Titans of the Twine Tent

Drove in the rain to Thamesford last night to watch 6 year old nephew's hockey game. The little guy has come a long way since first lacing 'em up a couple of winters ago. His skating is not quite there yet, but coming along. His strides are short and without his stick he swing his arms back and forth instead of from side to side, making it look like he is walking somewhere in a tremendous hurry. Still, he beats most of the other players to the puck, and is among the top players on his Tyke team.

Last night it was nephew's turn to play goalie. He was very excited about it all week. His dad strapped the pads on him and he waddled out of the dressing room, stood waiting by the gate with his team mates, and then, just as the Zamboni was about to finish, he announced that he had to pee. His dad grabbed him, hustled him back to the dressing room, removed the corresponding equipment for nephew to do his business, got the gear back on, and had him on ice in time to take a couple of warm up shots.

The game was a goalie's battle. At first nephew looked unsure of himself, but the first half of the game was scoreless. He got better as the game went on revealing a poke-check reminiscent of the great Johnny Bower. Thamesford got a couple by him, and their goalie was phenomenal. He was by far the busier of the two having to face at least half a dozen breakaways, but he stopped everything thrown at him. Thamesford won 2 to 0. It was great fun to watch, and I know nephew enjoyed himself.