Old Faces New Faces

Well as I said in my last post, a new season of hockey has started. As I went to our first game a couple of weeks back, my mind was drifting as I drove to the rink thinking of last season's team members and of the upcoming season. Let me explain-- each year we are rated as players and there is a draft to form new teams. This is to keep the teams as equal as possible so that grudges don’t get out of hand because that player you just slashed or tripped or whatever, might be on your team or even worse, your line, so I guess it helps us play with more respect for others.


As I sat in the change room getting ready, new faces walk in and ones I already know. But there isn’t any awkwardness-- we say "Hi" and "What’s your name?", "How long have you played in the league?" and bang a new friend. And with that 1 common bond--the love for the game and the ability to still play it. If it was only this easy to obtain new clients in the real world or even, for some, to talk to their neighbors.

On our 2nd game, we had to draw a player from a pool because we were short a full- time player. As I walked into the dressing room I heard a familiar voice. I looked up and, shock, I saw a player that I haven’t played with for over 2 years in another league. We played together for 3 years and we joked around like the past 2 years was only 2 weeks ago. We bantered back and forth with satire and quick one liners.

I suppose what I am saying is that a team sport like hockey is more than just a sport. It gives us a sense of belonging amongst others who share the same passion and the competitive spirit.