All parents have been there, running your kids to sports, school functions, activities ect. For the past 18 years Jacquie and I have have been going to track meets, volleyball, softball and hockey. I love them all but without question hockey is my sport. In fact I can’t remember a time ever saying or thinking “I may not go to the game tonight”.
A couple weekends ago a large sampling of the family was in Morrisville New York to watch our daughter Ciara close out her college hockey career. After 18 years the road trips, rushing out the door with minimal supper and dissecting that nights game on the ride home , its over. I can’t believe it! To say I’ve enjoyed watching my kids play the sport I love would be a massive understatement. But as much as I’m going to miss the games I’m going to miss the social part with my family. Driving hours to games,talking, laughing, eating and just generally being together. It has cost us tens of thousands of dollars and I wouldn’t change a thing. Nothing .So while I’m commiserating and wondering what the heck I’m going to do with my spare time I’m also looking ahead, excited for what the future holds for my kids. Not only have they both been high level athletes but both have excelled academically. Deans list, presidents list, Honors roll ect. The future is bright!
But back to the weekend. Seniors weekend. A time to celebrate a hockey career, a time of excitement for what the future holds and also a time of mixed emotions for parents. With 13 of the family in attendance Ciara has a cheering section this weekend. Complete with cardboard Ciara heads, Morrisville State hockey sweaters, hats, toques and lots of enthusiasm. Prior to the weekends second game the 5 seniors from Morrisville State are introduced with their associated accolades. Ciara’s include : conference all star selections,multiple conference academic team selections, multiple all American scholar selections, deans list, presidents list, team leader in plus/minus, Calvin Dunkle scholarship winner, Roberts scholarship recipient. She’s had a good career. The games are very entertaining this weekend but frankly the scores ect are secondary. This weekends about celebrating. So celebrate we did. The families celebrating included our pre game meal at Rays bbq, open bar at the hotel, land shark lagers at Margaritaville and more beers and food at the Fort pub in Morrisville. Yes we enjoyed the weekend.
A special thanks to those that were able to attend. Not only was it ” a great weekend for hockey” but it’s been a great 18 years! A few photos from our weekend celebration.
The kids giving high fives prior to warm ups.
Teammates and friends.
Game on!!
Proud parents!
The family.
Last but not least. My favourite picture from the rink wall at Morrisville. Celebrating an overtime win and championship.