Hockey season started with a bang and an injury! First game, first 30 minutes and Hockey Player was down. But not for long. Sat out to catch his breath and then back on the ice he went. Big O Daddy O wouldn't let Mom check out Hockey Player. He is a Warrior after all. (Aren't all boys!) A mistake that BODO won't make again. Took his skates off between 2 games, and it was a challenge getting that skate back on for the second game. AND Hockey Player played the second game. The next day (Monday) we discover he needs one of these:
2 weeks in a cast. 2 weeks in a boot. Easy return to the ice to condition the ankle. (Not really...there is no take it easy with this kid.) He overdid it and had to sit out the next week. Miss yet another set of games/tournaments. Back on the ice. Taping. Icing after games. Elevate it during the day during school (beautiful that we homeschool, the couch was his new workstation!) The ankle weathered the week with just a little puffiness. So good, because it was hard to see these disappointed eyes. 
This boy loves hockey. Can't get his attention, say a hockey term or just hockey. Boom back on planet earth he returns and he is looking to see where the action is. :) He now has a team of moms that worry about him. Just what every hockey player wants! But hey, he is back on the ice now...
This weekend both boys participated in the Kansas Cup. A wonderful hockey mom shared her pictures with me. So I have these of Hockey Player. I am waiting for the Bestest Aunt Sharon to pass on the pictures she took to me, so I can share memorable moments of both boys. So pictured above is getting back to business ! His serious expression his the only sign of how glad this boy is to be back on the ice. Feet, pucks and sticks belong on the ice. Ice does not belong on the body. :) First tournament back and it feels oh so good to end with one of these team pictures:
and one of these pictures of pure triumph and joy!
And yes, he did receive a pretty awesome check this weekend. Fortunately, Mom looked to check on one of the kiddos and missed it. To hear Big-O-Daddy-O tell it, makes the momma sick and she gets a lump in her throat. All of his new moms checked in with me to make sure he was okay. I just keep saying thank you Lord for preventing me from seeing it. So good to know he has a crew to watch out for him. He may not like it, but it is comforting and encouraging to this mom. He got back in the game and finished up. I was able to watch the Championship game later without as much angst and enjoy watching him have fun.
When asked later by BODO about the check, "It didn't hurt a lot, but it didn't hurt a little." In contrast, when he was checked and broke his ankle, "It didn't hurt at all." So it was a harder check, just like everyone said, the second time around. He did get back in the game. His chest was sore and his chin scraped up, but all is good and that is hockey for you! A checking clinic is on the horizon. Never been so intent on signing up for a clinic as I am this time.
I am hoping, maybe Daddy's Buddy finds a different sport he likes. I am grateful Flutter Nutter isn't too interested in playing sports. He is just interested in girls and computer games. For now, I will just go along for the ride and look forward to when i can see the Aunt Sharon's pictures of the boys. 
