When I started watching hockey religiously in the 2011-12 season, I would have never dreamed that I would be playing hockey one day. Actually, it had never crossed my mind. I didn’t even realize that they had beer leagues for adults.
About a year ago, some friends started playing in a beer league. I went to a couple of games for moral support and laughs. While I’m sure they appreciated my appearance, I was the one who enjoyed it the most. Watching my friends play hockey was like watching a newborn giraffe walk for the first time. It was entertaining to say the least.
Around the same time, I stumbled across an organization that gives back to hockey-playing military members called Hockey Saves. They provide opportunities for service members to skate and to watch their favorite NHL teams play. Over the last year, I’ve been one of the troops that have benefited from the Hockey Saves organization. You can read about my trip to that Preds game here.
After the game, I met some Preds that asked me what position I played. It’s hard to tell them a position when you don’t play. So at that point, I made a decision to start getting my gear so I could start playing. I didn’t want to take advantage of an organization that helps soldiers.
I came home that night and checked for the next available free skate in the area. I made plans to be at the next available one and got some friends to join me. I made my way to the rink and rented some skates. I took to the ice and skated for about an hour. That was the first, and only, time that I had ever been on ice.
While I enjoyed skating, I knew that wasn’t all I needed to do. In the last several months, I purchased all the equipment needed to play hockey. Now it’s my time to look that newborn giraffe walking for the first time. While I’ve not signed up for a league as of yet, I will be lacing up the skates tonight for an on-ice session at Bridgestone Arena called Pucks and Pints. Since the Nashville Predators are bringing extra ice time to adult hockey players, why not get myself some ice time where the pros play. Maybe some of their talent will rub off. Who am I kidding?
If you’re in the Nashville area tonight and want a good laugh, come on out to the arena. If you’re not in the area, the Kiddo will be taking the video camera to get some evidence that I was actually on ice. I will make sure to post the video soon. As for tonight, I’ll do my best to keep on my skates, mainly because I’m not sure how to get up if I fall.