#17 is my MVP
I know what you are thinking – not another damn hockey post. But hold up. Hear me out.
Ben’s hockey season officially ended when they lost the championship game a couple of weeks ago. But the real highlight of the season happened at the end of the year banquet earlier this week.
#17 in your program. #1 in your heart.
Hockey season was a struggle for us. Not because Ben doesn’t like waking up early or because he hates playing. It’s actually quite the opposite. He loves playing. He loves being part of a team. He loves the sport and he’s super proud to sport his CAYH jacket. It was a struggle because he was forced to miss half his practices and games. Can you imagine having to tell your son that he can’t go to a semi-final game? Well – that is what I dealt with ALL winter. Watching him sit on the couch and cry asking why he can’t go to practice. Or why he missed the big game vs. Beverly. It’s something no parent should have to deal with. My response to these questions was very simple:
“Ask your dad.”
I’ve heard every reason why the “other side” won’t support Ben’s hockey career. His hockey career that started 6 ½ years ago when Santa Claus brought him a sweet pair of Bauer skates. There were times when he started out that I thought maybe hockey wasn’t his sport. That all changed once his confidence grew and once he realized he didn’t need that crate anymore. He was hooked.
March 27, 2011. 1st time on skates.
When Coach Morgan presented Ben with the Mite 2 “Most Improved Award” at the end of the year banquet, this hockey mom had a hard time holding back tears. Mostly happy tears with a touch of sadness. Can you imagine how much better he would have become with more ice time? For a young rink rat to miss half his games and practices and still get the MIP award, says a something about kid that I’m raising. Ben learned an important lesson this season thanks to Coach Morgan. It’s quality vs. quantity. Every time you step on the ice, give 100%. No matter what. Watching him grow has a hockey player this season has been amazing. It’s something that every parent should witness. Especially his father.
Big Ben will always be my MVP!
