As there isn’t much to blog about on a beautiful day like today, I felt I would take some time to sit down and write a few words before I head from one family gathering to the next while enjoying this Wednesday afternoon beer...mmm.
To all those who are celebrating – Merry Christmas! To all those who do not celebrate this holiday, have a nice time off with your family and loved ones just the same!
Back to the blog…rather than sticking to my regular Wednesday Leafs related blog, I thought it would be interesting to share some hockey Christmas related stories. There is one, funny enough, that has stuck with me for years and it all started with this stick…not sure how many of you have the chance to play with one similar to it, but they were a beaut!
This particular gift was waiting for me one Christmas morning – a sight I will never forget. As I came down the stairs one cold dark morning in Regina Saskatchewan, all I could see in the living room was an object which gave off a certain reflection from the Christmas lights, sitting in the corner on its own.
This aluminum Easton stick which had Gretzky’s name and number on it sat in a corner waiting for me, and the moment which I hit the lights in the room, it basically blinded me…damn thing was shinny!
Anyways, that Christmas would end up being great for two reasons. Firstly, given that the damn thing was made of bloody aluminium, I ended up playing with and keeping that stick for years, even beyond outgrowing its size as it was a perfect road hockey stick afterwards. That thing would not break…unlike the $200 twigs we buy these days. Anyways, the bigger reason that day will always be stuck in my mind, aside from the blinding image which the stick left of course, was that it happen to be the hockey stick I used in the first game which my grandparents visiting from the East coast had the chance to watch me play in. And not onle would I get my first hattrick in that very game, but my grandma ended up giving me a loonie for every goal scored! Boy I was one happy kid that day I tell you.
Hockey plays a big part in the lives of kids, and often a strong parental/family support makes it that much better. Having two very supportive parents in terms of my sports gave me such a great gift growing up as not only did I end up playing hockey for over 25 years, but here I am blogging about it in my spare time as well! While I did not make a career, per se, of hockey...I am ever so thankful for the time and energy my parents spent with me in order to introduce me to such a wonderful sport. Thanks mom & dad!
Whether it be receiving a special gift, playing in a special game, or sharing a special moment with some special people…what is your greatest hockey related memory during the Christmas time?