by Joanne My little man loves hockey! He wants to play road hockey (with me as the goalie!), hockey on the wii with his grandfather, hockey, hockey, hockey! This fall we decided that it was time to register him in the Initiation Program (IP) with our local hockey association. He was thrilled when we bought him his first stick, even more thrilled when his uncle got him all dressed up in his favourite cousin’s hockey equipment… What could be better than playing hockey… playing in DJ’s old equipment!! Finally after weeks of waiting we headed out to the rink – Timbits hockey here we come!

The Timbits minor sports program is a community oriented sports program for children aged 4 to 6. It is not about winning or loosing, it is about learning a new sport, making new friends and just being a kid.

The first day at the rink was wonderful and nerve-racking. My little man headed out on the ice along with 30 other little boys and girls all ready to have some fun. I held my breath… we had taken his skating a few times but he was still learning. I was unsure how he would do… would he like it or cry and want off the ice. I looked over at my husband “The coordinator told me he did not have to be a strong skater” I told him – to reassure myself! Would he be ok out there! What happens if he falls… looses his glove? Who would help him?

Well this smile tells it all!

Within minutes he was shuffling along around the rink – hockey stick in hand with his mouth guard. He fell and got back up with ease. My husband called him over to the bench for a water break and he told him to hurry up because he wanted to be back on the ice with his team.

Our kids are being coached by wonderful coaches and on-ice volunteers who help them every step of the way. Through drills and creative games (have you ever played sockey? Hint: soccer on ice!) they are learning all of the skills they will need to skate and play our national sport.

50 minutes later he was off the ice – very sweaty and very happy! We asked him – “So how was it?” His response “Is there hockey tomorrow?” Yes” – I said…”Great! At what time? I can’t wait to come back!” He says that every week!

If your child wants to play hockey you can find similar programs all over the city. Not all associations in Ottawa use the Timbits IP program. Please visit the Ottawa District Minor Hockey Association for information about the program in your area.

If you are looking for me on Saturday and Sunday mornings you can find me at the rink cheering on my favourite player!