Feeling Sorry For Myself

This is a bit silly and I'm somewhat embarrassed by my self-absorbed behavior, but I've been sort of depressed this weekend stemming from, of all things, a hockey game. Not just any hockey game, mind you, but he state AA championship. N's team lost, but they had the game in hand and really should have won and let it slip away, which makes it a little harder to swallow in the end. They played an amazing game and while they deserved the championship, they still get all the credit in the world for playing their hearts out and showing everyone what they are made of.

Truth be told, everyone questioned whether this was in fact a AA team, myself included. There are something like 16 skaters, some of which are in their first or second year of playing. Our entire program has less than 100 kids, and we were playing a much bigger program, Essex, with over 300 kids. Only coach DW believed and he never wavered, and sure enough, we ended up in the state final. The game was amazing and worthy of a championship. Everyone was a bit nervous in the locker room, and once we hit the ice, Essex jumped out to a quick 4-0 lead. It was very disheartening, and DW called a timeout and calmed everyone down. Then, in the next period, our kids battled back and scored 4 unanswered goals, tying the game. In the third we took the lead, 5-4, and had the game in hand when they pulled the goalie and with less than 25 seconds to go, tied it. Sh*t.

No score in the first overtime, and in the first few minutes of the second OT, their slowest skater somehow weaved through our entire team and scored the game winner. I couldn't believe it. I sat there and watched him skate through five players to the net.

In the end, the kids played amazing hockey and are worthy of the championship, and that should be enough, but somehow I've found a way to feel sorry for myself. It's a bummer so maybe I'm allowed a little self-pity. N was disappointed but I think he's rebounded nicely and is feeling fine. In the end, that's all that matters.

It's also important to keep in mind that it was a youth hockey game and these kids are young, and that losing teaches important lessons in life. Maybe more important ones than winning. Nonetheless, it's tough when the title was so close. Congrats to our boys on a valiant effort, they have every reason to hold their heads up high and I'm really proud of them. Congrats also to Essex on their big win.

Oh well, we simply have to get on with our lives, or as they say in hockey, keep those feet moving.

Until the next time, thanks for reading, and thanks to 0Four for the pic.