I can’t believe I’m a new hockey mom and I’m loving it! From early mornings at the rink to expensive equipment….bring it on!
What is it that 'they' say… fake it until you make it?
When my older son took to ministicks like a fish to water at 18 months, I could see hockey was in our future. Add in hockey player/superfan Dad and it was game over. I figured, I'd better start faking this love of hockey stuff.
I grew up skiing on weekends and my kids learned early on to ski, so I'm all for winter sports for sure – but hockey? I imagined cold arenas, dark mornings, and bad ice-rink snack bar coffee.
My husband couldn't wait.
Me? I'd have to fake it. Or so I thought.
We signed him up. We did the pre-hockey skating lessons. We found a rink with a warm bar area. We found friends to hang out with during the practices. Week after week, I watched him practice, and learn, and grow – and become a hockey player.
I remember distinctly one morning, sitting in the stands, 2 year-old scrambling on my lap, and being absolutely amazed at what he could do. He was no superstar, certainly, but there he was – a little hockey player all his own.
I had nothing to do with that. I had no skills to teach him, I didn't even know how to put on the equipment in those early days. He did it all by himself, and watching him develop in a sport he loved so much – a sport he would do day and night, anytime he could? Well, I guess that's when I stopped faking it.
Now, both boys play hockey – and I'm there – as many practices and games as I can be at. I love cheering them on. I get nervous before their games. I am now an expert skate-tier, shinpad tape-wrapper and trained both kids to put on their own equipment. I know to check the bag before we get in the car. I don't forget the stick. I water the backyard rink without being asked. I know what off-sides mean, and icing, and how to make the most of a 2-star hotel during an out of town tournament. I find ways to justify my trendy winter coat purchases for the weekend arena marathons.
I'm officially a hockey mom. And it's nothing like I ever expected. It's a hundred times better.
PS – that ice-rink coffee? I figured that one out too – travel mug from home, all the way!
