He Did It!!

Wednesday night, we made our way to the arena, to watch Sean skate.   As we entered the arena, Sean's eyes became wide, taking in all of the activity.  To an adult, it was quite sad to see the few people that the team draws these days, however to a 5 year old, the place was packed with people!  The music was blaring, the teams were warming up and there were people everywhere.  Fortunately, one of the first people we saw was Mike, Sean's coach.   He had a few instructions for  him and told him that he was picked specially, as he is such a hard worker... and his favourite little IP player!   We headed to our seats, to let Sean take it all in and get used to things.    Take it in he did.  He seemed to notice everything, and managed to explain a few of them to me!

Shortly after the start of the first period, Tony headed back out to the truck to get the equipment.  Sean and I headed down to get him suited up.  You could feel the nerves kicking in, but he never once suggested not going.   When we got to the hallway where he dresses (Mommy doesn't go in the dressing rooms) there was a girl getting ready.  Sean talked to her a little and that helped.   After a while, one of the "big guys" came out and said hello.   By this time, Sean is dressed and dancing (literally) in his excitement.   When Mike came down, the rest of the "kids" came out of the dressing room.  To my amazement, the youngest was about 14 or 15!   There were about 5 of them, including a goalie.  They all headed for Sean, encircled him leaning down to say hi.  At his point Sean is going into panic mode!  All of these big guys... and girl  in full equipment with their helmets and cages on!    Snowball, one of the mascots... no bigger than Sean... came by at this point and helped to ease his nerves.  Next thing we new, it was time to go on.

The big kids were out showing off the skills they have acquired during their years in Youth Hockey.  Once they were done, Mike called on Sean.  His job was to skate out and jump the stick... like the big guys had done.... no can do Mike.... His job was to slide under the stick... no can do Mike... His job was to skate through the stick... no can do Mike.... His job was to take a shot on net with the big guys.... okay, that I will do Mike!!  First shot was short of the net... the goalie pretended to not be able to reach it.  Sean shrugged his shoulders and started to head back to await his next turn.  People (around me anyway) were yelling for him to try again... off the post!  Again he shrugs his shoulders and starts to head back.  More yelling to try again... and in it went!!  With that one of the big guys picked him up and they went on  a victory lap.  The message was "It is never too early to start your kids in youth hockey."   

When we got off the ice and were getting him changed, it was time for the teams to head back out.  Sean is rather poky getting changed... as I recall a certain other hockey player we all know being... so there he was standing in his Spiderman boxer briefs as the opposing team came down the hall!!! A few of the guys stuck out their gloves to give him some knuckles as they asked him how it went.  Although he was far too shy to answer, I think he thought it was pretty cool.   Just before this, Daddy had come down to tell him good job too... just as he had sat down, crossed his legs and said "ya, I was pretty comfortable out there!"  

Once he was changed we headed back to our seats, for some powerade and popcorn!  He danced in the stand... making it his mission to get on camera... unfulfilled unfortunately!  We stayed until the end of the game.  Quite a night.  He even got to meet a real player.  He was out with a concussion until Saturday, so he was sitting with his family in front of us.  Very exciting for him.    To say we were proud of him, would be an understatement!

Waiting for the period to end.   The Colts were represented!!

Meeting Stormy!

Saved by Snowball... look at all those big guys!

Snowball even waited with him as he watched the big skaters.

A little disappointed that they had to close the doors.  He understood, when I pointed out that the slapshot that missed hit where he had been standing!

Mike getting ready to introduce Sean!

Sending him on his way!

Coming in for his shot!  Sorry about the flash!

Returning from his victory lap!

All smiles after hugging Stormy... for the umpteenth time!

Oh, Daddy's beer can reminds me... Sean was listening carefully to all of the announcements.  At one point he leans into me, pointing to his powerade and say "Mommy, I have to drink this responsibly!"  Love it!  Remember that message Sean!