Rink Rats

It's official. Declan is old enough for rookie mites. Which, for my southern readers, is the first level of hockey (rookie mites, mini-mites, mites, squirts, peewees, bantams. So now you know!).

The bigger question has been whether or not the boy would want to play hockey. We have some of the same separation issues that Quinn has struggled with going on in the baby of the family. Plus, we really want it to be a positive experience for him if and when he does decide to play.

So, when Mike asked Dec near the end of the summer whether or not he wanted to play - and Dec enthusiastically answered YES, we've been moving ahead with this whole hockey family thing.

Part of the deal with kids who are new to the hockey program are a few "try hockey" weekends in September. These sessions allow them to get out on the ice, try a few drills, and see if they really like playing or not. It's beneficial to parents who may be on the fence about investing - and good for the program. No team is going to have much fun if half the players are crying on the bench because they don't want to be there.

Mike put up the schedule for the sessions on the fridge and made sure to mention to the girls that they could participate as well. Fiona was a clear "not interested" response. Quinn was less sure. We totally spaced the first session a couple weeks ago, but managed to get organized last week. We were pleasantly surprised when Quinn said she wanted to participate.

We patched together gear for her ... and by that, I mean that we discovered that the free rental gear that they gave us for Dec is WAY too big for him, but fits Q perfectly. So after an emergency call to Brad to borrow smaller equipment for Dec, we were ready. The girls session was first, so Mike and Quinn headed off to the rink. About 20 minutes later, I had a text from Mike. Quinn was loving it! She wasn't even out of her skates yet before she insisted that they come back for next week's session.

Dec was a little more nervous, but it helped that Uncle Brad was one of the coaches. He participated in the drills and made it about 40 minutes of the hour practice before his feet got cold and he was done. We are calling it a win. He is also open to going back next week. Not going to lie, it's probably because of how excited Q is for it!

We've been playing ball hockey with the kids since they could walk. So Quinn and Dec (and Fiona) are decent with their stick skills. They both could use some improvement in their actual skating - but that's just getting out there and practicing.

Mike proudly announced that Quinn is a "puck hawk" and can anticipate plays on the ice (just like her daddy). He also says she has serious puck stripping skills and is vicious in the corner (just like her mama). Dec continues to impress Uncle Brad with his ability to fight for the puck. Little dude has a quick stick.

I will be out of town this weekend for work, so it will be a team trip to the rink. Fiona is unimpressed about having to sit at the rink for two hours. I keep trying to tell her that if one or both her sibs take up hockey, she's going to need to get used to hanging at the rink. I may have to send her to Auntie Tracey for a "hockey player big sister" support group session.

We'll see if this is a long term commitment or not. Quinn still isn't sure if she wants to commit to an actual team for the season (she claims she needs Sunday's session to determine her interest. She's so strategic!). Dec's four ... so who knows what he'll want to do. But for now, we (or at least most of we) are enjoying some extra time at the rink.