We started out by watching the 1980 Miracle on Ice game – original footage. Then we went to Big 5 where they were very tolerant as we got some gear. This is a great store. Always good to us.

We had a lot of fun picking out skates, sticks and pads. I think I accidentally got two-left shooting sticks, but that may be a good thing as Ben does shoot left. I am not sure which way Sam will want to shoot, so we may be back at Big 5 tomorrow! I have a right-shooting stick for me, thank goodness! We called Uncle Doug on our way back home to get some pointers. He and Uncle Tim both played ice and roller hockey, so this seems like a family tradition!

At Wilkes – first time on blades! We learned a few things at orientation last week – no skates, just sticks and balls – and were hooked! Time to get comfortable on skates so that when the team starts up, we can play. Ben is a year too young but Sam is the right age.

The boys picked it up really quick. I thought I’d be a human crane, holding them up, but I wasn’t at all. Ben insisted on getting these Heely shoes with wheels in the heels. Turns out they were much harder than I think blades would be for him, so we may be back to Big 5 for those, too, tomorrow. Ha!

Ben is showing us how to cradle properly. He’s quite good at it – if you click through to the album you’ll find a video demo 🙂