Wednesday, April 19, 2017
"Top shelf, where mommy keeps the Thin Mints."
Parker would love to say this when someone scored a goal over a goalies shoulders. He knew every hockey phrase there is. We couldn't get through a day with out saying "bar down", "five hole" or our favorite, "SCREEN". The kid loved hockey. This was one of many things he inherited from me. Although it annoyed the hell out Kim and Payton and even Stella, we'd play knee hockey almost every day. He loved playing hockey. He was no Martin Brodeur, but he could stop the puck pretty good. He was a little odd like most goalies are. He would listen to the same songs before every game and he even named his sticks. He loved watching hockey. I'd fall asleep on the couch, especially during the playoffs, and miss a lot of the ends of games. I wouldn't need to check my phone in the morning because as soon as he got up he'd check the scores and start talking about them. He'd ask if I saw the save that Holtby or Dubnyk made. Of course I'm up tonight watching the late playoff game, but it's just not the same. It won't ever be the same.
I never missed any of his games. At home games, I'd work the scoreboard. Away games I'd work the penalty box. Both of these assignments were good for everyone, because if I wasn't doing that, I'd probably just be in the stands screaming at the refs. (Can't confirm nor deny that previously happening). I'm not sure who loved travel hockey more, me or him. It's probably a tie. Lol. I've only been inside his home ice rink once since he's passed. I'm not 100% sure I can do it again. It sucked. Don't get me wrong, it was great to see my friends and his teammates who I love dearly, but it just felt empty without him there. I'm sure I'll get to some games this season, he'd want me to go. I mean what else would I be doing at 6am on a Saturday in the middle of Winter anyway. Lol.
Sorry to the all the non hockey people if this was a long, boring read. Lol. If you've ever been to an NHL game or watched your child play in a tournament out of state or even if you played street hockey with your friends growing up, you'd understand. 🥅🏒🚨