Hockey

This past Thursday night, our kids got to go to their first hockey game. On Wednesday, about half way through the day, I went onto Facebook, just to check a message quick. While I was on there, I noticed that the light the night walk- prairie edition page had updated their status- they were giving away tickets to see the Abbotsford Heat- the Calgary Flames farm team. They were in Calgary playing the Edmonton farm team. All you had to do to enter was leave a comment saying what your favourite part of the light the night walk is. So, I commented, not thinking I would win at all, but just to try. I said that I loved that I could get together with all my supporters.

Well, turns out that I won. I won 4 tickets to see the game at the Saddledome on Thursday night! The kids were so excited. Danika was excited to see Giordano, so, I had to explain that it wasn't the Flames, but we would know some of them. She was okay with that, but still wants to see Giordano (she did end up seeing a few big pictures of him at the Saddledome, and was okay with that). Bryce was beyond excited, but was a bit upset after we explained that he would not be playing. He kept saying that he wanted to go on the ice and put the puck in the net with the hockey guys!

I wasn't sure how things would go. I wasn't sure where we were sitting, or how long we would be staying. The game didn't start until 7, and bedtime is usually about 7:15! Turns out that we were pretty much behind the net, and in row 10! So, we were close! The kids were so excited and in awe as soon as we walked in. They sat and watched the Zamboni (Bryce didn't get why there were cars on the ice!), their eyes just grew, it was just amazing to watch!

When the game started, I saw parts of my kids that I haven't really seen before. It was magical for me. In Danika, well, I saw myself (not that I haven't seen parts of me in her before, but this brought back childhood memories). She was happy to be there, excited even, but she was enjoying her treat (cotton candy), and watching the mascot! I have attended many hockey games in my life, my dad's, brother's, NHL etc. And, I do like hockey, but I can honestly say, my favourite part was watching the mascot, food, and the Zamboni! (well, except for one time, I was down by the ice before the game, and Lanny McDonald skated by and winked at me! That was the best memory!). And still, a couple days after the game, Danika is still talking about her cotton candy!

Bryce, well, we all know that he LOVES hockey! It was AMAZING to watch him. His eyes were glowing, they were huge. He was so excited and you could tell. I have seen him excited, but not like this. It was different than his normal excitement, it was like watching him dream! He was so cute sitting in that chair, eating popcorn and watching as close as he could. He had a few questions, all that made me giggle a bit! For such a hockey fan, he asked me why the goalie wasn't going with the other hockey guys to get the puck (he was worried). Then he was asking where the ref's sticks were. I had to explain that they are there to make sure the hockey guys play nice! And then, well there was a fight. He thought it was pretty cool, but got pretty upset that the guys "lost" their sticks and helmets!

Our night, well we thought it wasn't going to be a long one. We thought we would see how they did, but we would probably only make one period. Well, we made it through the second (we decided halfway through the first, because the Abbotsford Heat were dominating- but at the other end of the rink! We were staring at the back of "the Calgary tower"- Karlsson" for while!). So, we stayed for the second so Bryce could see some more of the hockey action! And then, we had to leave since Danika had school the next day. But, both of them were still so excited- neither of them fell asleep ALL the way home! They talked the whole way!

It brings me such joy to be able to do these types of things with my kids. I know they may not remember, but I will, and I will be more than happy to share these memories with them when they are older!

(Brett was in charge of pictures- which he did with his phone- so I will add them when I get to see them!)