The
following is a “guest column” by David Cuthill – Grandfather to Ewan Cuthill
#19 and Step-Grandfather to Ethan Lovell #9. The thoughts and musings about
what minor hockey means to our families…
Hey there, Waxers. Welcome to my first guest column for your newsletter.
I don't need to tell you anything about the main benefits of hockey: nearly 20 good buddies to play with, lots of games and practices, healthy structured competition against over 100 other 9 & 10-year-old boys, vigorous exercise, and a great family activity.
Family activity?
Yes, that's my message today. Hockey is a great Canadian game because every one of you players gets to spend many winter hours at games and practices with your parents, brothers, and sisters. You can be part of hockey because they are there to help with the organizing, do the driving, lug your bag, tie your skates, comfort you when you're hurt, pay all the costs, and – in many cases – do the volunteer jobs that keep hockey for young people running smoothly.
I was at your October 13 victory over Leaside (Gold) at the Habitant Arena in North York. I watched that first game of the season with my two granddaughters, Sydney, 14, and Carys Cuthill, 12. Waxer team members include grandson Ewan Cuthill, 10, and step-grandson Ethan Dekort, 9. We were surrounded by scores of excited people rooting for their teams.
On the other side of the rink – behind the bench as usual – were coach Nicole Dekort, assistant coach Callum Cuthill, assistant coach Brigid Buckingham, and trainer Chris Lovell. They were all giving back the time and experience of their childhoods to a great family activity today. They are a vital part of your own involvement with the Waxers.
My daughter-in-law Nicole starting playing hockey in Scarborough when she was 8 years old. She went on to play Varsity hockey at Wilfrid Laurier University and still plays recreational hockey today in a women’s league in Markham. My son Callum played house league hockey in Niagara until he was in his mid-teens. Most of the time, I was his driver and a keen spectator. Hockey wasn't played in Britain, where I grew up. But I loved being a hockey parent here.
My message to all of you hard working, hockey loving kids who play on the team? The next time you go to the arena, pay attention to the milling moms and dads and siblings shrieking their support. They are there for you, making the game possible. You are all there for each other.
What a sport!