Great Game

Hockey Families Make Hockey in Canada Great

Hockey is Canada. Canada is Hockey.

We've all heard those two sentences, but have you ever really stopped to think why the words resonate across Canada?

I do a lot of thinking about Canadian hockey culture and why we as hockey parents are willing to dedicate so much time and energy to the sport. For example, many people (especially parents without kids in hockey) might think that after spending four to seven days a week at the rink, tired hockey moms would be excited about the end of hockey season and the possibility of reclaiming their weekends, evenings and early mornings. Instead, many of us find ourselves especially anxious about the prospect of no hockey as playoffs threaten to end the fall/winter season. Last week, as I was contemplating why I was so anxious about some upcoming playoff games, I had an epiphany:

When it's all over, I'll miss my hockey family.

Once your children start belonging to a team, hockey becomes so much more than just a game played on ice. Hockey brings families together several times a week, and often we spend more time with the parents of kids on our team than we do with our own spouses. We get to know the kids on our team like they were our own. We celebrate their individual successes, whether it is their first or 100th goal, or a great back-check. We know our teammates' grandparents and include them in festivities. We keep an eye on each other's children at the arenas to make sure they are safe. We carpool, and we lend equipment when that favourite stick breaks or the neck guard gets left at home. We celebrate birthdays in the change room by bringing in cupcakes, and together we hockey families fundraise and fundraise some more. In the lobbies, in the stands or on the car rides to and from games, we talk about work, our families, our successes and life's challenges.

Each year, my hockey family is a very big part of my life. When I take my kids to the arena for a game or practice, I know my hockey family will be there, and I look forward to seeing them. I feel comforted that if I ever need help, all I have to do is ask. I know they feel the same.

So, here's to hockey families across Canada. Hockey would not be Canada, and Canada would not be hockey, without you!