Our very own
Dana Goldin plays ice hockey in Minnesota. Here are her insights and perspectives of her own experiences:
"Being in MN, the state of hockey, it was only natural that both my girls ended up playing. When my youngest came to me in kindegarten and said she wanted to play, I was flabbergasted! Not only did I know nothing about hockey, I couldn't believe she wanted to turn her tutu and leotard in for hockey gear! Needless to say, after lots of gear gone through and years at it, I absolutely love being a hockey mom. Two years ago, I couldn't stand just watching any more or stand the fact that my kids could skate and I still never had. I bought my first hockey skates and gear, and joined "Chicks with Sticks." It was rough going for awhile, but I knew it was something I would stick with forever! As much as I love watching, I dig playing even more! Now I play three times a week; one clinic, one league game, and one pick up game.
The women in the league are mostly hockey moms like myself. Some are playing for the first time and others have played some or were hockey cheerleaders. It's great camaraderie, and we laugh a lot and have a blast. Mostly, we love the exercise, and getting out and skating at our ages.
I mostly play left forward, but we rotate in and play the position the player coming out just left. I really thing it helps to play all the positions to get a better sense of the game and what's expected of you as a player and where. I definitely don't keep track of my goals and assists, but I can tell you I wish it was a whole lot more! And we don't call penalties...we just keep it pretty clean. I actually find it funny how much I enjoy the roughness of the sport and how competitive i am at it! Never would have thought at my age I'd have that in me, but I sure do!
The most memorable moments thus far were at this year's pond hockey championships on Lake Minnetonka this past January. Unexpectedly, we had the rainiest weekend ever in January. It was total slop on the ice! The water was deeper than the puck and you couldn't even move it. It was hilarious! Every time someone went to hit the puck, the other players got a faceful of water. We were all soaking wet and laughing our asses off! None of us will ever forget those games. Unfortunately, they had to cancel the tournament on day 2 of 3. But, it was great while it lasted."
