TravelSports Blog

This is the time of year many kids take to the ice for the very first time. New hockey moms and dads crowd in change rooms helping kids get in their gear and tying up skates. Then off they go to watch from the stands as their little one shuffles around the ice, chasing a puck they can’t keep up with.

Inevitably, this always ends up with a few kids falling creating a domino effect until several kids lay helplessly starfished on the ice waiting for a friendly coach to pull them to their feet. And as new hockey parents watch this comical display, many of us worry about our kids getting hurt.

Is Hockey Safe?

Youth hockey is in fact a quite a safe sport. Kids start off slow by simply learning to skate and then using a stick as they get older. Hockey is a very well-supervised sport because it is complex to learn. It’s a safe, steady progression. Not to mention the levels of protection hockey equipment provides.

While hockey is a leading cause of sport-related injury reported to Canadian emergency departments, soccer actually accounts for the largest proportion of injuries in Canada. Youth hockey players visited the ER less often than kids who play football, soccer, basketball, or wrestle.

Risk of injuries

At the younger levels, hockey injuries are very low. However, they do increase as the kids become more proficient in the sport while getting bigger and faster. Youth players are more likely to sustain an injury in a game rather than during practice. Playing in a league with body checking is associated with up to three times increased risk of all game-related injuries. 

And as players move into rep programs such as AAA, AA, A, the risk increases. This is because players are stronger, shoot harder and are more aggressive. It isn’t just boys hockey that can be rough. The girls’ game at the higher levels is very physical despite body checking being prohibited.

Types of injuries

Minor hockey players are most likely to be injured in the upper extremities (23%-55%), followed by spine and trunk (13%-32%). Lower extremity injuries account for 21%-27% of injuries.
Male hockey players are are more likely to experience fractures and shoulder injuries than female players (27% vs. 8%) due to body checking. Girls on the other hand, sustain more soft tissue injuries such as sprains.

The biggest concern for hockey still remains concussion risk. Head injuries account for 7%-30% of injuries. But the people who oversee the hockey have been working on creating rules to prevent this. The Ontario Government, for example, has enacted Rowan’s Law that brings awareness and sets guidelines for the treatment and management of concussions.

The memories of typical hockey player missing teeth of the past are long gone — at least in minor hockey. Mandatory full facial protection and mouth guard usage reduced the risk for these types of injuries to virtually zero.

Body checking or body contact?

Firstly, let’s differentiate between body checking and body contact. 

Body checking is where the defensive player purposely uses his upper body to hit the opposing player with the puck with force. 

Body contact is a player’s defensive move where rather than hitting the other player, they place their body by leaning into the player, skating, angling, or stick checking to remove the puck from the other player.

Body contact is present in all levels of hockey. Girls hockey at the rep level has lots of body contact and it is up to the referees to regulate it before it crosses to body checking.

Body checking is generally only allowed at the rep level where coaches take the time to teach this skill and how to use it to minimize injury. Body checking has been eliminated completely below the U14 level in Canada and the United States. Many are advocating raising the age even higher, while some believe the age should be lower so kids are taught to hit —and take a hit — correctly before there is a large size and strength discrepancy due to some kids hitting puberty before others.

Although referees provide strict enforcement, body checking is the main cause of injuries, either from direct contact or from being checked into the boards or another player.

Hockey is a great sport but like all sports, is does have some risk. However the risk is very low in the younger years. Mostly little kids sustain and few bumps and bruises from falling.

Now stop worrying Mom and Dad … it’s time to have fun on the ice!

When you sign your kid up for hockey, you are about to enter a world of fun, friendships and memories.

If you’re a hockey fan you’ve probably already got your warm coat and footwear and are ready to hit the rink bleachers.

If you’re new to the sport, you are about to become a hockey fan because your favorite player is now playing, which quintessentially makes you a hockey mom. Now as a hockey mom you need to understand that your life is about to change. Here is what to expect …

Your social life and social circle will change

Hockey life becomes your life. You will be turning down activities and invitations because “my kid has hockey”. As a result you will soon find that you find yourself hanging out more with other hockey moms. Your non-hockey moms won’t always get your family’s dedication to the sport, but other hockey moms will.

You will work differently

You will make sure you don’t schedule any work meetings after 4 p.m. You will be taking calls in the car on the way to hockey. You will work in the rink while your player practices. Yes … it’s a balance but it is all worth it to see your kids play.

Your typical day changes

It looks like this: Go to work, leave work early, pick up kids from school, go to practice, make dinner, help with homework, hound kids to shower, prep hockey bags for next day, put kids to sleep, finish work report (because you left early), make lunches, go to sleep. Wake up, start again.

Say goodbye to shopping for yourself

You will spend $200 dollars on a hockey stick instead of the season’s “must have” handbag. If you do buy something for yourself you will evaluate it in terms of “Can I wear this to work and is it warm enough for the rink?” Yes, hockey gear will come first!

Your purse will be huge

Remember that diaper bag you carried in your kids’ early years? You may want to dig it out from storage. Your hockey mom purse will contain, snacks, extra socks, hockey tape, hair ties, skate laces, change for the vending machine, first aid kit, Advil, thermal coffee traveler, a hat, a scarf, gloves, blanket and seat warmer.

You will keep your winter clothes in the car

It’s July and your trunk contains a winter coat, warm footwear, hat, scarf and gloves. A Hockey Mom is always prepared for a cold rink. Flip flops and shorts don’t cut it in the rink. Trust me … I have been stepped on by skates while wearing sandals and it wasn’t fun.

You will know every rink within an hour’s drive

Getting to the local rinks, you are on autopilot … including the coffee shop stop on the way. For out-of-town rinks, your GPS has them all programmed. Now just pray the traffic cooperates. There is nothing worse than the panic that sets in when you realize you are going to be late.

Your house and car will smell … bad

There is no smell as awful as the sweaty hockey gear that now airs out in your dining room. You will also find yourself cracking the windows in the car in the middle of February to stop from gagging. Hockey gloves smell and the hands that were in them smell worse. You’ll get used to it. Air fresheners can help.

You will never sleep in again

Weekends are for sleep … says no Hockey Mom ever! Weekends are now for early morning practices, games and tournaments. And I mean early, as in before breakfast.

You may gain weight

While you may have a great workout routine now, it will be tougher to get a visit to the gym in your hockey schedule. Pair that with the lovehandle-inducing rink concession food and you might see a change in your waistline. To negate this, eat before heading to the rink so you won’t be tempted and take a walk while your kid practices for an hour.

Yes, being a Hockey Mom means sacrificing a few things, but there is nothing like watching your kid beam at you from the ice when they hear you cheering for them.

You are so proud of them, and they are proud of your, too. After all, you are THEIR Hockey Mom, and Hockey Moms rock!

When you sign your kid up for hockey, you about to enter a world of fun, friendships and memories.

If you’re a hockey fan you’ve probably already got your warm coat and footwear and are ready to hit the rink bleachers. I

f you’re new to the sport, you are about to become a hockey fan because your favorite player is now playing, which quintessentially makes you a hockey mom. Now as a hockey mom you need to understand that your life is about to change. Here is what to expect …

Your social life and social circle will change

Hockey life becomes your life. You will be turning down activities and invitations because “my kid has hockey”. As a result you will soon find that you find yourself hanging out more with other hockey moms. Your non-hockey moms won’t always get your family’s dedication to the sport, but other hockey moms will.

You will work differently

You will make sure you don’t schedule any work meetings after 4 p.m. You will be taking calls in the car on the way to hockey. You will work in the rink while your player practices. Yes … it’s a balance but it is all worth it to see your kids play.

Your typical day changes

It looks like this: Go to work, leave work early, pick up kids from school, go to practice, make dinner, help with homework, hound kids to shower, prep hockey bags for next day, put kids to sleep, finish work report (because you left early), make lunches, go to sleep. Wake up, start again.

Say goodbye to shopping for yourself

You will spend $200 dollars on a hockey stick instead of the season’s “must have” handbag. If you do buy something for yourself you will evaluate it in terms of “Can I wear this to work and is it warm enough for the rink?” Yes, hockey gear will come first!

Your purse will be huge

Remember that diaper bag you carried in your kids’ early years? You may want to dig it out from storage. Your hockey mom purse will contain, snacks, extra socks, hockey tape, hair ties, skate laces, change for the vending machine, first aid kit, Advil, thermal coffee traveler, a hat, a scarf, gloves, blanket and seat warmer.

You will keep your winter clothes in the car

It’s July and your trunk contains a winter coat, warm footwear, hat, scarf and gloves. A Hockey Mom is always prepared for a cold rink. Flip flops and shorts don’t cut it in the rink. Trust me … I have been stepped on by skates while wearing sandals and it wasn’t fun.

You will know every rink within an hour’s drive

Getting to the local rinks, you are on autopilot … including the coffee shop stop on the way. For out-of-town rinks, your GPS has them all programmed. Now just pray the traffic cooperates. There is nothing worse than the panic that sets in when you realize you are going to be late.

Your house and car will smell … bad

There is no smell as awful as the sweaty hockey gear that now airs out in your dining room. You will also find yourself cracking the windows in the car in the middle of February to stop from gagging. Hockey gloves smell and the hands that were in them smell worse. You’ll get used to it. Air fresheners can help.

You will never sleep in again

Weekends are for sleep … says no Hockey Mom ever! Weekends are now for early morning practices, games and tournaments. And I mean early, as in before breakfast.

You may gain weight

While you may have a great workout routine now, it will be tougher to get a visit to the gym in your hockey schedule. Pair that with the lovehandle-inducing rink concession food and you might see a change in your waistline. To negate this, eat before heading to the rink so you won’t be tempted and take a walk while your kid practices for an hour.

Yes, being a Hockey Mom means sacrificing a few things, but there is nothing like watching your kid beam at you from the ice when they hear you cheering for them.

You are so proud of them, and they are proud of your, too. After all, you are THEIR Hockey Mom, and Hockey Moms rock!

Sometimes it’s the little things that can remind us about the joy of sport.

Especially for us old and somewhat jaded folks.

My youngest son, Ryder, turned nine at the beginning of August and we had some plans for the afternoon to celebrate as a family, including a trip to the local amusement park.

Those plans, however, abruptly changed when I received an email from his minor hockey association (Blackfoot Hockey) informing parents that hometown boy Brayden Point would be at one of the local rinks here in Calgary with the Cup that afternoon, and that kids were invited to drop by for a picture.

Point — a Blackfoot alumnus — was making the stop as part of his tour of the city for his day with Lord Stanley’s sacred chalice.  

It just so happened that given his local roots – and recent heroics during Tampa Bay’s second straight Cup run — he was already Ryder’s second-favourite player, sitting closely behind Calgary’s Sean Monahan.

And the Lightning already had a coveted spot in our family – not for me, but my boys. As a Flames fan, I’m still bitter about 2004. IT. WAS. IN. 

Some years back, courtesy of a relative of ours, Steven Stamkos surprised my oldest son Aidan by sending some signed Lightning stuff, including a picture with a nice personal message. 

It arrived in the mail and after he opened it, he was an instant fan of the player and the team. This trickled down to Ryder, who considers Tampa his second favourite team, again, after the Flames. 

Needless to say, he was rather excited the last two years when they won back-to-back Cups.

So when I read the email from Blackfoot I could not believe the timing. It was too perfect. When I told Ryder about Point and the Cup, he gave that look that parents adore, the one they get on Christmas morning: Sheer unbridled joy.

Of course, there’s nothing better than sharing an experience like that with a pal so we picked up his best friend Matthew and headed to the rink about 45 minutes before Point was slated to arrive. A lineup had just started forming, with everyone hoping for an autograph as well.

Point arrived a bit late but the crowd of kids erupted when he walked in and held the Cup above his head. His dad asked everyone to flood out on to the arena floor for a big group picture. 

It was bedlam – but the good kind.

Ryder and Matthew managed to get close to him for the picture, Point even rubbing Ryder’s head and saying ‘Hi pal.’

After that, Point announced they had to get going as it was a packed day with tons of stops. However, outside near their rented bus, he stopped for another chat with some kids. Ryder and Matthew found their way right beside him again, both getting to touch the Cup and his ring from 2019. They were beaming.

One little guy asked Point ‘Why does the Cup smell like beer’ – leading to laughter amongst the pint-sized group that had formed around him.

He replied something along the lines of ‘you know why,’ and this time it was the dads turn to chuckle.

Needless to say, Ryder’s feet didn’t touch the ground for the rest of day – he was on Cloud 9.

I work for the Calgary Sports and Entertainment Corporation (the Flames, Stampeders, NLL Roughnecks and WHL Hitmen) as the Director of Digital Content and Social Media, and before that was in the newspaper business for nearly 20 years, most of the time in sports. I’ve spent a lot of time around pro athletes and have become numb to the experience. 

Sure, I see all the work they do behind the scenes with charities and hospital visits, along with regular interactions with young fans. I know firsthand they make a big difference in a lot of young lives.

It’s special, but I think I forgot just how special till I saw it again as a dad through the eyes of my child.

On my first trip down to Tampa after I joined the Flames, I found a few minutes to chat with Stamkos in the Lightning dressing room after his media scrum to thank him. I recounted the story of what he did for Aidan and how that small act of kindness made my child a lifelong fan. He was gracious and smiled when I explained the details, and I’m sure he’s heard a thousand similar stories in his life.

I hope I have the chance in the future to tell Point what that one day and quick exchange meant to a nine-year-old who idolizes him, on his birthday nonetheless.

And also what it meant to me. 

Sometimes it’s the little things that can remind us about the joy of sport.

Especially for us old and somewhat jaded folks.

My youngest son, Ryder, turned nine at the beginning of August and we had some plans for the afternoon to celebrate as a family, including a trip to the local amusement park.

Those plans, however, abruptly changed when I received an email from his minor hockey association (Blackfoot Hockey) informing parents that hometown boy Brayden Point would be at one of the local rinks here in Calgary with the Cup that afternoon, and that kids were invited to drop by for a picture.

Point — a Blackfoot alumnus — was making the stop as part of his tour of the city for his day with Lord Stanley’s sacred chalice.  

It just so happened that given his local roots – and recent heroics during Tampa Bay’s second straight Cup run — he was already Ryder’s second-favourite player, sitting closely behind Calgary’s Sean Monahan.

And the Lightning already had a coveted spot in our family – not for me, but my boys. As a Flames fan, I’m still bitter about 2004. IT. WAS. IN. 

Some years back, courtesy of a relative of ours, Steven Stamkos surprised my oldest son Aidan by sending some signed Lightning stuff, including a picture with a nice personal message. 

It arrived in the mail and after he opened it, he was an instant fan of the player and the team. This trickled down to Ryder, who considers Tampa his second favourite team, again, after the Flames. 

Needless to say, he was rather excited the last two years when they won back-to-back Cups.

So when I read the email from Blackfoot I could not believe the timing. It was too perfect. When I told Ryder about Point and the Cup, he gave that look that parents adore, the one they get on Christmas morning: Sheer unbridled joy.

Of course, there’s nothing better than sharing an experience like that with a pal so we picked up his best friend Matthew and headed to the rink about 45 minutes before Point was slated to arrive. A lineup had just started forming, with everyone hoping for an autograph as well.

Point arrived a bit late but the crowd of kids erupted when he walked in and held the Cup above his head. His dad asked everyone to flood out on to the arena floor for a big group picture. 

It was bedlam – but the good kind.

Ryder and Matthew managed to get close to him for the picture, Point even rubbing Ryder’s head and saying ‘Hi pal.’

After that, Point announced they had to get going as it was a packed day with tons of stops. However, outside near their rented bus, he stopped for another chat with some kids. Ryder and Matthew found their way right beside him again, both getting to touch the Cup and his ring from 2019. They were beaming.

One little guy asked Point ‘Why does the Cup smell like beer’ – leading to laughter amongst the pint-sized group that had formed around him.

He replied something along the lines of ‘you know why,’ and this time it was the dads turn to chuckle.

Needless to say, Ryder’s feet didn’t touch the ground for the rest of day – he was on Cloud 9.

I work for the Calgary Sports and Entertainment Corporation (the Flames, Stampeders, NLL Roughnecks and WHL Hitmen) as the Director of Digital Content and Social Media, and before that was in the newspaper business for nearly 20 years, most of the time in sports. I’ve spent a lot of time around pro athletes and have become numb to the experience. 

Sure, I see all the work they do behind the scenes with charities and hospital visits, along with regular interactions with young fans. I know firsthand they make a big difference in a lot of young lives.

It’s special, but I think I forgot just how special till I saw it again as a dad through the eyes of my child.

On my first trip down to Tampa after I joined the Flames, I found a few minutes to chat with Stamkos in the Lightning dressing room after his media scrum to thank him. I recounted the story of what he did for Aidan and how that small act of kindness made my child a lifelong fan. He was gracious and smiled when I explained the details, and I’m sure he’s heard a thousand similar stories in his life.

I hope I have the chance in the future to tell Point what that one day and quick exchange meant to a nine-year-old who idolizes him, on his birthday nonetheless.

And also what it meant to me. 

At the start of my daughter’s second year of hockey, she noticed the older rep team girls playing a style of hockey that was much faster than her houseleague counterpart. Within a month she had her heart set on being a part of that world. Tryouts for next season came and to our surprise she made a rep team. I had no idea what I was getting myself into.

If your little player has graduated from the house leagues to rep and you’re finding yourself leaving work early, sitting in rush hour heading to a game across town wondering what you’ve signed yourself up for, here are some tips to help survive your first season of rep hockey:

Rep hockey is pricey

You’ve probably already heard that hockey is super expensive. It’s definitely not cheap. For rep hockey, you can expect to pay around four times your house league fees.  Hockey will also cost more as kids get older, and depending on how competitive your team is, and if they travel to many tournaments, fees can be much higher. Expect to be doing some fundraising to help supplement the costs.

Your schedule is dictated by hockey

From September onwards, my response to any invitation is “I’ll check the hockey schedule and get back to you.” There will be a commitment expectation for your team that hockey comes first over almost everything. Which means short of a family wedding or a death, you are expected to be there. Playoffs conflict with March Break vacations. Long weekends are for tournaments and your child may have to miss birthday parties for hockey practice. You need to realize that you are not anywhere. Family events will be scheduled around hockey.  Some leagues/teams publish their scheduled games and tournaments months in advance, making it somewhat easier to plan your life. Last year, my child’s team used the Team Snap app.  I should totally buy stock in it as it really is a God-send for keeping track of the hockey schedule.

Other sports may have to drop

My daughter plays rep hockey and also is a competitive figure skater. It is a crazy balance. Skating has to “skate” around hockey. Hockey comes first so we sometimes miss skate practices and have to forgo competitions for tournaments (which sometimes fall on the same weekends).

There are days when we have gone from skate competition straight to a hockey game back to back. So you will likely have to sacrifice one. We had an upfront conversation with her coach and committed that hockey would always take the upper hand. In most cases, coaches won’t want you doing two competitive sports in the same season. Ours only did as skating skills complimented hockey. 

Your hockey family will help

I work full-time and so does my husband. We are fortunate to have some flexibility in our jobs. But most workplaces don’t consider hockey a good excuse for cutting out of work early. In order for me to make my daughter’s mid-week 4:30pm practices, I sometimes rely on other hockey parents to get her there after school. After work, I meet them at the rink. Don’t worry, everyone is in the same boat. You will spend more time with hockey parents than your other friends and family during hockey season. They won’t be strangers for long.

Feeding your athlete

My daughter’s hockey is almost always right at meal time. Considering that we need to be at the rink 1 hour before the puck drops, and it can take up to an hour to drive there, it’s a constant struggle for me to figure out what she can eat. My player is very picky so finding ‘on-the-go’ food is a challenge. But here’s the good thing, hockey has helped her understand the importance of healthy food as fuel for up for hockey. I now stock up on the healthy snacks and granola bars and a protein shake can sometimes fill in when there isn’t time to eat or hydrate. Some nights they are my dinner, too. I’ve learned that I need to stay away from the poutine or as Christina Aguilera would say, “my hips don’t lie”. Look for snacks that travel well, make-ahead meals and make at home meal kits to make sure the whole family is eating well.

You need a reliable car

You need access to a reliable car and you’ll be spending a lot of time in it. Expect to rack up some miles on your car and sometimes feeling you are completely lost. Driving in bad weather to remote parts of the city require a GPS.  Snow tires are a must if you live within a snowbelt where a storm can sometimes provide you with whiteout conditions and a white knuckles grip. Word of advice … make sure you’re topped up on gas and wiper fluid and have clear directions the night before you leave for the rink and leave early. I learned this lesson the hard way.

Make sure you have cash and coins

After scrambling for change at the bottom of my purse a few too many times, I learned to keep a change and small bills in the car. Most arena snack bars are cash-only. So it’s important to make sure you have cash on hand before promising that post-game slushie. Plus … some places charge for spectators. Yes, you may have to fork over $5 or more to watch your own child play.

Being a rep hockey mom is a lot of work. There are days when as I sit in my sixth rink of the week and I’m fretting over the pile of laundry at home or assignment work I will have to finish later. But it’s worth it. My daughter pours her heart into something she loves. She works hard and if she’s willing to put in this work then I’m willing to support it.

At the start of my daughter’s second year of hockey, she noticed the older rep team girls playing a style of hockey that was much faster than her houseleague counterpart. Within a month she had her heart set on being a part of that world. Tryouts for next season came and to our surprise she made a rep team. I had no idea what I was getting myself into.

If your little player has graduated from the house leagues to rep and you’re finding yourself leaving work early, sitting in rush hour heading to a game across town wondering what you’ve signed yourself up for, here are some tips to help survive your first season of rep hockey:

Rep hockey is pricey

You’ve probably already heard that hockey is super expensive. It’s definitely not cheap. For rep hockey, you can expect to pay around four times your house league fees.  Hockey will also cost more as kids get older, and depending on how competitive your team is, and if they travel to many tournaments, fees can be much higher. Expect to be doing some fundraising to help supplement the costs.

Your schedule is dictated by hockey

From September onwards, my response to any invitation is “I’ll check the hockey schedule and get back to you.” There will be a commitment expectation for your team that hockey comes first over almost everything. Which means short of a family wedding or a death, you are expected to be there. Playoffs conflict with March Break vacations. Long weekends are for tournaments and your child may have to miss birthday parties for hockey practice. You need to realize that you are not anywhere. Family events will be scheduled around hockey.  Some leagues/teams publish their scheduled games and tournaments months in advance, making it somewhat easier to plan your life. Last year, my child’s team used the Team Snap app.  I should totally buy stock in it as it really is a God-send for keeping track of the hockey schedule.

Other sports may have to drop

My daughter plays rep hockey and also is a competitive figure skater. It is a crazy balance. Skating has to “skate” around hockey. Hockey comes first so we sometimes miss skate practices and have to forgo competitions for tournaments (which sometimes fall on the same weekends).

There are days when we have gone from skate competition straight to a hockey game back to back. So you will likely have to sacrifice one. We had an upfront conversation with her coach and committed that hockey would always take the upper hand. In most cases, coaches won’t want you doing two competitive sports in the same season. Ours only did as skating skills complimented hockey. 

Your hockey family will help

I work full-time and so does my husband. We are fortunate to have some flexibility in our jobs. But most workplaces don’t consider hockey a good excuse for cutting out of work early. In order for me to make my daughter’s mid-week 4:30pm practices, I sometimes rely on other hockey parents to get her there after school. After work, I meet them at the rink. Don’t worry, everyone is in the same boat. You will spend more time with hockey parents than your other friends and family during hockey season. They won’t be strangers for long.

Feeding your athlete

My daughter’s hockey is almost always right at meal time. Considering that we need to be at the rink 1 hour before the puck drops, and it can take up to an hour to drive there, it’s a constant struggle for me to figure out what she can eat. My player is very picky so finding ‘on-the-go’ food is a challenge. But here’s the good thing, hockey has helped her understand the importance of healthy food as fuel for up for hockey. I now stock up on the healthy snacks and granola bars and a protein shake can sometimes fill in when there isn’t time to eat or hydrate. Some nights they are my dinner, too. I’ve learned that I need to stay away from the poutine or as Christina Aguilera would say, “my hips don’t lie”. Look for snacks that travel well, make-ahead meals and make at home meal kits to make sure the whole family is eating well.

You need a reliable car

You need access to a reliable car and you’ll be spending a lot of time in it. Expect to rack up some miles on your car and sometimes feeling you are completely lost. Driving in bad weather to remote parts of the city require a GPS.  Snow tires are a must if you live within a snowbelt where a storm can sometimes provide you with whiteout conditions and a white knuckles grip. Word of advice … make sure you’re topped up on gas and wiper fluid and have clear directions the night before you leave for the rink and leave early. I learned this lesson the hard way.

Make sure you have cash and coins

After scrambling for change at the bottom of my purse a few too many times, I learned to keep a change and small bills in the car. Most arena snack bars are cash-only. So it’s important to make sure you have cash on hand before promising that post-game slushie. Plus … some places charge for spectators. Yes, you may have to fork over $5 or more to watch your own child play.

Being a rep hockey mom is a lot of work. There are days when as I sit in my sixth rink of the week and I’m fretting over the pile of laundry at home or assignment work I will have to finish later. But it’s worth it. My daughter pours her heart into something she loves. She works hard and if she’s willing to put in this work then I’m willing to support it.

Every parent wants their child to have the best opportunities to be successful AND happy. 

When it comes to hockey, does that mean their young daughter should play on a boys team in her development years? In areas where there are viable girls hockey programs available, it is clear that there are two questions you must consider:

Is my daughter’s on-ice development improved by playing with boys?

Is that development worth missing out on some of the positive social aspects of playing on an all-girls team?

Kristen Richards, a Canadian professional ice hockey player, played AA in the GTHL for the Etobicoke Canucks until she was 13. 

“I absolutely loved playing boys hockey,” said Richards, who played four seasons in the Canadian Women’s Hockey League with the Brampton/Markham Thunder. “It was difficult for my parents to get me to switch to the girls game. 

“I loved the physicality, compete level, and development opportunities that existed from being in that circle. The physicality of the boys side helped me to develop balance, puck protection, and vision to make quicker plays.”

Tori Charron, who played AA for the boys’ Tecumseh Eagles, had a great experience as well. 

“Looking back I don’t think I would have changed that experience,” said Charron, who played NCAA hockey with Norwich University. “I feel like there was a lot more emphasis of keeping your head up from an early age, preparing us for when hitting would be implemented and I think that makes a huge difference in the early years. 

“I played with a lot of girls who, even in college, had a hard time getting their heads up. This changes the game completely.”

All the women we spoke to who played on boys teams growing up had positive experiences but also faced some challenges. 

Charron recalls her memories of changing in janitors’ closets or the arena’s public bathroom, sometimes feeling left out. 

“This can be difficult and I didn’t realize that until I started playing girls hockey and saw what I was missing,” she said.

Brittany Friesen, who played boys Novice to Bantom with Oro Minor Hockey, also struggled at times with trying to fit in on a boys’ team.

 “There were a couple instances of bullying or certain teammates making it clear that they did not like my presence there,” Friesen said. “But I was lucky to have supportive coaches who recognized those things and ensured that playing was a safe space for me.”

When making the decision, USA Hockey encourages parents to consider which program offers a better coaching and player development strategy. Which program will continue to challenge and allow your daughter to improve? Add this to your research homework.

Kayla Magarelli, who played A and AA boys with the Duffield Devils shared her experience.

“I loved playing hockey with the boys. It was really fun,” said Magarelli. “Sometimes I felt left out of “inside jokes.” Once I moved to girls hockey, I appreciated the social aspect more.”

Hockey Canada (Female Hockey Development) says, “It is important for girls to have the opportunity to interact with teammates and be leaders on their teams. The skill level of female hockey has increased dramatically and girls today have the opportunity to compete at a high level and still benefit from the social and leadership side of the game as well.”

Hockey goes beyond the sport. Many girls will grow up together and develop lifelong friendships. Several women we spoke with indicated that with the advancements in girls hockey they would play in a girls’ hockey program today if they had the option. 

Consider the pros and cons of each option, including the athlete’s decision. She needs to be comfortable and have fun wherever she plays.

“It is important to remember that at some point the athlete will have to join the women’s game if they wish to continue to play at a high performance (provincial or national) and/or a post – secondary level,” said Melody Davidson, former coach of the Canadian National Women’s hockey team who is now with Hockey Canada.

The good news is  no matter where girls start, their path for a future career in women’s hockey has never been brighter.

Every parent wants their child to have the best opportunities to be successful AND happy. 

When it comes to hockey, does that mean their young daughter should play on a boys team in her development years? In areas where there are viable girls hockey programs available, it is clear that there is two questions you must consider:

Is my daughter’s on-ice development improved by playing with boys?

Is that development worth missing out on some of the positive social aspects of playing on an all-girls team?

Kristen Richards, a Canadian professional ice hockey player, played AA in the GTHL for the Etobicoke Canucks until she was 13. 

“I absolutely loved playing boys hockey,” said Richards, who played four seasons in the Canadian Women’s Hockey League with the Brampton/Markham Thunder. “It was difficult for my parents to get me to switch to the girls game. 

“I loved the physicality, compete level, and development opportunities that existed from being in that circle. The physicality of the boys side helped me to develop balance, puck protection, and vision to make quicker plays.”

Tori Charron, who played AA for the boys’ Tecumseh Eagles, had a great experience as well. 

“Looking back I don’t think I would have changed that experience,” said Charron, who played NCAA hockey with Norwich University. “I feel like there was a lot more emphasis of keeping your head up from an early age, preparing us for when hitting would be implemented and I think that makes a huge difference in the early years. 

“I played with a lot of girls who, even in college, had a hard time getting their heads up. This changes the game completely.”

All the women we spoke to who played on boys teams growing up had positive experiences but also faced some challenges. 

Charron recalls her memories of changing in janitors’ closets or the arena’s public bathroom, sometimes feeling left out. 

“This can be difficult and I didn’t realize that until I started playing girls hockey and saw what I was missing,” she said.

Brittany Friesen, who played boys Novice to Bantom with Oro Minor Hockey, also struggled at times with trying to fit in on a boys’ team.

 “There were a couple instances of bullying or certain teammates making it clear that they did not like my presence there,” Friesen said. “But I was lucky to have supportive coaches who recognized those things and ensured that playing was a safe space for me.”

When making the decision, USA Hockey encourages parents to consider which program offers a better coaching and player development strategy. Which program will continue to challenge and allow your daughter to improve? Add this to your research homework.

Kayla Magarelli, who played A and AA boys with the Duffield Devils shared her experience.

“I loved playing hockey with the boys. It was really fun,” said Magarelli. “Sometimes I felt left out of “inside jokes.” Once I moved to girls hockey, I appreciated the social aspect more.”

Hockey Canada (Female Hockey Development) says, “It is important for girls to have the opportunity to interact with teammates and be leaders on their teams. The skill level of female hockey has increased dramatically and girls today have the opportunity to compete at a high level and still benefit from the social and leadership side of the game as well.”

Hockey goes beyond the sport. Many girls will grow up together and develop lifelong friendships. Several women we spoke with indicated that with the advancements in girls hockey they would play in a girls’ hockey program today if they had the option. 

Consider the pros and cons of each option, including the athlete’s decision. She needs to be comfortable and have fun wherever she plays.

“It is important to remember that at some point the athlete will have to join the women’s game if they wish to continue to play at a high performance (provincial or national) and/or a post – secondary level,” said Melody Davidson, former coach of the Canadian National Women’s hockey team who is now with Hockey Canada.

The good news is  no matter where girls start, their path for a future career in women’s hockey has never been brighter.

The NHL’s greatest folk heroes are born from a desire to overcome adversity.

Whether it’s Mark Giordano’s rise from an undrafted defenseman to a Norris Trophy winner, goaltender Josh Harding’s unbelievable run with the Minnesota Wild while battling MS, or Jaromir Jagr’s interminable quest to be an immortal icon of hockey, a willingness to beat the odds is what defines generations of potential tentpoles of the sport.

Add 13-year-old Belfast native Blaze Shields-Pettitt to the list.

Pit against a litany of physical and mental illnesses, which include a weakened back due to Schorml’s Nodes, kidney conditions diagnosed in utero, bilateral hydronephrosis that challenges his hydration during games, as well as autism and ADHD, a glance at Blaze’s medical history doesn’t suggest the pedigree of an A-list goalie prospect.

Despite this, the young netminder has quickly propelled himself through the ranks of the native Irish hockey scene, serving as the backbone for the U16 Junior Belfast Giants and being recruited to backstop Team Ireland’s Inline hockey squad in 2020 (a tournament that was eventually canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic).

“On the ice he can be Blaze, just Blaze,” explain Shield-Pettitt’s parents on his Facebook page. “Not the sick child, not the medical appointments and pain, just Blaze the goalie, and that means the world.”

The sense of normalcy has been a welcome addition to Blaze’s life. He maintains consistent physical therapy and takes special care to ensure he can stay hydrated during games, but in a community where he’s been accepted as just another member of the team, Blaze has found a sense of belonging and a chance to excel.

Even his mind can be at peace on the ice; while ADHD and autism present issues with attentiveness and processing, they can also be a boon to one’s concentration, allowing those with it to hyperfocus on things that make them feel happy or mentally invested, and Blaze has found that investment in hockey.

The 13-year-old first came across the sport after being brought to a Belfast Giants game by the Royal Belfast Hospital for Sick Children and was instantly enthralled by the game, especially goaltending position, filled then by long-time Giant Stephen Murphy (Murphy retired in July 2021 after 11 years with Belfast and a single season with the Manchester Storm).

Blaze was mesmerized by the athleticism and artistry of Murphy

“After the game, I told my parents that I wanted to learn to play as a goalie,” he said.

It wasn’t until January 2017 that Blaze would first try on skates. A late start to be sure, but in four short years he’s already bloomed into a bright prospect in a place that doesn’t see many.

“Some of the coaches Blaze has worked with … say Blaze does have the potential to become a professional,” his parents said. “He has the right mindset, the dedication to the position, but is also willing to listen to constructive criticism.”

If Blaze were to make it to the NHL, he would become just the sixth Irish-born player to do so, and the first goaltender. But the road to the show isn’t a simple one for someone in the growing goaltender’s situation.

While it’s normal for international prospects to make their way to the Canadian Hockey League for both development and scout attention — and Blaze certainly dreams of doing so — his individual circumstances mean his development is more likely to continue in his native Ireland. 

“If he moved to Canada his medical insurance payments would be substantial,” caution his parents. “He has already been refused from private healthcare in the UK due to his kidneys being deemed a pre-existing condition.”

If Blaze remains in Europe, though, it would hardly deter his development. Between Inline and ice hockey the 15-year-old netminder has found his fair share of competition and consistently stood to face it.

He recently backstopped the U16 Giants to third-place in tournament play in Scotland, and aims to be named to Team Ireland’s Inline Hockey team once again. 

“To get an Ireland jersey with my name and number on it would mean so much to me,” he said, adding that he aims to compete for a spot on Great Britain’s U18 Ice Hockey team as well.

Blaze undeniably has the skill and support to continue his `ascent through the hockey world, competing internationally and continually finding greater responsibility before he’s even learned to drive a car, but that’s not always enough.

Instead, what seems to help set Blaze apart from the crowd are his positive character, hard-nosed determination, and ability to persevere in the face of his own adversity.

It’s those skills, and the heart of a player, that will ultimately power him through the uphill climb of his career, and before long, maybe even into the annals of NHL history.