It's the middle of the week....

As the temperature starts to make it’s way down to the lower end of the thermometer and the days grow shorter small towns all across the north prepare for the holiday season. Colored lights and other Christmas decorations welcome you as you drive into these small villages and towns making your way to the local hockey rink. A blanket of snow stretches as far as the eye can see during the day and nights are cold and windy with snow drifting across the roads. The local radio stations play a mix of holiday music and songs by the Tragically Hip. These are the trips where I’m glad we drove the truck. My only immediate concern is that the whole team makes it to the rink on time before the game, and nobody has forgot his or her equipment. Now instead of driving along the St Lawrence the majority of the trips are along the thruway. We don’t hear too many songs by the “Hip” any more. My youngest son is content to listen to his iPod while the radio is now usually tuned to NPR. Still, too much hasn’t changed. Its still winter, people still string holiday lights outside their homes. The snow is a bit heavier, and the temperature doesn’t drop down below zero as far as it does up north, but it’s still hockey season. This year’s team is progressing very well. I am seeing a lot more controlled speed, and the puck handling is improving for the team as a whole very nicely. We have one more practice before our first home league game this weekend. We still have a lot to work on, but I think we will do well. I know I’m looking forward to it as much as the players. It’s almost time to dust off my 50-mission cap.