Keeping up with the Blades

Some people don't know this about me, but I have played ice hockey with the Provo Blades since I was 16 years old. My sister started playing with this team when she was about 12 or so. A few years later, the team manager found out that she had a sister that didn't play and obviously, that had to change. I came to one practice and they decided to throw me in the next game. I've been addicted ever since!

This is the greatest team to play for! Our team has so many different personalities and ages that it is never boring. We always have the best time at practices, games, and especially tournaments! I currently play as a forward. Recently, I've been able to switch between being the centerman and a wingman. I love playing Center! It's my favorite position. I've discovered that I am not too bad at winning face-offs (which is a big plus) and I think it has really made me think more about strategy and plays; what works, what won't, where my other teammates are, etc. And it has forced me to learn how to be a 3rd defenseman. I'm not very good at defense but it is good for me to know how to play that position in case I need to during a game.

I've learned so much playing hockey. Not just about the game itself, but I really feel like it has benefited me in other ways too. It's taught me how important being a team player is in anything; work, school, church. My coach doesn't know this but he said something to me in practice once (he meant this to be very literal) that I have applied to other aspects of life. He said, "If you don't fall down, you aren't trying hard enough." Literally, he was telling me that I need to push myself, and when I fall, I will know the limits of my skates so I can perfect what ever it is that I'm doing. I've taken that to other parts of my life. It's made me learn from my mistakes and realize that I'm only human, just like everyone else.

This is the best sport! I would encourage any girl to try it! Never be afraid to do something new. I was nervous the first time I got out there because I could barely move forward, let alone stop properly or do some fancy moves that the other players did. We've all been there! We've all been the new kid on the block! We all had to start at the same place. It just takes time and practice. Now I CAN do some of the fancy moves after 7 years!