As I've mentioned thirty-eight times before, hockey is Will's game. We have had to make allowances for his passion for the sport. We had to drag out all of out teeny tiniest elbow pads and chest protector, gloves and shin pads, socks and helmet and put them into a duffle bag. Will loves getting in this still oversized-for-him equipment. Will got greatly distressed on Sunday morning when Jack was donning his gear for an early game. Will stood in Jack's hockey bag crying evey time another piece of equipment was taken out and not put on him. That is when my mom suggested we fill a bag with some stuff for Will.
How is this going to play out for him? Will he always be a spectator, maybe aspire to be a towel or stick boy for a semi-pro or professional team? I really can't say for sure, but I think Will's aspirations may be a little greater, just like every little boy who loves hockey and one day dreams of NHL fame.
Here is Will in action. You will notice how adept he is for a three year old. Please try not to notice the general yuckiness of the garage and the fact that Will could not be separated fron the helmet that is supposed to have a touque (knit hat) underneath it. The rubber boots were Will's idea too and because mittens impeded his grip on the stick, he dispensed with them and played until his hands were purple from the cold. Notice how he stays at the point, waiting for a winger to feed him the puck? That's serious hockey juju.
So, if we can get Will skating I don't think we will have a choice but to have him play in our local under 8 league. There are certainly no "special" leagues around, and do I think he would need to be on a "special" team anyway? No, not if he can skate and stick handle and have the drive to stuff the net with the puck. This may change over time, but for now he is right on track to a regular childhood hockey experience. Will is going to be off to the rink on the weekend for his first foray onto actual ice. We'll see what he thinks about that whole situation, and I'll report back.
How is this going to play out for him? Will he always be a spectator, maybe aspire to be a towel or stick boy for a semi-pro or professional team? I really can't say for sure, but I think Will's aspirations may be a little greater, just like every little boy who loves hockey and one day dreams of NHL fame.
Here is Will in action. You will notice how adept he is for a three year old. Please try not to notice the general yuckiness of the garage and the fact that Will could not be separated fron the helmet that is supposed to have a touque (knit hat) underneath it. The rubber boots were Will's idea too and because mittens impeded his grip on the stick, he dispensed with them and played until his hands were purple from the cold. Notice how he stays at the point, waiting for a winger to feed him the puck? That's serious hockey juju.
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So, if we can get Will skating I don't think we will have a choice but to have him play in our local under 8 league. There are certainly no "special" leagues around, and do I think he would need to be on a "special" team anyway? No, not if he can skate and stick handle and have the drive to stuff the net with the puck. This may change over time, but for now he is right on track to a regular childhood hockey experience. Will is going to be off to the rink on the weekend for his first foray onto actual ice. We'll see what he thinks about that whole situation, and I'll report back.
Labels: Family adventures