Ice Time

I think this means I'm a "hockey mom."

Matthew's time in the "Learn to Skate" program has come to an end. We had to decide whether to place him in Beginner Hockey or to continue the "Learn to Skate" figure skating program. At his last Learn to Skate session, we explained to Matt that his best friend would no longer be on the ice with him. His little buddy had moved over to the Beginner Hockey program, and Matt was quite saddened by this fact.

I did walk over to observe the Beginner Hockey program, and was quite pleased with what I saw. The children pick their own color jersey and number, and skate in various games to increase skating skills related to the game of hockey. There is no actual competition at this stage, and safety is paramount. I also noticed that several other friends from Matt's preschool program were in the program.

The coach goes around to each child after the game and checks to make sure one thing has been accomplished:

"Do you have a sweaty head?"

Each enthusiastic little hockey player yells back, "YES!"

Then I looked at the cost (I am frugal, if nothing else). The "Learn to Skate" program is $65 for seven weeks. The Beginner Hockey program is $200, for the entire year. That money includes all equipment (from the helmet, skates, pads, and stick to the duffel bag). Even the USA Hockey membership is free for children under the age of six. Plus, the kids get to skate twice per week, as opposed to once per week with the figure skating lessons. I was sold.

We signed Matthew up, put him in his gear, and set him out on the ice.

Nolan helps Matt carry some gear.

Heading out to play with his friends.

He absolutely loves it. His world lights up when he is with his best buddies, banging the stick on the ice to "clap" for his friends, and playing tag with the hockey coaches. Best of all, he gets a "sweaty head."


Let's just hope he stays out of the penalty box!