICE JOB GUYS!!!!!! :)