#34 - She Shoots, She Scores!

Here is the story of how I checked #34 off my bucket list...

1996

I had been playing hockey for a year. I was reading every book I could get my hands on regarding hockey skill development and joining every pickup game I could for extra practice. One of my team mates asked if I would be interested in playing a mixed charity hockey game at Maple Leaf Gardens - how could I refuse!!!!

In the 3rd period of the game, I was playing right defence and I was pinching the line. The puck came to me at the top of the right circle. I brought my stick up and slapped at the puck. For the first time, the puck came off the ice (not much, just a foot) and it sailed through the air towards the goalie, it grazed the side of the goalie pad, then bounced into the net.

I stood shocked. I had scored a goal - a flukey goal, but I didn't care! I had scored my first goal. I had scored my first goal at Maple Leaf Gardens!

My team mates were congratulating me and laughing at how excited I was. Even the goalie came out of the net to say congratulations. What a great hockey night in Canada!



#34 Play hockey at Maple Leaf Gardens added to the list in 1989, checked off the list 1996.

#33 - The Good Old Hockey Game

Here is the story of how I checked #33 off my bucket list...

1995

I wanted to play hockey and had no idea where to start. I asked everyone I knew, "Where do girls play hockey?" Not an easy question to answer.

One day, an aquaintance of a friend mentioned that a team was having tryouts at the Beatrice Ice Gardens at York University on Friday night for $20. Perfect! I went to Play It Again sports and bought the cheapest equipment I could find - just in case I didn't like playing.

Friday night arrived and I went to the tryout. In the change room I tried to discreetly watch the others get ready because I realized I had no idea how to put on the equipment. When I stepped onto the ice, I almost fell. The coach ran drills and I tried my best. I was not as good as the other girls but I felt I was getting better and better as the practice went on.

Another tryout was scheduled for the following Friday and I showed up for that one too. I loved it. I could feel my growing passion for the game. After the 2nd tryout, the coach took me aside and asked, "Do you have another team you play with?" I replied, "no." Then he responded, "I wish you did!" Apparently, I had tried out for a ladies travelling competitive C rep team.

I started to laugh at his response (even though it was rude) and I hold him that this was my 2nd time on hockey skates. He was amazed and told me that I played really well for someone just starting. I asked if he knew where I could join a team and he told me about a recreational ladies league nearby and I thanked him.

I called the league the next day and the organizer asked me what level I play. I hesitated. I had no idea about hockey levels? Then I responded with all the confidence I could..."I play C level". I was assigned to a team and have not looked back.

Note for that rude coach: I have played for over 15 years now and have played a lot higher than 'C'. [smirk]

#33 Learn to play hockey added to the list 1989, checked off the list 1995.