The Innisfail "Tim Hortons" Eaglets have been working on their newly acquired hockey skills all year long.
The players hit the ice back in October with great dreams of playing hockey, only to find out that the ice is very slippery.
OK, how do I do that again coach? Put my stick on my thigh and push to get up; OK, I mastered that. Now how to stand on this slippery stuff is next. Whoops, down again!
With dogged determination, and a few trips to and from the washroom, the kids started to build their confidence.
They discovered that the equipment does protect them when they fall on the ice, especially the helmet; the kids became the official helmet testers for Innisfail Minor Hockey.
As they gained confidence in their ability to stay upright, so did their movement. The players started by walking, then moved to running, and finally developing a stride on the ice.
With great determination, the young players learned some very valuable life skills as well. They learned that that hard work pays off, and that getting up after you fall down and trying again is very rewarding.
"Instead of two strides I did three this time, wow! Did you see that Mom and Dad?"
"Great, I am going forward, oh no the boards, how do we stop coach! Hey mom did you count how many times I fell down and got up this year?"
"I cannot count that high, junior."
With their new skills, the players are ready to end the year off with some games. They will be playing Friday nights at 5 p.m. until the end of the season on March 4th.
The players and parents on the team would like to thank the following sponsors for their season: Tim Hortons, Innisfail Kinsmen, and Innisfail Minor Hockey, as these sponsors enabled the players to enjoy their first season of hockey.
"We fall on the ice in October, but skate off proudly in March". Thank you!
