Weekend Hockey Report
Saturday morning's beginner hockey class marked a Big Day. Every Saturday for the last year and a half (since Sept. 23, 2000) I've woken up early to attend the 8:15 a.m. class where I started to learn everything I know about a game I now love. Along the way, there was a brief excursion into the Intermediate class, until Andrea joined me in the Hockey Life this January, then I moved back down to beginner to be with her. Well, really, it was to make sure she got up to go to class, traditional alarm clocks are no match for the Sleeping Professional.

This week marked my last time through the class. I've decided to do something that seemed absolutely unattainable to me when I first started skating. I'm taking the Advanced class, which meets at a much more reasonable time, 7:45 p.m. on Thursdays. At this point, I'd rather be the last in line coming back from drills than kind of bored in the beginner class. So I will.

Saturday night was my first Red Division game and it was Big Fun! I loved the pace of the game and how nice everyone was. My parents saw me play for the first time ever, that was the best part. They had no idea how well I could skate (no, I'm still not Espen Knutsen, but I'm getting better all the time) and I think were impressed. Looking in the stands and seeing them there meant more to me than I may ever admit to them. Oh, and we won, 1-0.

They also attended the A-Team's second game and were again impressed. The difference between the women's league and co-ed play is pretty vast, co-ed is a lot more agressive but of course fun. In the span of about 30 seconds, I had my (badass Easton Synergy) stick knocked out of my hands, then got knocked on my ass, snapping my wrist back pretty hard. I limped off the ice and my concerned teammates kept asking if I was okay. I kept saying I didn't know but eventually felt better, though I'm sore today. We lost 6-3 but had a great time. This time I remembered my Captainly duty and shook the ref's hand.

My parents went home this morning after the most laid back visit I've ever had with them. I miss them already.