This past weekend, one of our CBHL rival teams came to Charlottesville for three games over two days.
As I’ve come to expect, our Bear families were exceedingly hospitable – welcoming our guests Saturday afternoon for the first game at 3:45 – a game the home team won handily… followed by 8:00 am and 11:30 am games Sunday morning.
In the spirit of the season, here are my observations from this past weekend of things for which I am THANKFUL:
1) For having a team composed of parents, players and coaches that are attentive, supportive and appreciative. Attentive to my requests for timely attendance and responsive feedback to my communications — as well as to our players needs (delivering post-game cookies, filling water bottles and tying tons of skates among other things). Supportive of our coaches in their methods and madness – and never really questioning the times in which they sometimes put the most – um – unorthodox lines on the ice – we all believe in the development of every player at this level. Appreciative in the efforts it takes from all of us to create an environment that is enjoyable – not chaotic, but truly comfortable and welcoming.
2) For having coaches that do not scream at our players, but instead, offer guidance and advice to make incremental improvements. They never belittle, degrade or accost our kids – physically or verbally. I find myself disappointed in the realization that this is the exception as opposed to the rule and I could not be more grateful for the environment they create for our kids.
3) For living in an area that fosters cooperation and the expectation of the best of people – as opposed to constantly expecting ulterior motives. (Case in point: Knowing that we had only a short time between our games Sunday morning – and that getting players undressed and redressed takes quite a bit of time in itself, one of our enterprising team mom’s suggested that we hold a potluck brunch between the Sunday games… all of our parents were happy to participate. AND. When I suggested late Thursday night that we extend an invitation to our rivals to join us – requiring everyone on our team to provide “a little more”, they ENTHUSIASTICALLY agreed. And our rivals accepted our offer. Our Bears provided a full buffet of egg casseroles, sausage and gravy, coffee cakes, pastas, muffins, hash browns, yogurt, fruit and juices. It was typical Charlottesvillian hospitality on display and it made me proud to call this place home – and to be a part of our team).
4) For having a team that is encouraging and enterprising. Our players and parents never – really, never – place blame for a loss. Not on a line, the coaches, a player. And if any one of our parents sees a need – they don’t hesitate to jump and address the situation – whether it be watching over younger siblings, manning the penalty box, taking team photos, cleaning up our “house” or tying skates – everyone plays a part willingly.
5) For having coaches who are teaching our players so much more than the game of hockey. There is one thing in particular that our coaches do that I find especially compelling. Before the start of each game they select two players and have them skate to our opponents bench to either thank the coaches for bringing their team to our ice – or for hosting us at their home rink. It teaches our kids so many valuable lessons that – while they may think only relate to hockey – really are life lessons: How to address adults respectfully, how to be appreciative of others, and how to be humble among them.
6)Finally, I’m thankful for my own family: For a player who loves what he does and makes me proud by his effort on the ice, his respect for his coaches and support of every teammate; For my youngest son who willingly schleps to ice park after ice park, weekend after weekend, following our rules and cheering for his big brother; And for my dear husband who has not only been my co-manager these past several years – but who has recently stepped up to happily take on the bulk of the work. Without him, I could never have done all the things I’ve done – and, in many cases – our team (and to a greater degree our son) wouldn’t have had the opportunities they have enjoyed these past several seasons.
So much to be thankful for. (And that’s just the hockey stuff!)