a proud hockey mom

So its no secret that we're all addicted to hockey. The kids play everyday, I check the Grizz website almost everyday, we all go watch Howie play on sundays and Im trying to get the guts to go play at another stick and puck.

I have to say that Im so extra proud of Howie's mad goalie skillz... yes, with a z.

Theres a guy named Nick Jelitto, he's prob. played hockey since he could walk. SUPER nice guy. He helped teach the Start Smart classes that Howie goalied for last summer. Nick would skate at Howie cross ice, as fast as he could and fire one a thousand miles an hour and Howie would block it. No fear.. not even the time he got hit in the cup. Its INSANE to watch Howie play against grown ups. Its scary, its given me an ulcer, but Im facinated at Howie's skill to have no fear and usually be in the right place at the right time.

A few weeks ago Howie got into Planet Hockey. Its a 5 day camp at the U 0f U campus. Guys come from all over to teach the boys great things, not only about hockey, but about life. Friday was the last day of camp and he had the game with the boys his age in the morning, then he was supposed to get lunch and go do dryland training in the afternoon. During lunch, the main coach asked Howie to play goalie for the big kids... the middle school/high school kids. Howie was ALL over that. The game ended in a tie so there could be a sudden death shootout. The other goalie missed his shot by a mile. The COACH trying to score on Howie came from half ice, full force, fired a slap shot and Howie snatched it out of the air like it was nuthin'. I didnt know if I should cry or cheer. I cheered. I really hope Howie continues with his passion ( he better, I paid $700 for his helmet! He'll be wearing that damn thing to prom, his wedding, the birth of his first born if I have anything to say about it) Needless to say, Im a proud goalie mom.. a nervous WRECK, but proud.