Looking back on it, it’s amazing
N’s team even made it that far. A’s team has won all season and has been,
probably from the get-go, the favorite to win it all. N’s team, on the other
hand, lost the first 10-12 games, and never really recovered to have a winning
season. By the time the state tournament rolled around, they were suddenly a
force to contend with, and won all three games of the preliminary round to make
it to the next round. There, they won all three games to qualify for the
semifinals, which was an impressive feat considering the season they had.
Time caught up with them, however,
and in the semifinals, they were beaten by what was a better team, no question.
They played great, but N’s team is simply at a huge disadvantage in that they
have several players who would have been better off playing on a house team, or
someplace where they could first learn how to play hockey. I’m guessing some of
them had never played before, and some seemed to have never skated before. A
house team is a kinder, gentler program where they can learn the basics before
making the jump into a travel program.
Whatever be the case, when you go
up against a team with 5 solid players on the ice, you don’t stand a chance.
They put up a valiant effort, but the writing was on the wall. It was a lot of
fun, and I think the kids did a great job out there, but it was emotionally
draining. The last couple of weeks of hockey are always a marathon, and it’s
not even over. There is still spring hockey and more tournaments.
I have to admit to feeling a
little weary. I know several families who are getting ready for the next stage
of hockey, which can go well into summer, which is crazy when you think about
it. I’m ready to get my tennis racket out. I’m glad N has his new mountain
bike, and I think we’ll do some riding as soon as the snow melts.
Until then, thanks for reading, and thanks to Darcy Knoll for the pic.
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