And So It Begins....

(borrowed that from my cousin Shannon whose son just started hockey too...so true...so true)

Sean has been so excited for hockey to begin. He didn't even mind the sleeves on his jersey being a tad long. He was a dream getting in his equipment. While he was waiting to go on the ice, during a break from watching the Zamboni (favourite pass time), he asked who was on his jersey again. I told him what the logo was and what all the crests said. He started chanting..."I am Barrie Colts of the OHL.." Too funny. They spent the first 15 min or so skating around while the coaches helped those who needed it and evaluated their abilities. This Mommy was so proud that her boy (among the youngest) was picked for the top skating group. He held his own with the older boys...once the ice got snowy...loves the Zamboni, but not all about the ice when it is freshly flooded. I was glad to see so many kids out, but taken back by how many parents brought kids who had never (before today) been on ice...wow, that was something to see! Anyway back to my little hockey star...

All decked out ready for the ice.

Making the walk from the dressing room to the ice.

Unfortunately my "good' camera is being fixed so the pics are kid of dark.
(Notice how he carries his glove on the end of his stick).

Waiting to head out. Apparently his first words to the coach were "When to do we get the pucks out?" I think they got a kick out of him. They were also quite surprised at my response when they asked how old he was!

He had help learning to get up after falling...something he can do without padding, gloves and stick.... he can now do with! They skated around pylons, circles and made snow with their blades. With about 15 min to go he was exhausted. The coaches were right there with him, encouraging and not letting him get off the ice. He wasn't forced to stay on but with their help he wanted to stick it out. I directed him back to the coaches when he came to me, so I wasn't seen as an out.

Who knew so much sweat and stink could come off a 4 year old?
Despite the tears, from fatigue, at the end when he heard the coach asking players if they had fun...he stopped in his tracks, turned around and yelled "I had fun!!" Good job Hockey Player Sean...see you next week.