When I talk about hockey, I'm talking about the original. Not the horribly uncivilized game that Canadians play on ice since they can't play it an land. I'm talking about the hockey that involves running around till you're half dead. The hockey that requires you to train if you want to be any good. The hockey that devours devotion and keeps asking for more. The hockey that perspires out of your stick. That is what hockey is.
Hockey is the game that I play. It is also the game that many others have played for many years. My dad plays hockey. My brother and sister play Hockey. My friend Isabelle plays hockey. Surprisingly enough, everybody at Field Hockey Ontario plays hockey. Many people play hockey. No wonder really, since it's such a great sport.
With all these people playing hockey, there come memories. Memories of not looking and passing the ball straight to the opposing team who scored the winning goal two seconds before the end whistle. Memories of making the perfect flatch that went straight across the field to the forward who got a short corner. Memories of hitting the ball into the net and hearing the triumphant clunk that satisfies your sweat soaked ears in such a way that that makes you raise your stick above your head and jump for joy. Memories of your team mate scoring the winning goal and practically killing them with a huge tackle to the ground. These are the memories of a hockey player.
That is why people play this sport. This sport of compassion. The memories are of such magnitude and strength that you want to keep experiencing the surge of running with the ball and hearing the crowd shout your name to keep on going or to pass. Even if it's just your mom. Especially if it's your mom. The memories of 'failure' also keep people playing. To make sure that you can do better than that. To prepare yourself for the disappointment and frustration of the coach as he is shouting at you about how bad you know you played, and then get better. Learn and enjoy the experience of it. Getting better.
And that ladies and gentlemen, is what hockey is all about. Not shoving and fighting, but companionship and teamwork. Without it you will be trampled in this game. The game of admiration.
Life Lesson: Many people, even the best, experience failure. And then get better.
I commented on Hayley's blog this week.
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