Tarynn's Soccer Experience - Week 1 (Day 2)

Players warming up before the game

Now that the first night is over, let the games begin!!

With the amount of teams at Tarynn's age group (U8/U10 combined) there will mostly games every week, but certain weeks they will have a practice, on another field. Tonight is a game night. Once everyone has arrived, and warmed up, the referee comes over to do an equipment check. She makes sure nobody is wearing jewelry and makes sure they have the proper protective equipment (cleats and shin guards) before they play. For some reason (and I'm not sure why) Tarynn wants to play goalie. The coach gives her a special (different) coloured jersey to put on, and she gets into the nets while the other players on her team take practice kicks on her, while the referee goes and check the other team.

For the first half, Tarynn plays goalie. It appears that she is on a very good team. Most of the players seem older and have played for several years. They have really good ball control skills. Most of the play is in the other team's half. Although, a few occasions, they did manage to put some pressure on and around Tarynn. She made a few good saves to keep the score 0-0. Just before the half, Tarynn's team scores 2 quick goals to take the lead into half time ... 2-0 Maroon!

During the break, another player switches positions with Tarynn and plays nets, while Tarynn will now get a chance to play some forward and/or defender positions. She starts off by playing some defence. She watches as the other players move the ball around the field, and is quick to jump in when the ball comes her way. At the next stoppage, her coach moves her up to forward.

With the score 2-0, Tarynn gets an opportunity when the ball squirts out from the group while she is in front of the net. She gives it a good kick and SCORES! 3-0 Maroon. The coach makes a substitution and Tarynn now comes to the sidelines for a rest. The play is spent mostly in the other teams half of the field, but they did get a break. The other teams best player gets an opportunity and makes good on it. The score is now 3-1 for Maroon. But before the final whistle blows, Maroon scores again to make the final scores in the game 4-1.

The players all line up to shake hands
Way-2-Go Maroon!

Tarynn's Soccer Experience - Week 1 (Day 1)

Tonight is Tarynn's first night of soccer. This year, Tarynn is on the Maroon Team. After a long day of school and quick supper it's time to head off to the soccer pitch. We all pile into the van and off we go. Mommy is not able to make it tonight, so Daddy has to try and figure out who her soccer coach is based upon just the name Julianne.

Upon arrival, we search out a sign with MAROON on it, posted to the fence. This has a listing of all the players that will be on the team. Tarynn is happy to see a few familiar names on her team. We see her coach on the far fields, so we make our way over to introduce ourselves. Tarynn wanted as specific number, but when she asked or looked for it, she found out her friend Allison had already taken that number. Tarynn be so relaxed, this didn't phase her, so she just picked up any jersey and put it on. She will be wearing #4 this year.

Tarynn's coach, once again this year is a young coach. Not too sure how this is going to play out. Tarynn doesn't seem to care as long as she is having fun and there are treats at the end of the game. Hopefully she gets some help. One of the parents is passing around a sign-up sheet for parents to sign-up for Treats. I picked the closest date near Tarynn birthday as our treat night.

The first night process takes some time, and those that get there early have been kicking a ball around for some time, so for the most part, all the players are warmed up. All the players have now arrived and check-in, and received their jersey. The coach starts to put them through a few drills. After about 30 minutes or so of drills, the coach at the other end of the field wanted to play a little scrimmage. The girls have a good scrimmage and the first night is done!

Tarynn playing some goalie during the warm-ups.

CJ's Soccer Experience - Week 1

Well today is the Monday of the May long weekend, and today is CJ's first night of soccer. Once again, CJ is playing at the U6 level. This level if for kids Under 6 years of age. For the past month or so, since his hockey has ended, CJ has been looking forward to soccer starting. He has also been trying to get Daddy to be his coach again. But this year, Daddy wants to just be a dad, and watch from the sidelines. Last week, CJ found out that Mrs. Rebertz (one of the teachers at his school) was going to be his coach, and he was so excited! (Looks like he completely forgot about wanting Daddy as his coach).

So when Daddy got home around 4:00 after being at the cottage opening all weekend, CJ was so excited to get going, and heading off to the soccer field. We asked him what number he wanted to wear this year. He wanted to wear #11, just like Alfie. So after we had our supper it was time to go! We had to get there early so he could pick his jersey!

When we arrived at the field, he found his coach, Shannon (Mrs. Rebertz). She welcomed CJ and asked him what number he wanted. He said "I want to wear #11". He was a little disappointed when he found out that another player (Bryce, Mrs. Rebertz son) had picked the number he wanted. We had talked at home about different  favourite numbers and that Daddy liked #7 and #11, while Mommy like #17. He had to pick another number, we offered him #7 (just like he wore last year), but he didn't want it. We offered him a few other numbers, and he didn't want them either. So, Shannon told him to look through the pile of jerseys and pick the one he wanted. Without too much hesitation at that point he grabbed #7, and proudly put it on!

Shannon then pointed over to the far field, to where Bryce was playing, and told CJ that he can go over there and start practicing with Bryce until all the other players show up. CJ ran over as fast as he his little legs could carry him. Once all the players had arrived, it was time for everyone to learn (including Coach Shannon) every one's name. After a few warm-up and some drills that allow everyone to introduce themselves to their teammates it is time to have a little game.

CJ playing goalie

Tonight they play against Team Orange. By the way, CJ's team is Team Green Apple. CJ is so excited, and wants to play goalie. So for the first 5 minutes or so, he plays in nets, and make some good saves. Then it is time for someone else to try playing goalie. So now, CJ gets to play out. The parents are impressed with CJ soccer speed, skill and knowledge. CJ makes a few nice plays and gets a break away. He scores! CJ scores another and the Green Apples win the game 2-0.

The final whistle blows and now it is the best time of all .... TREATS!!

Thanks for reading.

CJ's Hockey Experience - Hockey Week 21

Well, today is the final day of this years hockey for CJ. Today will be a special day, as the whole family is going to watch, as well as a few other special guests. Uncle Timmy came for a sleep over just so he could get to watch CJ play some hockey (although I think the fact Wes' Chips is open didn't hurt ;) ... LOL).

Everyone is up between 7:00 and 7:30 to have a good breakfast before heading off to the arena. CJ was very happy to wake up this morning and see Uncle Timmy. By 8:30, we were all on our way ... we had to take two vehicles today, as CJ put it "The boys in the truck, and the girls in the van."

Upon arrival at the arena, Daddy makes CJ take his hockey bag from the back of the truck. As he is walking towards the door, Grampa pulls into the parking lot. CJ was happy to see him. Once CJ gets to the door, he has a little trouble trying to open the door, so Daddy helps him. Once we get into the lobby, CJ is surprised to see Gramma Gramma there waiting for him. He smiles and waves and continues on his merry way to the dressing room. Daddy asks CJ what room he wants this week, and he promptly replied dressing room #1.

There are several players, parents and coaches in the dressing room all getting ready for the big finale. Today, all the players get to show off what they have worked hard at all season long. They get to show case their skills in a FULL Game of hockey!

They spend the usual 5 minutes or so warming up. Then the coaches break them up into two teams. As per usual, they have the light sweaters vs the dark sweaters. Some of the players go immediately to the benches, while others take up a position on the ice. CJ twirls around a little then heads for the centre ice face-off position. Both sides have about 8-10 players on the ice. The coaches start off with one puck at first to see how things work out.

With so many players on the ice it makes it a little difficult for some of the players to actually get and handle the puck. Some players start to lose interest, while the better players start to take control. The coaches seeing this now add a second puck to the mix. For CJ, it didn't matter, he was like a bloodhound on a mission. He would track and chase the puck down. He made some look off passes, and some dekes around players to put himself in a scoring position.

At one point, CJ got the puck along the boards, and held tight along the boards as be made some power forward moves along the boards from inside his own blueline, until eventually (even after taking a few body checks, which by the way at this level is not allowed, but sometimes does occur) making his way to the other teams blueline and breaking in on net to score a goal!

Another situation saw CJ play some defence, and off the centre-ice face-off, break for the left boards, and streak past everyone down the boards to score his second goal of the game. CJ's fans all cheered!!

CJ ended off the day with 3 goals and a few good assists. The best part of all was about to come. All the players were asked to line up on their respective bluelines. The coaches were now going to hand out their medals.

Thanks for reading. I hope you enjoyed experiencing CJ's first year of hockey as much as I did blogging about it.

CJ's Hockey Experience - Hockey Week 20

After having no hockey last week CJ is ready to get back on the ice. This weekend is looking way better weather-wise compared to what we encountered last weekend. We are all up at the usual time and ready to go play some hockey. With just this week and next week remaining, here is hoping CJ makes the best of it.

More of the usual stuff for warm-ups. However the big difference this week (in preparation for the final week) will be a FULL game of hockey. They will use the whole ice surface, make line changes, the whole nine yards!

The kids are so excited! Let's see how they handle this big change. For the most part it all goes well, but appear to have to many kids on the ice, so trying to keep in interesting for all, the coaches throw out a second puck. Sure why not add a little confusion :)

All the kids seem to like the line changing. When the coach blows the whistle, they all make a mad dash to the bench, and the new group of players RUSH onto the ice.

CJ had a great time, as did all the players.

Stay tuned for next week ... this will be the last one for the year!

Thanks for reading.

CJ's Hockey Experience - Hockey Week 19

With a major snow storm that rolled through our area Friday night leaving behind about 10-15 cm, Saturday's drive to CJ's hockey was going to be an adventure in itself. After CJ and Daddy getting up early and having some breakfast, then getting CJ 1/2 dressed in his equipment, we were out the door at 8:15 and on our way to Pakenham. We cleaned off the truck and left the girls behind. The highway between Arnprior and Pakenham was really snow covered, with some near white-out conditions, however, we managed to arrive at the arena safely.

Upon arrival, there were not too many cars in the parking lot, and Daddy managed to get a parking spot right in front of the doors! As we exit the truck, CJ wants to go through the doors that lead to the lobby and canteen; however, Daddy convinces him to go through the closed door, right to the dressing rooms. CJ reluctantly agrees, but Daddy had to make a promise to exit through the lobby afterwards. CJ picks dressing room #3, but the door was closed, so he wasn't sure what to do. Daddy said "either knock on the door or just push it open", but was we approached the door, some of the kids that were inside, pulled open the door for us to enter.

CJ took his usual spot in the front corner. Daddy helped get the remainder of CJ's equipment on, then off he went to watch the Zamboni finish cleaning the ice. Once the ice was ready, CJ was the first one to dash out onto the ice. Daddy waited by the door to open and close for all the other players coming. It doesn't look like here will be too many kids here today (based on the weather). finally more and more players trickle out of the rooms and onto the ice. WOW, there is actually more here than I expected.

The usual 10 minute free skate warm-up until everyone is eventually on the ice and ready. Then they break off into their respective groups. I've heard a rumour that they will mix up the teams and play a BIG game today. We'll have to wait and see how this plays out. The coaches blow the whistle, gather all the players to centre ice before they break off into their groups. CJ has really improved is stopping and backward skating. He is the best in his group. Way to go CJ!! Even the coaches are impressed and praise CJ for his development. After about 10 minutes of the usual type drills, the coaches start preparing and setting up for the BIG game. Looks like they will have about 25 minutes to play a game today.

CJ on the ice!

This week, they set up two other nets, back-to-back, at centre ice. The three groups are now split into two groups, then further separated by light-vs-dark sweaters/jerseys. They are going to play games on 1/2 the ice surface. This should be very interesting and entertaining. The ringette-line become the default centre ice. CJ lines up at centre, ready for the face off. There are about 10 players on each side, so this should get interesting. they get to use the whole width of the ice, even be able to skate around the nets. Well after a few minutes, CJ gets a pass from a team-mate and breaks down the left wing, as he approaches the net, fires a shot towards the goal and he SCORES!!! Woo Hoo  Make that 1-0 for the "White-Team". Play continues back and forth, some players seem a little lost now playing on, what is to them, a different ice surface (size-wise). The "Dark-Team" makes a few passes and breaks in for a goal. The game is now tied 1-1.

After playing forward a few times, CJ drops back to play some defence. [Before we arrived at the arena, on our drive, Daddy talked to CJ, and mentioned that Daddy didn't want CJ to play nets, but would rather see CJ out skating around.] He protects and defends his zone very well. As the puck would come to him, he would chase it down, then skate around behind the net to make a pass. Or, he would skate around the net and shoot it up along the boards.

Both teams traded goals, making it 2-2, but then the "Dark-team" scored two more in a row to now lead 4-2. At this point, CJ (with a little motivational help from Daddy on the sidelines) moves back to playing forward. One of the older girls on CJ team, tracked down the puck, and fired a shot on net. She scored, to close the gap. Then a few minutes later, the same girl, with a little help from CJ, scores again. The game is now tied 4-4. With the game clock winding down, CJ little friend Carson, get the puck in the slot and slides in past their goalie. Team-White is now leading 5-4.

As the final buzzer sounds, the final score remains 5-4. All the players make their dash for the exit door. Daddy is waiting for CJ to come off the ice. As CJ comes off the ice he shouts "Daddy, we won 5-4, and I scored a goal!" Daddy replied "Ya, I saw that, it was a nice shot and a nice goal. You guys and girls played hard." Off to the change room we go, time to get undressed and head for home. CJ wanted to get a sour key and hot chocolate from the canteen, but as it was just the two of us, I suggested that maybe we stop at McDonald's for some breakfast. CJ now had a choice to make. He really wanted to have his hot chocolate and sour key, but Daddy said we can't do both. CJ chose hitting the canteen. So we did, and then left for home.

As we were getting close to home, CJ spotted the Big-M, and said "Daddy, there is McDonald's." Daddy replied "Yes buddy, I know, but I gave you a choice, and you already chose your hot chocolate and sour key. Daddy doesn't have the money and we don't have the time. We need to get home, as we have stuff to do this afternoon." CJ was not a happy camper, and pouted the remainder of the drive home. Daddy said "maybe next time, OK!?".

There is no hockey next week (March 3), and then after that, CJ has only two more weeks of hockey to go. If anyone is interested in watching or seeing him play, you only have two weeks left. Let me know if you want/need directions. I'm sure CJ would be excited to have a few more fans.

Thanks for reading.

CJ's Hockey Experience - Hockey Week 18

Friday, CJ went skating with his school, and Mommy went to watch him. Mommy said he had a great time, and was the best skater in his class. His other friends who play hockey weren't there, and none of the other children knew how to skate. CJ just twirled around the ice, and would help others if they lost their skating bar, or needed help getting along. The teachers and other parents were very impressed with CJ's skating ability, and Mommy was so proud of her little man.

Well, another Saturday arrives and that means another hockey morning for us. CJ is up bright and early once again, however, somehow, he spent most of the night in Mommy and Daddy's bed. After a good breakfast and everyone is all dressed, we are ready to head for the arena. This week, however, is a little different as Mommy will not be watching CJ, as she is going scrap booking all day, so it is just Daddy and the kiddies. We pack up the truck and we are off and running by about 8:30.

As we arrive at the arena, Daddy gets CJ's hockey bag from the trunk, and Daddy makes CJ pull his own bag, even though he doesn't want to. The weather is nice and there is no snow on the ground, so it shouldn't be a problem. So, CJ pulls his hockey bag along behind him as we make our way to the rink entrance. As we get close to the doors, CJ gets a very nice surprise ... Grampa and Aunt Tracy have come to watch him play. CJ and his sisters are happy to see them. We make our way to the lobby, where the girls stay with Grampa and Aunt Tracy, while Daddy takes CJ off to the dressing rooms. Daddy asks CJ what dressing room he wants to go into today, and CJ picks #3 again.

Once all dressed, CJ is on his way to the ice. By the time Daddy gets his coat back on, and heads for the ice, the Zamboni is just finishing. As soon as the Zamboni doors are closed, off all the kids go. CJ is the third one out there and off he goes. Daddy makes his way around to the stands to meet up with the girls, Grampa and Aunt Tracy. As we are walking along CJ comes skating over to see us, and attempts to make a perfect stop, and well, he wipes out. He gets up with a big smile on his face and Grampa chuckles. CJ gets up and off he goes again. Grampa is very impressed on how well CJ can skate. The warm-up continues for several minutes, while Grampa and Aunt Tracy try to take some pictures. CJ keep coming over to see us while we are sitting in the stands. He looks so happy to have some fans in the stands :)

After the initial warm-up, the coaches blow their whistles and it is time for everyone to gather at centre ice. CJ actually goes this time, and then they break off into their groups. CJ is the first one back down to the goal line. It appears that CJ only has one coach for his group, Coach Dave. First drill is skating forwards from the goal line to the blue line and then stopping. Off they go and CJ is racing another player to be the first one there. Once they hit the blue line, CJ make a perfect stop. WOW - even coach Dave is impressed! He says "Way to go CJ" and then gives him a little pat on the butt with his stick. CJ has a big smile on his face :). They do this a few more times then they switch to backwards skating. Grampa and Aunt Tracy are very impressed with CJ's skating abilities. Grampa noticed that CJ does not like to stand still - he is always moving, skating somewhere or practicing something. At one point, Aunt Tracy couldn't see where he was, so she got up and looked down along the boards, and there he was, on his hands and knees stretching out his legs, just like the NHL players do. Aunt Tracy laughed!

They do a few more more skating and passing drills as well as a game of freeze tag. During the game of chase the coach. CJ heads off coach Dave and just as CJ is about to catch him coach Dave pick him up and tuck CJ under his arm and skates around with him. CJ legs are swinging and coach Dave tries to avoid being caught by the other players. Finally, coach Dave puts CJ down, and CJ shouts "Weeeeeeeee, that was so fun!" and he has a HUGE smile on his face. Now it was time to prepare for the scrimmage. For the first time, CJ didn't line up at centre for the face-off. He was off to the right and back a little bit from the centre position. Somehow everything worked out because off the face-off the puck came right to him, and he fired a shot down the ice and scored ... Woo Hoo 1-0.

However, that lead was taken away fairly quickly as the other team came back and scored to tie it up 1-1, and then quickly took the lead 2-1. Suddenly, CJ's team was trailing. CJ talked to his friend Jack, who was playing goalie at the time, so they switched positions, CJ would now play nets and Jack would skate out. CJ made a few good saves, however, the other team managed to score again, and now they were trailing 3-1. Not sure what was going on, but a little girl on the other team came right up to CJ, and was talking to him while he was in nets. Not sure what the conversation was all about (I'll have to ask him later), but all of a sudden, she poked at his skates and tripped CJ. As the puck come towards the net, CJ makes a sweeping motion and knocks the puck into the corner. CJ's team now puts on some good pressure with several close plays and eventually scored another goal to cut the lead to 3-2. CJ's little friend Carson scored, I think this was his first goal. He looked so happy

CJ now comes out of nets to play some defence. However, Carter on the other teams make a great play and scores again. The other team now leads 4-2. While CJ is playing defence, he looks up into the stands and Daddy makes a motion for him to go play some forward. Well, now CJ is all over the ice, chasing down every loose puck and trying to score. He make a great pass to his friend Jack but the puck gets knocked away. CJ chases down the loose puck again, and breaks down the right wing. He fires the puck towards the net and it hits the post and goes in...HE SCORES! The game is now 4-3 for the other team. CJ celebrates with his stick in the air, and finds some friends and teammates to get some high-fives. A few more chances exchanged while the final few minutes tick away, and then the final buzzer goes. The game is over.

CJ takes off for the exit gate, while Daddy tries to make his way from the stands. CJ is waiting for Daddy to get there, and when I finally do, CJ yells "Daddy, I got two scores, but we lost 4-3." I replied "Good job, everyone played so hard, and everyone had a good game. I looked like you all had fun!" As we walked through the crowd of people to make our way back to the dressing room, Daddy asks CJ "What was going on between you and the little blonde girl with the pony-tail? What has she saying to you?" CJ didn't answer. After we get CJ all undressed and head to the lobby, Grampa and Aunt Tracy are there waiting for him. He gets some big hugs, and Grampa even buys him a hot chocolate and a sour key. Grampa and Aunt Tracy give everyone big hugs, and it is time for them to head back home to Ottawa. We sit around for a few minutes until we decide what we are going to do today, then make our way home.

CJ was so happy to have his Grampa and Aunt come to watch him play. Hopefully they can make it again before this hockey season is all over.

Thanks for reading. Stay tune for more adventures to come over the next few weeks.

CJ's Hockey Experience - Hockey Week 17

Friday night was public skating night for the family. CJ was very excited to get back out on the ice. He wanted to show us how well he has been doing, not like we don't already know, but he wants to show off. :)  His new skill includes being able to stop like the real hockey players. He is actually starting to get the hang of it, and be able to stop properly.

Saturday morning rolls around and he is back to his usual self, CJ is the first one awake and downstairs watching TV. He must be feeling much better. After a big breakfast (hash brown, Eggo waffle, 1/2 an Egg-McMuffin, some fruit and juice) it's time to get dressed and get ready to go. Today is a very special hockey day for CJ. Not only does he get to go play his hockey, but later on this afternoon, he gets to go to ScotiaBank Place and watch the Ottawa Senators play the Edmonton Oilers, as today is Hockey Day in Canada. 

Everyone is finished breakfast, dressed and ready early today, not like the past few times. We arrive at the rink, and manage to get a front row parking spot ... how nice is that!!! Because we are parked directly in front of the door that leads to the canteen and lobby, well, you guessed it, that is where the kids want to go. Mommy and Daddy remind them that we have a busy day today, and don't have any money on us to buy hot chocolate, candies and treats afterwards.

Daddy takes CJ to the dressing rooms, while Mommy takes the girls to the stands to get set up under a heater. Today is a very cold day. Daddy give CJ the choice of dressing rooms again, and he is not sure which one to choose. So when Daddy decides to take dressing room #1, CJ says "No" and chooses room #3. So off we go to room #3 to get CJ ready to hit the ice. Good choice, as CJ's friend Hogan is already in that room getting ready. Once CJ is dressed and ready, off he goes to the ice surface. Only issue is that we were so early, there is another team still out on the ice, so we have to wait for them to finish and then for the Zamboni to clean the ice.

Finally, the ice is done and it's CJ's time to hit the ice. He seem really excited today. While Daddy waits at the gate to the ice to open and close for all the other players, CJ is off and skating. While the first 10 minutes or so are the usual free skating and puck shooting, CJ comes over a few times to where Daddy is standing, to show off how well he can stop now. You can see the smile on his face :) and Daddy is very proud! Keep practicing buddy, you are getting the hang of it!

After the initial warm-ups, the coach blows the whistle and call all the kids to centre ice. Once they are all there, it is time to break off into their respective groups. CJ is the first one in his group to get to their spot. WOW, his speed has really picked up as well. First drill is forward skating from the goal-line to the blue-line, and then stop. CJ takes off and makes a perfect stop. The coach cheers "Great job CJ" and gives him a high-five. Even the coach was impressed! They do this a few more times, then try some backwards skating. Next is some obstacle course drills to teach the players to get up and down quickly by diving under sticks over pylons. Finally a game of freeze tag before setting up for the scrimmage.

The nets are put into place, and the coaches for each team call the players in front of their net. Each group does a little cheer while banging their sticks on the ice, then it is time for the opening face-off. One of the coaches call CJ to centre ice of the face-off, the puck it dropped and off they go. CJ actually won the face-off then immediately shot the puck down the ice towards the other teams net. The players chase the puck around their zone, but the Dark sweater team manages to get a break, the puck slides to an open player, who takes a shot and scores....1-0 for the other team. CJ decides to move from playing forward to playing some defence. Off the face-off, the puck squirts back to CJ, he takes a slap-shot and the puck goes all the way down the ice, towards the opposing teams net, Mommy starts to cheer as the puck slides right at the net, however, the puck hits the post ... No Goal. A few moments later the puck makes it's way out of the corner to an open man on CJ's team, he takes a nice shot, but the goalie lies down on the ice and makes the save. The play moves back and forth until, finally CJ's team, manages to score a goal. Game is now tied 1-1.

After a few more great defencive plays, CJ blocks a shot and make a long pass up the middle, to a teammate, who has a breakaway, everyone is cheering him on ... but he stumbles and loses the puck before he can get the shot off, and a player from the other team knocks the puck into the corner.A few moments later, the other team manages to get another goal and take the lead again 2-1.

Now CJ decides he is going to play goalie. He makes some great saves and passes to other players on his team as he clears everything that comes near him and the net. In the final dying seconds of the game, the other team makes a final rush, the best player on the other team (Carter) makes a rush towards the net, CJ challenges and make a great save as Carter runs him over. All the coaches and players rush to make sure CJ is OK ... he is, and he saved the puck! No Goal! The final buzzer goes and all the kids make a dash for the exit. Daddy is there waiting for CJ, and when CJ comes off the ice he says "We lost today 2-1" and Daddy replied, "Well, that's OK buddy as long as you had FUN out there, besides, it was a good game! You made some great plays and saves!" CJ had a smile on his face after that, so I guess it was all good.

Time to head to the dressing room to get out of his hockey equipment, then head for home to get cleaned up and changed before heading off to ScotiaBank Place for the Sens game. No time for hot chocolate today. The Sens game starts at 2:00 pm and we have to go meet up with Grandpa for lunch. Maybe if Daddy gets some time, he'll report on CJ's experience at Hockey Day In Canada.

Thanks for reading.

CJ's Hockey Experience - Hockey Week 16

This week is not turning out like any other week so far. When Daddy woke up, the only one up in the house was Mommy. CJ was still in bed sleeping. Daddy went to wake him up, he was really tired. When Daddy said "it's time to get up so we can go to hockey" CJ shook his head NO.  Hmmmm....this is strange!

CJ does not, I repeat, DOES NOT want to go to hockey today. Not sure if it is because he is feeling the effects of a cold, or for some other inexplicable reason. After finally getting out of bed, and coming downstairs for some breakfast, CJ still doesn't feel like going to hockey. He is resisting on all our efforts. Finally, Mommy convinces his to get dressed and get ready for hockey. Not sure how, but time to go! We are running really late now, it's 8:35 and we are just heading out the door.

Daddy drives as quickly and safely as possible to try and get there before 9:00. We arrive at the arena about 10 minutes before their scheduled ice-time. Looks like others may of had the same problem, as there are several players and parents arriving just as we got there. In to the dressing room we go. CJ gets all dressed and is ready to go, just as the Zamboni is finishing and leaving the ice surface.....Phew! He made it!

Out for the usual free skate and warn-up drills. He seems to be happy and excited now about being at hockey now. CJ has really improved his backwards skating as well as his pivoting from forwards to backwards, and vice-versa. The coaches introduced a new obstacle course for them to work on tight turns, and sliding under a stick to get back up quickly.

With about 15 minutes remaining, time for the customary Dark v White jersey game. CJ lines up for the opening face off, as per usual, and after losing the draw, retreats to play some defence. I think he must not be feeling to well, he doesn't have the same drive and perseverance for the puck as normal. He does manage to make some good defencive plays, but the other team manages to score the first goal. The coaches seem to be a little more active in playing/helping both teams out this week. After the goal, this time, CJ doesn't line up for the face, but rather stays back on defence. He does manage to make some great plays, passes and even gets a breakaway rush, only to be stopped by the goalie making a great save on the play. So what does CJ do next, he goes back and this time plays some goalie. While CJ is in nets, the other team doesn't score any goals. Then his friend JACK, wants to go back and play nets so CJ lets him, and CJ goes back to chasing the puck.

With time winding down, Daddy decides it's time to head around the rink to where the players get off the ice, to be ready when CJ comes off the ice. As Daddy get to the door, the buzzer sounds, and the rush of players starts. When CJ comes off the ice, he tells me he scored a goal. Unfortunately, I guess while Daddy was in transit to the gate, Daddy missed CJ scoring his goal. After CJ is undressed and ready to go, Mommy confirms that he did in fact score a very nice goal, and he even had a little celebration. Well, time for the celebratory hot chocolate and head for home.

Later in the afternoon, Mommy is heading into Ottawa, and taking CJ to a Sports Store to get a new (FREE) hockey helmet courtesy of General Motors (GM) Canada and Bauer (which he will probably have for sometime, as they only have a Youth Size available).

Thanks for reading! Stay tuned for more adventures to come...

CJ's Hockey Experience - Hockey Week 15

This week has kind of been special, the NHL has come to Ottawa for All Star Weekend (the All Star Draft, All Star Game and All Star Skills Competition). There was a REAL hockey buzz in the air. There were several events downtown Ottawa and Fan Fair going on at the NEW Ottawa Convention Centre. Unfortunately due to prior commitments, some bad weather, and other stuff, it was not possible to take CJ down to the events. He did manage to watch some of the NHL Draft on Thursday night with Daddy, before heading off to bed.

Mommy and Daddy had some plans on Friday so Gramma Gramma came for a visit and a sleep over. Another Saturday morning, and another day where CJ is up early, before anyone else once again! After a good breakfast, getting dressed and all set to go, we head outside to find the van is frozen shut. We can't open the doors, good thing the truck was good to go! We piled everyone in and were on our way! It was a cold, brisk morning.

Once we arrived at the arena, the nice warm sun that had been warming us up on the drive, gave way to the cold January air as we made our walk from the truck to the arena doors. Same as before CJ chose dressing room #3 to get changes (this room is closest to the main entrance doors and I think it is just easier for him.) CJ's usual spot in the dressing room was taken with other players. So we had to go to the other side of the room. Daddy was wondering how CJ would react, but this didn't seem to phase him one bit ... PHEW!!! We all know how superstitious and routine oriented hockey players are right ... LOL

Once all dressed CJ was ready to hit the ice, only one problem, he knocked over his stick and said that he couldn't pick it up. Hmmmm, I think there is something wrong with this picture. Daddy tells CJ that he better pick up the stick, he tries (half-effort like) and says he can't. Daddy tells him to try again, another half-effort.  So who actually ended up picking up the stick, that's right Daddy ... and off CJ goes with a smile. The Zamboni was just finishing his final laps as CJ made his way through the crowd to get close to the door. He wanted to be one of the first few to get on the fresh sheet of ice. He managed to be in the top 10 skaters (more like 7th).

The usual warm ups with pucks (free skating and shooting) until the coaches blow the whistles, then it's time to break off into their respective groups. One noticeable difference this week is some more of CJ's friends are not coming back. More work on the basics and a few new drills. Then with the time winding down, they set up for a mini scrimmage. CJ lines up at the centre ice position to get ready for the face-off. He was surrounded by several other players on both sides ... looks like everyone wants to play centre. Drop the Puck! and the game is on!

Play goes back and forth before any goals are scored. This week seemed to be a little more physical, not sure if this is because they are tired and falling over each other, or because they are actually trying to knock each other over. Finally the other team scores. Back to centre ice for the face-off. Who's lined up again, you guessed it ... CJ! This time he wins the draw, makes a nifty pass to one of the wingers. Play goes one with each team exchanging rushes and scoring chances. Finally the puck squirts to an opening and CJ get a break away. He winds up for the shot, and the goalie makes a great save. The other team gets a few breaks and chances to score. They convert on two more of them. By my count the game was 3-0.

When the final buzzer goes, CJ comes off the ice saying that it was a tied game. Somehow, this week, I think he is a little mistaken. He even thought he scored 2 goals, but, I didn't see his team score let alone him score a goal. Oh well, at least he had fun out there!

While in the dressing room afterwards, he is sitting beside one of his little friends. Daddy began talking to the other mom. We began to talk, and comparing ages. Her some was about the same height as CJ, and we figured out he was few months younger. I joked about wishing CJ would start to grow a few inches. Her reply was "Well, with speed like his, he may not need to grow. He's a little speed-demon out there!" I thought to myself ... "Wow, others are really noticing CJ out there." CJ and his friend said their good-byes until next week, then it was off to get a customary hot chocolate. then head for home.

A busy day for Daddy this weekend. Daddy is heading to the NHL Skills Competition later, and taking CJ's big sister to the NHL All Star Game Sunday afternoon. Should be fun! Unfortunately CJ will not be taking part in these events, but I'm sure Mommy will let him watch them on TV.

Thanks for reading. Stay tuned for more to come in next few weeks.