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It's has certainly been a long weekend. Good, bad. It's been both. The hockey tournament went pretty well. The boys played hard, we kept onsides for the most part, played some pretty good positions, and worked together. The North Toronto team they faced on Saturday afternoon was just tough. They scored 6 goals that we were not able to answer. Our goalie played really well the entire tournament, and it was heart breaking to watch him after the third game. He kept the team from goals in the first two games, and made us all proud in the third game keeping out other shots that could have turned into goals.
The tournament itself was well run, for the most part but the rink SUCKED! It was old, and beyond smelly. In fact we dressed at the end of the stands for the last game as the locker room smelled horrid. We all know locker rooms can smell bad, but this was even worse then normal.
Having lost the third game we headed into Canada to see the Falls and then back home. It was a long weekend, and now I'm fighting a cold which is oh so much fun. Oh, well...back to life and being home. The laundry is stacked up. Guess that's the theme for today.

Holy Moly!

To quote Mickey Redman...Holy Moly! We came to Niagara Falls this weekend for a hockey tournament. We came planning on playing Canadian teams, and sure that it was going to be really tough. They get more ice time, they have more practices, it only seemed logical after we lost all of our games at last weekends tournament. But BOY were we WRONG!
The first game we were in our defensive zone for a solid 3 minutes, unable to clear the puck. Then they got it out and look out the goals started. They weren't easy, they had to fight for most of them and really play strong. Just the same the team scored 4 unanswered goals. We won the game, and moved on to the second game.
Again, thinking this is going to be tough. And it really was. Again, the boys played hard. Zach got a shot at a break away, made his way down the ice and took the shot. It hit the goalie in the pads and rebounded right to him. Then he shot it top shelf and Bam we were up 1-0. We won the game with that score and now we are waiting for tomorrow's game to see if we will be staying in Niagara until the Championship game on Sunday.
WOW! Way to go boys!

Hockey Weekend

Another hockey weekend is just around the corner. Last weekends tourny was fun, the boys played pretty well. They got bunched up a few times, but really that was the only thing that seemed to go wrong. They barely went off sides, they kept up with the other teams decently, even the team that had beat them 11-3 the previous weekend.
Not a bad showing, although disappointing that we didn't win any of the games. More so perhaps for the kids that were on the team last year that won that particular tourny. Regardless, we talked on the way home about being proud of your effort as a team. And they did work as a team.
This weekend we're headed to NY. Another tourny on the horizon, and this time with mainly Canadian Teams. I certainly am not saying that our kids can't do it. I know they will work hard and play as a team, and have fun. Those things are important. But when you hear it's Canadian Teams you just kind of pause. Mainly because ice time is easier to get in Canada, to the tune of most days having practice. In the States we're lucky if we get practice once a week. So, we'll see. Will the boys enjoy the weekend? You bet! Will they be even more excited if they win after last weekend? You bet! Will they still have fun and learn more about hockey if they don't win? Absolutely.
Let's Go Mustangs! It's time for a Hockey Trip!
15 kids
4 hours of driving
3 games
sheets of open ice...how does Master Card put it...Priceless!

Pierre McGuire GET IT RIGHT!

My son is currently watching last nights Flames v Wings game, reminding me once again of how many times during that game I had to say "jerk" out loud. I understand the Pierre Maguire words for TSN and therefore is going to support the Canadian teams. While this makes sense, I've seen and heard many other commentators support their home team and still make objective comments. Last night he accused Franzen or Frahhhnzen or Frenzen depending on how he pronounced it at any given moment, of purposely charging at the goalie. Did he even watch the play??? Yes the goalie got bumped into, and yes Franzen was trying to get into a small space, but he only bumped the goalie when he had to put his head down to avoid getting a puck in the face. Oh, that's right Pierre Maguire realized it after his accusation and had to say something about Franzen putting his head down.
If you are going to be a commentator will you PLEASE PRACTICE PRONUNCIATION, or at the very least decide to mispronounce the name the same the entire game. It is not Kronvall or Kronball it is KronWALL! The fact that you couldn't make up your mind Mr. Maquire leads me to one conclusion...you didn't do your homework. Yes the Flames played aggressively, but in the end it was the composure of the Red Wings that won the game. Which we celebrated not only because they are our team, but because we knew it made you have to take back some of your rude comments during the game. You might want to listen to or watch Mickey Redman or Larry Murphy who both seem to be able to do their job, support their team, and not tear down the opponents.
Oh, by the way...TSN please get your sound fixed before the next game!

Z hits YouTube!

Coach Jeff, one of Zach's coaches posted his goal this afternoon on You Tube. He is so excited to be on You Tube. Of course we spent several minutes discussing that if his team hadn't worked together in the defensive zone he would not have gotten the puck and been able to score. Tonight as he prayed for his day, he prayed for his team, for their win, for working together as a team and...for being on You Tube. He's 8 what can we say!

The End of Bubba, and ...Bubba?!

Hockey may have just changed for fans everywhere. In the past while you could watch the team you wanted to with NHL Center Ice, you could always hear the announcers you wanted to. Being a Wings fan, this always was a frustration.

If truth be told the media does not really care for the Wings and even when games appeared on Vs or NBC it was rare that impartiality was shown through out the entire game, with support for both teams as they made good plays. At least when the Wings were one of the teams. We've watched far too many games on those 2 channels where they would be telling all the things the Wings could do wrong and only talk highly of them as they were mopping the floor with the other team. Center Ice had the same dilemma but only because on away games you were forced to view the game from the home ice perspective. This year that appears to have changed.

This year we've noticed that the games listed are either (H) or (A) which has allowed us to view the game with Ken Daniels and Mickey Redman. Both of whom, if you've ever paid attention to Wings games call the game like it is. Naturally, they support our team, they are the broadcasters for the Wings, but at the same time we've heard them, especially Mickey, comment on calls that were bad for the opposing team and his famous "holy moly" has been used for good plays by the opponents as well. The best thing about getting the home ice feed. No more will we have to endure the broadcasts of Bubba and Bubba out of Nashville. I'm sure they are good for their team, but if someone could PLEASE give them a lesson in pronunciation and general hockey rules it would be greatly appreciated. It is Frahhn Zen (Like Hanz and Franz) not FRAN zen, and Datsuyk is one of the most widely known players our team has, you could at least get his name right. Oh, and it's Kron wall not Kron val or Kron vall or Kron ball. We've endured many different commentators over the years but they have to be the worst. Of course what can you expect from the team that throws Catfish on the ice. The octopus at least makes sense. It had a significance when it was first thrown and was not done in a "let's do something like the Wings" fashion.
So thank you Center Ice for giving us the choice. Nashville, I wish you well with Bubba and Bubba, but...up here in Ohio we won't be missing them when we are cheering for our team.
GO WINGS!

Is Hockey Taking Over Your Life????

Not sure who this is originally by, if you aren't certain if Hockey is taking over your life here's a way to tell.



IS YOUR KID'S HOCKEY TAKING OVER YOUR LIFE???

You base the next purchase of your new vehicle on whether it will hold six kids, six sticks, and six hockey bags.

You relate directions to places by the nearest arena.

You know every single kid on every single team your child has ever played on... But don't have a clue who his school mates are.

You feel lost when you have a free weekend.

Your spouse waits until you decide where to sit and then chooses a spot on the opposite side of arena.

You become a partner in a skate sharpening business to save money.

You ground your kids for a week (except for hockey practice).

You can rationalize spending $159 on a Synergy for a 9 year old but won't spend $5 on a Birthday card for your wife.

When someone asks how old your children are you respond, "I have a '94 and a '97."

You have had to use a grandparent to take kid #1 to a tournament because Dad was in a Different state with kid #2 at a tournament and Mom had kid
#3 two states away in a 3rd tournament all in one weekend

You have more miles on '08 mini-van than a '66 Chevy

Hockey practices are your entire social life.

You buy gloves according to how loud you can clap in them.

You find yourself missing the parents of your child's team mates during the off-season.

You plan the birth of next child so he has a good hockey birthday.

New baby's first word is Zamboni.

You have been barred from more than one rink on more than one occasion

You Purchase a new $135.00 stick because the old one "didn't have any goals left in it."*

You know a few 5 year olds that are good but "lack focus".

Your kids have asked if Christmas is "home or away".

Brrrr!

Fall has definitely hit the Cleveland Area! It is freezing and the heat is back on in the house. The sky is grey and the leaves are turning colors. While those may be things to be depressed or sad about there are good things too about fall coming.
The Top 5 Things About Fall
5 The beautiful colors in contrast with the grey skies (take a few pictures you'll see what I mean)
4 Warm fuzzy blankets
3 Soft glow of candles near the fireplace
( none of us can afford to actually use the fireplaces
with the cost of gas so candles will have to do)
2 Wanting to be inside to get projects done (perfect time for album making!!!!)
And the number one thing about Fall....
1 Televised NHL games are only a few days away!!!!!

Time To Lose Your Voice

It's that time of year again! The time of year for losing your voice. Spending countless minutes on the edge of your seat, hoping and praying that the puck will find it's way wide of the net when it's in your defensive zone and then of course to the back of the net in your offensive zone. Moments of sheer panic as a breakaway takes place and your defense men are skating like maniacs trying to get back in time to stop it. Knowing your goalie can handle it, but hoping he doesn't have to. Watching kids get taken down, mostly accidentally, but still wishing for a call to go in your favor.
Yes...it's hockey season. And to answer the question I have now been asked about a million times since Sarah Palin made the comment, YES hockey moms are somewhat like pit bulls! We can look cute and cuddly, but watch out if you make a call we don't like, or score too many goals against us! I really think someone in that campaign needs to create a sign that says "hockey moms unite!" I'd put one up!

Now that I spent an afternoon yelling at the rink, encouraging things like "You can do it!" "Stick with it" "Great Job!" "Come on boys". Ok, a few things like "come on ref make the calls fair", and "how about a call on that". I suppose I should do a game recap.

It was a tight game. The boys played well, and worked hard. Our coaches did a great job. The kids are still working out the kinks and it was only the first game of the season. One player was on fire and did get 2 of the 3 goals simply by out skating and out playing their team. Then there was the backhanded wonder. The kid who with 2 kids draped all over him, took the puck down ice and then shot it back handed into the upper corner of the net. The kids who amazingly can make pretty good shots with his back hand with out having to switch to his forehand. He scored the 3rd goal making it an even game. (Way to go Zach, that's my boy!)
They did come back and win, but regardless it was an awesome thing to be back in the action again. Hope someone buys extra water bottles before the next game!

To quote my daughter at the game "come on crowd, shout it loud, let's go MUSTANGS!"

Does it change your view?

Been watching A LOT of hockey lately. Professional and Mite level. The conclusion is always the same in terms of hockey is a full contact sport. The problem with that is at the Mite Level it is not suppose to be. Just the same this weekend Parma proved they don't care about that. Instead they watched their Mites take hits, and check players into the boards. Now some of that while not what is allowed at the Mite level could be overlooked some. BUT when you allow a player to check another into the boards and then follow it up with jabs to the helmet with a stick you have a serious problem.

One of the Parma parents as we were yelling for the refs to do something said "they're just kids". That's right, they are just kids. Kids who now think it's ok to be a thug. It's ok to give the whole team a bad name because you can't control yourself. Kids who are too busy being thugs to improve their skills. Kids that are giving the entire Parma program a bad name.

Watched the Wings and the Stars go at it on Saturday night, checks, hits, intense hockey... funny didn't see anyone take their stick and pummel another guy with it. Amazing...after all Parma will tell you hockey is a rough sport!

Watched another intense mite game on Sunday. Full energy, back and forth action. Ended in a 6-5 win for us. And it was clean fun game for all involved. Funny how when a game is played right it is more fun for all involved.

Go Mustangs! Play your game and thank you coaches for teaching our boys to play while conducting themselves correctly. I know they won't always make the right choices, but thank you for being coaches that will correct them when they do the wrong thing, and not just let it go.

Go Wings! Thank you for being role models even when the game gets intense, and while fights break out, thank you for not going after someone unprovoked just to be a thug!

It's a tough sport, but with rules it can also be fun!

Rough Play

I really don't get why some hockey teams feel the need to play rough. Actually, it's really just one team that we've found likes to play that way. We've run into it in 3 on 3 play, and then throughout the regular season and now spring league.

I do realize that hockey is a rough sport, BUT at the Mite level the boys are not suppose to be checking, slashing and certainly not cross checking or punching someone once they've gone in the net. Apparently, the PARMA team that we keep playing hasn't got the message. It's not all the boys, but it is certainly some of them. Our son has played for their head coach during an All Star game and has said how nice he is...so what's the deal?

Last night they tripped several times, ok we'll let a couple of those go. Then they were cross checking and pushing kids after the play was done. I'd say they were just frustrated over the score, but they do this regardless of the score. In all honesty maybe we should have cheered all 10 of our goals, but that is not the kind of team we are. We support our boys, encourage them to do the RIGHT thing and clapped for their goals...all of them, but not as loud as we did for the first 2. Why? Because it is the right thing to not make the other team feel bad about their not scoring any goals.

Here's the message you need to get though PARMA... First, your kids can skate, and they have good puck handling skills. We shut you down because you were too busy being goons to actually play. So maybe if you got your kids together and talked to them about waiting until they were in the peewees to hit and push and check you would actually be able to make a run at scoring some goals.

Good luck with that!

True Champions

True Champions come in every shape and size. They are the ones that fight through a situation and walk out better for what they went through. They don't always win, they aren't always happy with the results. Sometimes they questions what went wrong, and always they look for how they could have done better.

I can think of 14 true champions that stepped off the ice yesterday morning. Their eyes were wet, disappointed by the results of a game that didn't go the way they had dreamed of or hoped for. Some felt bad that they had tears in their eyes and were promptly reminded that it's ok to be sad about not achieving what you wanted to achieve. All of them were surrounded by parents who love them and were proud of what they had accomplished. It's not everyday that 14 kids who basically don't know each other, have different skills and different experience on and off the ice come together and form a team. They spend time with 3 Coaches willing to sacrifice their time to teach a game that they love, willing to guide and direct these 14 kids to something that is incredible.

Preseason was filled with losses and changes, then tournaments entered the picture and this group of kids became a team. They attended 3 tournaments placing 2nd, 1st and 3rd. They went on to win 11 regular season games and skated into the playoffs in 2nd place. In the end they skated off the ice still in 2nd. Disappointed, yes. But changed by what they went through definitely.

I don't know what all the families talked about yesterday. I can tell you that at our house we asked our son about whether or not he had fun. Did he remember enjoying the opportunity, standing on the ice for the National Anthem, and getting directions from his coaches. Did he remember the plays that worked, and fighting for the puck to keep the team in the game. Did he remember hearing the parents cheer for the team, and did he watch us rise to our feet to cheer them even after the overtime loss. With tears still fresh in his eyes he said that he did have fun, and that he did remember the other things as well.

Congratulations North Olmsted Mite A3 team. You did a great job and should be proud of your accomplishments!

And congratulations to our Strongsville Mustang Mite A3 team. You showed us time and time again that hard work and determination will take you far, that playing as a team can and should be fun, and that at the end of the day there is always another sheet of ice out there waiting to be played on.

Winning isn't everything, but!!!

What a weekend we just went through. I realize as first time travel hockey parents that this weekend was NOTHING compared to many more we will experience. Just the same it was intense. The weekend actually started on Thursday evening as our Mite 3 Mustangs took the ice at the Raymond A Robinson Memorial Tournament in Cleveland Heights. The Tournament was really put on well. Tickets for pop after each game for the kids, dog tags with the tournament logo on the front, flowers for the hockey moms to wear. Prior to the tournament we had a schedule complete with locker rooms in our hands. It was great.

As the boys stepped on the ice Thursday night they were geared up for an exciting time of hockey. They were set to play Euclid a team that we had come back to beat in our first tournament experience back in October when we placed second overall in the Halloween Hockey Tournament in Euclid. This same Euclid team we had also beaten fairly easily on our home ice, but then lost too in a "not so much fun to watch" game a few weeks ago. Needless to say this was the game we were not looking forward to. We knew the boys could focus, get their heads set in the game and with the great coaches we have make it through the game. The only catch...OLYMPIC SIZE ICE!

Let me just say, the ice surface was huge. The last thing I said to Z as I left the locker room was "pace yourself, this won't be the same as the rinks you are used to." Now I realize hockey players have to play in different types of rinks all the time, but when you're 7 and 8 years old, Olympic Size Rinks are just huge! Regardless, the boys took the ice and held their ground during the first period. The second period opened up with Euclid scoring 2 goals. But then we answered with a goal of our own. Our parents are an amazing group and one of our parents made a spirit gear shopping trip before the game and came prepared with pom poms and plastic horns and cow bells for the occasion. We chanted, we cheered, we hung in there with our boys. Encouraging them to dig in, play hard, and just letting them know that we were with them. Finally, in the third we did just that tieing the game with a goal by Zach. It was one of those don't let this rebound get away from you bang away at it goals that ended up on his back hand and he was able to bang in. The game ended in a 2-2 tie, and as we left the rink that night we were certain that they would be the team we would meet should we make it to the finals.

It's not about winning, it's about doing your best and having fun. It's also not about thinking that just because you have beaten a team every time you've faced them this year that you are going to win the game. Our second game was against Parma, and the boys knew it was in their grasp. They dug in and scored 7 goals, and held Parma to only 2. Zach scored 2 of the 7 with a hat trick for Wyatt and a goal for Joey and Gavin. WOW! Somehow it seemed like just maybe this could be our tournament.

Then you get to the rink on an icy cold day. Check the standings and think....what is going on! We tied Euclid 2-2 in a tough game, beat Parma 7-2 in a fairly tough game that we were able to dominate in, BUT Parma Beat Euclid 3-1?!? I literally had to ask several of the other parents of our team to go read the score board. Is that right?! It was and it sent us back to the locker room to remind the boys not to get it in their heads that they could win against the team we now faced. That's not to say that we couldn't but. The team we now faced Cleveland Skating Club, had tied Parma, and tied Euclid, and we had beaten in regular season play. From looking at the standings though you soon realize anything is possible.

And anything was possible. We played an intense, edge of your seat game with CSC. Blake our goalie was incredible. He had some stops that were unbelievable. Our parents cheered, their parents cheered. We encouraged our boys (and possibly girls, not sure) and lived each moment of the game as though it was never going to finish. We hit the post again and again. Z had amazing breakaway only to have the puck slide off his stick right before he went to shoot. In the end we scored 1 goal to take us past them and into the championship game against....PARMA!

The team headed off to dinner at the Mongolian BBQ, and had a good chance to try to unwind from the game. The problem with 7 and 8 year olds, as they get tired they get hyper. They were so wound up many of us wondered if they would wind down to much before game time. We headed back through the frigid air to the rink. The boys put their sweaty, stinky gear back on. They wore one sock of each color at the suggestion of their coach and got ready to play. I'm not sure what Coach Matt said to them before the game, but whatever it was he was able to get them to focus on the task at hand. (wish he could of given us a pep talk as we were all nervous wrecks before the game ever started). Once again we learned that you can't judge one game by another one. The game was close, and hard. We spent the majority of the time, in their end. Their defense was strong and kept shutting us down. We hit posts, we had an awesome shot that the goalie really should have been applauded by us for as he snatched it out of the air.

In the end, our hat trick boy who had missed the CSC game as he was at his brothers game out of state, came back in the nick of time to lead us to a 2-0 victory. We jumped to our feet cheering on the boys that had worked so hard together. A team that has learned so much this year from 3 great coaches. A team that knows now that winning isn't everything but it sure feels GREAT!

Way to go Mustangs! The Queen song "We are the Champions" is yours to enjoy! 2 Tourny's so far, and we've walked away with a First and Second place finish. Not sure what is in store for us as we head to our next tournament next month in Niagara Falls, New York. The only thing we do know is that we face.....PARMA in our first game there, and I'm sure it will be an edge of your seat kind of game.

Time for a little Queen

As soon as 2 loads of laundry are folded, menus and grocery list are made for the week and 2 days of bible study homework are completed I will be posting a very exciting update from a very exciting hockey weekend.

You might want to find a Queen CD so you'll be ready to sing along...

Night with the Monsters!

Last night our team joined the rest of the Strongsville Youth Hockey Club at the Lake Erie Monsters game.

Here's the team with their brothers and token sister, as they are waiting for the most exciting part of the whole evening...

GOING ON ICE THROUGH THE BLOW UP MONSTER TO START THE PLAYER LINE UP!

The boys skated through the Monster with their Coach and then were able to stand with the players for the National Anthem. They looked so cool standing there on the ice with the team. After the National Anthem they exited through the Monsters bench and then came back up into the stands. After watching the rest of the game, I'm thinking the wrong team exited the ice. Maybe they should have let the Mustangs take on the Bull Dogs as the Monsters truly were not that scary.

Regardless of the score the kids had a good time. Eating junk food, and watching a live hockey game.

The game had a pretty good crowd. Strongsville Youth Hockey contributed with representatives from most of the teams that play through the club. Katelyn, who will tell you she really doesn't like hockey, also had a good time. Especially when Daddy snagged this t-shirt as it was launched into the stands.After the game Phil and Zach were able to go on the ice and skate and get autographs from many of the players. They had a great time, and we were glad that Zach and his team were able to be a big part of the evening.

Zach got both of his gloves signed and his t-shirt too. Here is Zach's impression of Dan Cleary, with a full face mask on that is. Notice the black eye?!? Unfortunately, we can't even say that it was a hockey injury because of the face mask. Instead, he has to fess up to the fact that his snow board hit him in the face this weekend when he went sledding.

What's the score?

It was a whirlwind weekend. Grandma and Grandpa arrived on Thursday night just in time to head off to the Girl Scout Hayride. We only had 4 tickets for the actual ride so Grandpa joined Phil and the kids and off they went.

I think we might have mentioned that the hayrides usually have a stop in the woods to throw hay!

Luckily, they were on the last ride before the rain started coming down. They seemed to enjoy themselves. I think I'm glad I stayed behind.

Friday, the kids had off so we spent time together as a family. We played 4 or 5 board games, went to the mall and then the kids stayed home with Grandma and Grandpa and Phil and I headed off to small group bible study.

We made it home just in time to watch the end of the first hockey game of the weekend. Unfortunately, the Wings lost the game. I know I was certainly crossing my fingers that it was not a sign of the weekend events to come.

Next morning we were up bright and early to head off to Kent State University for Zach's 9AM hockey game. Not a bad time for a game, except when you have to leave at 7AM to get there. (of course this coming weekend we're going to need to leave at 5AM for a game, so this was nothing!)

Go Mustangs! They did an awesome job with their game. They ended the game in a 3-2 loss. BUT... there was a goal that the refs didn't count where the puck clearly crossed the line before the whistle blew for us. Then there was a goal that counted as the buzzer went for the period for them. THEN there was the penalty that should have been called on a beautiful breakaway that Zach had when he got yanked down from behind...so needless to say, the game could have gone either way. (not that I have an opinion on which way it should have gone!)

They really played well regardless of the score at the end of the game. It was neat to play at KSU too, the arena was very nice.

Who can resist more hockey in a weekend! Certainly, not us. Especially when the tickets are FREE. So, off to the Lake Erie Monsters game we went on Saturday night. The game wasn't all that exciting. They are in a building year, but I can't say I'm disappointed that Colorado's farm team doesn't look that great.

The kids made incredible signs for the game. We all had a lot of fun. Of course I think most people were cheering for the Indians during the last period when it was up on the screen during the game. Not sure anyone would have known if the Monsters had gotten a goal.

Finally, we ended the weekend with another great Hockey game. This time the Mustangs took on Rocky River . With some great coaching from Coach Matt the boys held on to win the game 3-2 almost getting one in the empty net. Zach ended up his week of hockey with 5 goals being scored. He played great and best of all...He had a lot of fun.

We had an awesome weekend too, of course the final event for the weekend...hockey! Watching the Wings teach the LA Kings a thing or two.

Next weekend promises much of the same. A few Wings games on Center Ice and Zach's first tournament.

That Never Give Up Spirit!

It's a hard thing being a parent. We do so many things for our kids, with our kids, and because of our kids. We drive them to and from their practices and go to their games ready to encourage them.

Last night I drove the 40 minutes across town with my son for his second hockey game of the season. My mother joined us for what we hoped would be a well matched game. The first game of the season his team had done a wonderful job and had ended the game in a 4-4 tie.

The kids looked great in their new jerseys. The took the ice with excitement, and enthusiasm. Then the game began.

It was a hard thing to watch. The boys played hard. They didn't play perfectly. Sitting in the stands was difficult. There is nothing quite like watching your child playing in a game where the opponent is scoring and your child's team is not.

The other team scored 6 goals in the first period alone. Our boys could have skated off the ice, hung their heads and figured there was no reason to keep trying. Did they? NO! They came back on the ice and held them to only 3 more goals in the second period and then only 2 more in the third.

The parents in the stands tried to encourage them, clapping and cheering them on for simply making good plays. In the end the score was 11-0. The boys were of course disappointed. It's hard to not win, and to be outscored by that amount is difficult as well. Just the same an important lesson was learned. Hopefully, it was learned by the team, parents and coaches alike. While it's easy to point out to your child that you simply can't win every game you ever play. It's only through a life lesson such as the game that teaches them to have a Never Give Up Spirit!

I know it was a loss, but in the end I know I was very proud of both my son, his team and the coaches. They played with courage, and kept going. I hope they all realize that this game not only taught them more about the game, it taught them about life as well.

Way to Go Mustangs, it may have been a loss on the score sheet, but on the score sheet that measures good sportsmanship, character and determination it was a win!

Check out this goalie!

Zach's spring league hockey coach just sent us this great link. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hdf4GeT4ELA. He's been gathering information about goalies when he came across this. It is too funny! I can't wait to show it to Zach in the morning!

You can't win them all!

Spent an hour and a half at the rink tonight with my 7 year old. He skated up and down ice, played right wing, but definitely had the look of a 2 way player the majority of the game. It's difficult to be in your first year of hockey and wanting desperately to win games. He's on a young team, they try so hard, and they have definitely improved over the course of this short season. They have an incredible coach who encourages them and tries to teach them about the game.
Our little #19 just seems to have a feel for what is going on. He plays end to end hockey every time he is on the ice. At one point he was trying to power through 3 players on the other team at the blue line. One did get called for interference but at that age they don't play short handed, or go into the penalty box unless it's really serious. He did keep plugging away. Dumped it into the corner to himself. Skated down the right side of the goalie, battled along the boards and then wrapped it behind the goal and stuck it in on the goalie's left side. He just keep chipping away until it went in. He was so excited. Turned out to be the only goal for his team. Score is not suppose to matter at this age, but unfortunately to 7 year olds it usually does some. At least he can say he put one up on the scoreboard.

Grey Skies are???? gonna clear up?

I've lived in the Cleveland Ohio area almost my entire life. I've seen seasons come and go. Mainly, I've seen seasons change. In fact as even my 4 year old can tell you the seasons are winter, spring, summer and fall. So, with that in mind I'd like to ask if this is winting, or spinter, because it still somewhat resembles winter although the flowers have pushed up so it must also be spring.
I don't usually like to complain about the weather. I know that God has the ultimate plan and that He knows what is best for the earth. Unfortunately, waking up to a beautiful sunny morning, which lasted only for an hour, wears on me after awhile. The grey skies just keep rolling back in. I know...grey skies are gonna clear up, put on a happy face. So, I'm working on it. Good news is, a friend who lives a few states over had beautiful weather a day ago...maybe it's on the way!

So onto other things. Like hockey. Good topic. My poor son apparently threw his body into a play tonight as his team was demolished 7-0. It's only mite hockey so they are just learning but bless the little boy he's trying so hard. It's all he wants to do. In fact I probably should start training now because come summer while Daddy is at work, I have a feeling I'll be in the driveway with roller blades on, stick in hand getting demolished myself. Oh, well it's for the kids, it will be fun. They better not laugh. Better get on out there. (why is it I can quote Veggie Tales but can't remember what day of the week it is half of the time).
Anyway, he skated down a kid on a breakaway and threw himself at the puck. Then of course the kid, who was bigger then him fell on him. Did I mention he wears #19? Talk about someone who sacrificed his body for the game. Stevie Y is still our son's first choice to be like. We just had to choose possible hockey numbers for next year. His choice 19, for Steve Yzerman, or 5 for Nicholas Lidstrom, or finally with a little bit of help from me 14 for Shannahan. The kid certainly has good taste in hockey favorites.
Well, since it's getting late I best stop rambling. Seems I was up until almost 1 last night in support of the Red Wings. On the very, super, incredible remote chance that anyone remotely associated with the Wings reads this...tomorrow night guys we're staying up late to support you again so keep playing hard the victory is out there to be had. Oh, and tell Langer to SHOOT THE PUCK!!!! Yes, I realize that he is a good player, he just seems to have forgotten part of the phrase. He has pass down but to quote Miracle the rest of it goes "pass, shoot, score!" Other then that boys keep up the good work!

I guess that about does it for now.