I played hockey all the way through school. When my daughter was born I was always hoping she would take Interest In hockey as well. After taking my daughter Lydia to a few Minnesota Wild games the last 2 years and watching hockey on TV she started telling me I want to play hockey dad. I was pumped after hearing that!! At 4 years old this year we put her In hockey. Her 1st day was a huge challenge. She pushed around a chair and was having a blast the 1st 20 minutes. Then she started falling down allot and couldn't get back up. I stood there watching behind the glass wanting to go out there and help her. She crawled across the Ice and wanted to get off. She was teared up when I got her off the Ice saying "daddy I don't want to go back out there". I told her hockey takes allot of practice and that she will get better with time. I tried escorting her back out there but she'd then start crying. I'm thinking damn, i just spent close to 300.00 dollars In hockey equipment. I then tried talking with her but nothing was working In getting her back out there. I then told her ok you don't have to play hockey. When we get home we'll sell the stuff. She said NO! Lol! Still I couldn't get her back out there. Finally she tells me why she didn't want to go back out on the Ice, she says "daddy I'm scared". I felt like a piece of crap then. I told her no problem Lydia, we'll figure something out. I got a hold of one of the coaches on the Ice and told her she was scared. She then talked with Lydia and said I'll push you around on the chair. Lydia was all for that and the rest was history. 4 months later she's one of the top skaters In her group If not the top skater. This little girl has some talent, mush more then her dad did. They moved her up 2 groups half way through the year being she was way ahead of everyone else In catching on so quick. I cannot wait till next year!! There Isn't a sport out there In my opinion that takes the patience and dedication to learn as a youngster then hockey. When Lydia started her 1st day there were I'd bet 20 1st year skaters. The last day that number was closer to 7. Her 1st day on the Ice. 4 months later her last day on the Ice until next year. Their practicing skating fundamentals and stuff.
Lydia and Hunter racing. I like this picture as you can see Hunter looking over at Lydia thinking I've got to beat her!! Here they were playing soccer using their skates. An excellent practice learning skating fundamentals. My future bow hunting buddy's- My daughter Lydia and my 2 nephews Beau and Hunter. This was Beau's 1st year of hockey and Hunters 3rd year of hockey.
That's awesome man! I remember those same drils as a little tike. Hanging on to the boards for dear life trying to make it around without dumping on my butt lol. I kind of wish one of my kids picked up on hockey, but never did. I didnt' want to force them. They ended up in baseball, basketball, lacrosse, football and ..... golf but no hockey. Cool to see the progress she's making congrats.
I 100% agree on the forcing part. That 1st day I just didn't want her to give up. I figure If she can master skating and not give up It will be a great lesson come later In her childhood life. You should see some of the parents though that have kids In their 1st year of hockey. Their pretty much screaming at their kids telling them they have to go. That Is sad seeing that. I knew you played hockey NYB. Figured you would get a kick out of this thread.
That's cool. I remember my daughter starting to dance @ 4. By age 7 she was dancing with highschool age kids. Now she has a national championship in it at age 17. Hang on to the memories because it wont be long before they are off to college and leaving you with those memories. Sent from my DROIDX using Tapatalk
Fantastic Steve! I have to say I read the story and got a few goosebumps looking at the pics. Sounds like you have a fun "ride" ahead of you. It is a blast watching/helping them grow.
That's great stuff. Thank goodness her coach was there with the chair lol. You might have become a soccer dad!
After a crappy and downright depressing day at work that put a huge smile on my face. You are an awesome dad for letting her get involved in Hockey!
