Why Junior Hockey?
Friday, June 30, 2006

Posted by horts

This article was inspired the other night, when 2 buddies and myself invited a broad and 2 of her friends over. The night started out pretty normal as we had about 3 2-4's of Moosehead lager, playing poker and shotgunning those brewski's. When, all of a sudden, the perfect night to definately wheel them, turned horribly wrong. The one broad asks, "Why do you boy's play junior hockey? Why can't you go right to university, like the rest of us? and maybe play for their team, or the club team?" The fella's and I didn't have much of a response, nor cared to answer. Until she breaks out question #2..."Why do you waste your time?" This question, however, hit us like Bertuzzi hit Moore...I immediately turn and say..."What did you just say?" and she replies, "Well, the chances to play in the NHL are very slim, just don't waste your time." With questions such as these, the night was basically over, and the 3 of us were pretty upset over it. It did get me thinking though. Why do we play junior hockey?.....cont'd

For me, this question was very easy to answer...the love of the game. Yes, I know that I won't make the NHL, but that doesn't mean I can't play in the coast, the u-haul, southern pro, or central league. Look at the boy's who grind out 10 year minor pro careers, and never make it to the show. I have high respect for them, for living the dream as long as possible and never quitting when the odds were against them. Now, take a look at yourselves, the work and preparation to make hockey teams, the training camps, the constant thought of, there's someone out there who wants to take my spot.

We also play for several other reasons; because we love the "team atmosphere," ask any retired player what he misses most, and 9 times of 10 he will say, being with the team. Nothing can replace that feeling of having a home away from home, and knowing you have about 20 brothers backing you. Also, we play because we love the lifestyle, we love hanging with the crew after tough praccy's, having a few brews after games; wins, loses, overtime thrillers, or overtime disappointments, and of course, having that refreshing chew in the dressing room with the 'mates.

But, above all, we love the game of hockey, it's in our blood, whether your a canadian, american, or european, we are hockey players...yes, retiring may take away the joys I mentioned above, but nothing and nobody can take away our passion and love for the game. Let's face it...I am 18, and I still remember waking up at 5am for a 7am praccy or game, the smell of the fresh ice, mixed with the winter cold, and all of our parents with their Tim Hortons coffee's, reassured me that everything was right in my world and I was in the right place.


Keep on truckin'.


-Horts.