There was a time when I would tell people, "Hockey is life." My father taught me to play, we watched it growing up, we went to NHL games (back when ticket prices were realistic), I "worshiped" Wayne Gretzky and the Edmonton Oilers, I collected hockey cards, I memorized the 21 NHL teams and the divisional structure of the NHL and I attempted to play every variety of hockey there was growing up (except for field hockey - never did understand that sport...).
I never played organized Ice Hockey - probably due to the fact that we grew up in a small Wyoming town of 5700 people, but I was able to play in floor hockey and roller hockey leagues over the years.
But Ice Hockey is the ultimate - every other form must admit that it was first played on ice. So there is just something special about putting the pads on and getting back out there.
Last week (after being off the ice for years) I was asked to play in an annual alumni match for the University I attended. I won't tell you the score - because I do have some pride - but will admit it wasn't pretty.
But I had a lot of fun - and I didn't break anything!
Did I forget to tell you, "Hockey is life?"
