GO CANADA GO!

We are enjoying many late nights watching the Olympics in Vancouver. Liam and Luke are really into it this year. Luke's favourite sport is the skeleton and Liam really loves the speed and figure skating.

Last night we watched the Canadian men kick butt against the Russians in hockey and tonight the women will prevail! During the games, Grace and her brothers were playing a little hockey in the living room. Grace was using a mini Toronto Marlies stick. Who says you can't play hockey before you can walk?

First Skate

Last night, the boys and I went skating for the first time this year. The ice at Ted Reeve was surprisingly good. Liam tried out his new skates and helmet and Luke slowly circled the ice as he was intent on not falling and getting his track pants snowy. Hockey starts soon for Beth, Liam and Luke.

Shinny

Tonight was my fourth week going to adult beginner shinny. Because of the Superbowl, the turnout was sparse, but I had a good time nonetheless. It's really hard to find a time or place to learn how to play hockey as an adult. It always looked like so much fun when I'm on the pleasure pad and there was a game going on beside me on the hockey pad. Guess what? - It is fun. Next year I'm going to look for an instructional program at an indoor arena with full equipment. I'm thinking I should get a face mask anyway as I did have a puck bounce off my chin a few weeks ago. Luckily my winter beard provided some padding and I'm none worse for wear.

Smooth ice!

Liam and I went to East York Memorial Arena this morning and enjoyed some smooth freshly Zambonied ice. Video below.

Night time skate

The boys and I went to try out the local natural rink. A team of volunteers has been flooding like crazy, especially with the low temperatures. It's a little bumpy- though it was exhilarating to be skating outside at night with the temperature at -15.

How do you cross-over?

I went skating this afternoon without the kids. The bubble was empty enough to try and improve my technique along with getting some exercise. Two things I'd like to be able to do are stop using my right skate and cross over when I'm turning. I sense I'm getting closer, but I've still got a block. I think it's about the balance.

Hockey

I was at the rink twice today for the boys' hockey school. Liam's getting great. Today he complained that the sweat was stinging his eyes. I love it when that happens. Luke has finally come around after seven trying weeks of what he calls "swimming" on the ice and crying. I really wish I knew how to play.
I'm going to look for some parent and child shinny.