A Web Site For Toronto Mommies

Published January 31, 2009 @ 16:02 by Tania in Being Mommy, Kids Activities

I am a hockey mom. When did that become such a negative? Sarah Palin didn't help matters with her joke about the bulldog and the lipstick. In the past it was the hockey dads that beat up on the coaches and the refs.

COME ON CANADA! There are millions of us "hockey moms" out there. We are the ones ensuring that the kids have eaten and are rested before they get on the ice. We are cleaning their equipment and airing it out. We are dressing and undressing the kids. Cheering for them, win or lose. Sitting in frozen arenas for hours, and driving all around the city.

I have never heard a hockey mom say anything bad about her child, another player, a coach or a ref. The only time I even heard a "hockey mom" yell at the ref, it was her husband and she was trying to draw his attention to an injured child on the ice.

The soul of our country is hockey. It is not an evil sport. The participants are not crazy mutants. It is a fast, fun game involving a lot of skill.

I know my kids won't make it to the NHL. Out of the 400,000 + kids currently playing in the GTA, I think fewer than 7 will ever even make it to a farm team. The same way teaching your child to ride a bike won't get them into the Tour De France, playing hockey isn't just about one day playing for the Leafs.

Don't ask me what I expect my child "to get out of" hockey. They are learning to skate, puck handle, play on a team, and be a good sportsman. It is great exercise, fun, and entertaining. They get to meet kids outside of school and make new friends. I think any organized team sport is a great experience for any child.

Please keep the disgust out of your voice when I tell you that I am taking my kids to hockey. Yes, I am a hockey mom. If you have a problem with that, I just might deck you.