Hockey Weekend!

I have just returned from a long weekend in Niagara Falls NY! Jason's select hockey team had their first hockey tournament. We left on Thursday around noon and returned around dinner tonight. We all had an amazing time. Here are the highlights.......

When we arrived on Thursday it was sunny and mild. On Friday when we woke up we heard on the local news that they were expecting a snowstorm (possibly up to 6-inches). This is a photo of us driving to one of the games we played on Friday. We didn't get as much snow as they predicted, but we did slip and slide a bit.

We had 2 games to play on Friday and this is how the team relaxes. They all huddle around a small TV with X-Box controllers in their hands. You can see Jay is right in the middle of it all!

After a day of shopping on Saturday, Amanda and I walked down to the falls before we headed to the rink to play the semi-final game. It was a great way to calm my nerves and we managed to snatch a few photos. It was freezing but worth it.

When we arrived at the arena there was a huge delay in the game before us because they had to repair a piece of the glass that had broken. Our team was dressed and ready to go so they were watching the game and I took the opportunity to snap some photos.

The above photo is Jay and the other goalie on the team. It is hard to believe they are the same age.....there is another boy on our team that is even taller than Kyle.

One of my favourite photos of the weekend is this one. Jay and some of his buddies are watching the game, waiting to go out for theirs. The dressing rooms were so small, the entire team could not be in them at one time. They actually had to dress in shifts.

I had hubby round up the team and I snatched a photo of everyone. I thought it turned out pretty good! Jay's best friend David is the one in the front row on the left. He couldn't play because he has a concussion but he came along and stayed with us for the weekend.

When Kyle (the other goalie) played in the net, Jay ran the door on the bench.

Here is the team huddle after they won the semi-final game.

To celebrate we went to the Hard Rock Cafe to have a late dinner! All the guys on the team sat at one table. It is such a great thing to watch. Apparently they were all trying to get the 'cute' waitress to kiss Monty on his bald head for good luck in the final game to be played the next day. They were taking up a collection of change that they had in their pockets to bribe her. The waitress said that she couldn't do it because his wife (that would be me) would kick her 'butt'!

After a good night's sleep, packing up the truck, and a good breakfast at Tim Horton's we arrived at the rink for the final game of the weekend. Jay is sporting the new shirt he bought at the mall when we were shopping the day before.

Here are some action shots of Jay during the game. I didn't take very many because I was so busy watching. It was a really tense game.

We did not escape injuries. I always have a sick feeling in my stomach when a player goes down. Jay is not allowed to leave his crease so he stood by and watched. Brian was speared by a player on the other team. After a few minutes he made his way back to the bench and later played in the game.

We were one goal short of the championship win. This photo of Jay receiving his trophy and getting encouragement from his dad is why we enjoy this sport so much. I am so proud of both of them. He has developed into such a team player and he has his dad to thank for that.

Here is the official team photo with their trophies.

And here is my favourite player. I am his #1 fan. I love you bud! You make me so proud to be your mom. I can't wait until Tuesday night when I get to watch you play again.