Lots of you know that I’m a hockey addict. For 2/3 of the year, you can find me at the local rink nearly every day of the week (I rest on Saturdays).

How is that possible? Well, there’s learn-to-play class twice a week. There’s open stick (pick-up) hockey 3 days a week. And don’t forget game night for the Campion Hockey League on Sunday nights.

In hot pursuit of the puck during a Campion Hockey League Game, 2011.

So, that’s 6 days of hockey each and every week… during the regular season.

During the final weeks of the season, much like a bear gearing up for hibernation, I consume as much ice time as my body (and marriage) can withstand.

Winning the face-off during a women’s hockey tournament in Stowe, Vermont, 2012.

This year, I played in both the women’s and the men’s Spring Mud League, and had 3 separate tournaments scheduled (2 women’s tourneys plus my first co-ed one).

About 2/3 of my 2012 women’s Mud League hockey team, Stateline White.

The 2012 men’s Mud League expansion hockey team, the Pirates.

Turns out though, I ended up missing the final tournament due to my husband’s bicycle accident and clavicle surgery.

Don’t get me wrong. I hold no grudge against my Sweet Man, who has been nothing but supportive of my crazy hockey habit.

Being home to care for him in his need was something I was happy to do. I’m grateful to be his bride, and to be the one to nurse him.

Happy together, in sickness and in health.

Still, I did feel a twinge of regret that I couldn’t be in 2 places at once. I wrote my team captain, Kara, explaining the situation, and couldn’t resist adding a sort of hockey pep-talk, in lieu of being part of the tournament team.

Imagine my delight when Kara sent the team this note, along with the fantastic motivational hockey poster she made from my advice:

“Carrie needs to bow out of the tourney, but she sent me some thoughts to
channel the “Carrie Mental Edge” over the other teams…so she’ll be with us in spirit.
And if we really want to outlast our opponents, don’t forget your chocolate milk!”

(All of this I learned from my coach, Dick Dodds, arguably one of the best hockey coaches New Hampshire has ever seen.)

So much love! I couldn’t have been more pleased to remain a part of my tournament team, if only in spirit.

And my team? They WON their division… in quadruple overtime!