Hockey Mom

A popular fast and furious sport is the game of hockey. It requires careful watching and, more importantly, total concentration every second the players are on the ice. Barbara has been a hockey mom for seven years, since her son, Logan, was in third grade. He is now a sophomore and an active player for his high school’s team. Since he’s been involved in this sport, he has functioned as a goalie and takes great pride in his position and contribution to the team’s total effort. 

It’s a goalie’s job to devote absolute attention to the back and forth possession of the puck and be in constant alert status while the game is in play. The friends and families of the players have been the faithful cheering section for all the games. The seated fans are the hub of verbal advice and praise directed at the teams on the ice. Barbara, however, likes to watch her son from the close vantage point of the corner “on the glass." She stands at her observation point and watches the action from behind the protective Plexiglas, concentrating on the skills of the team’s performance. She calls this area her “Zen” corner of the arena where her solitude and vision can appreciate the intricate calculations of the goalie’s job. Being away from murmurings of the audience elevates this process to actual detailing of Logan’s actions and dispels any negative noise.  

The casual observer may not know the differences that a goalie’s job entails. This position requires constant presence on the ice throughout the game. He must be vigilant at defending his goal and be alert as the last line of defense. He must watch for projectiles at all times, keeping his eyes trained on the puck. A mom is aware of these challenges and stands by, communicating her thoughts, praising successful outcomes, examining the occasional negative ones, and expressing suitable encouragement. 

There have been many years of this scenario for Barbara. She has transported Logan and his bags and cases of equipment from days of youth hockey to the present practices and games. The thick padded uniform he wears is heavier than the skaters’ and covers his body from extra-protective neck and head to extra-padded toes. His skates and helmet are also different from those of his group, since his job requires deflecting the puck sent sailing by the other team. A goalie mom might cringe when an errant projectile hits her son’s face mask or a scramble ensues in front of the goal. Many seasons have resulted in her nerves being tested. But the bottom line is that her pride has been earned. 

Families of hockey players share in their child’s passion. They empathize with one another, discuss the health issues, the practices they must have and the distances they travel. But the players are joined as a group and have the spirit of helping one another.  The cohesive unit blends like-minded players who learn to function as a team. This builds character, sets goals and instills pride in accomplishments. It’s a great way to share in your child’s life. It makes a lot of fabulous memories. Just ask a hockey mom.   

Lizabeth Braskie

I'm a retired Sun Newspaper typist. I've been writing freelance articles for the past twenty five years. Some of them are personal experiences having to do with my family of eight children and a total of twenty grandchildren. They keep me busy with a variety of subject matter.

Read More on
Volume 8, Issue 12, Posted 6:53 PM, 12.04.2016