Fresh Ice…

He took one look at a fresh, shiny ice surface and his life changed. He was all of 7 years old, standing in his new equipment with his Toronto Maple Leaf jammies underneath. He had super cool bright laces in those tiny little skates. He looked up at dad struggling to speak through the mouth guard and asked if the door could open yet as the Zamboni driver made his second last lap.

Because he saw this ice, he knew he wanted to do incredible things on it. He wanted to dream big, push his limits and make new friends. He wanted to tell himself anything is possible and that with hard work and determination ALL things are possible. He wanted to fail in order to succeed, he wanted to learn how to work as a team, and to trust one another and lift one another up as needed. He wanted to work out and begin training his body, he wanted to eat right and always be prepared. He wanted someone to tell him he couldn’t do it, just so he could prove he could. He wanted the sweet smell of victory and thunderous roar of applause. He wanted to play for the name on the front of the jersey – which is far more important than the name on the back. He wanted to represent his community proudly. He wanted to make mistakes so he could learn and correct those mistakes. He wanted to study technique. He wanted to build character and become a leader. He wanted speed, agility and strength, both physical & mental.

It’s simple, when he saw this ice, it gave him more than just hockey. It gave him courage to choose a sport and position so admirable. It gave him bravery to stand tall in that net, and to be a fearless competitor. It gave him determination to give every single ounce he’s got. It gave him life lessons. It gave him memories that will last a lifetime. It gave him a strength he never knew he possessed. And, above all else, it gave him passion!

You see, hockey to us was never just a game, it is how we have watched our son grow into someone great, and reminded us all to dream big, and to always believe, for on that ice ANYTHING IS POSSIBLE!

I am forever thankful for that “fresh, shiny ice”!

“All our dreams can come true if we have the courage to pursue them” – Walt Disney