MacDaddy NobleKing Tournament

MacDaddy had a game in King City, Ontario at 7am on Friday morning as part of a hockey tournament. Woke up at 4:30am, woke MacDaddy up at 5am, in the car driving at 5:15am, game over and at work before 9am. MacDaddy played well, so did the Spitfires, but other teams too strong. 0-3 for tournament. Did some skating in the backyard on Sunday. Picture is waiting for arena to open around 6am.

Backyard Rink Workouts

MacDaddy and I spent 30-45 minutes working on hockey drills on the backyard rink. I never played the game so all I know is from watching and listening at the kids practices/games... and a little Coaches Corner during Hockey Night in Canada. We had spent a good 30 minutes before these two videos receiving and making passes. I am happy to report I broke no bones standing on the ice in my boots. I am continually amazed at the progress MacDaddy is making this being only his fourth year on skates... and really the first year with great coaching... I hope I am reinforcing the right mechanics....

Hockey Practice, Sat Jan 2, 2010

MacDaddy and I were up at 6:45am to go to the first hockey practice of 2010. The temperatures had been in the high 30's (that's Fahrenheit) the last few days. We got a cold snap back today. It was 5 (Fahrenheit) this morning. When we bought the car I couldn't understand why anyone would have a steering wheel heater. I now understand.

Backyard Rink - Phase Two

Phase One was building the frame.

The frame has to be built before the ground freezes.

Phase Two is putting the tarp in the frame.

I am happy to report that Phase Two was successfully completed last night after work with the help of MacDaddy & Lil' Lefty.

Let the cold temps come!!!

MacDaddy - Orillia, Ontario Tournament Saturday

MacDaddy and I finished our Saturday in Orillia, Ontario. I have no pictures of the game at Brian Orser Arena. MacDaddy and I got there over an hour before his game. He put on his equipment and went to warm-up. When he returned he said "Dad where is my sweater?". I proceeded with saying a four letter word, let's call it "c - r - a - p", you get the point. I set the land speed record driving back to the hotel to get his sweater which was packed in his garment back and on the bed in the room. I am happy to report that the quick thinking of one of the coaches allowed MacDaddy not to miss a shift. He borrowed an old sweater for one shift, I returned with his and we were good to go. I felt bad. The camera was locked in the locker room so I couldn't take any pictures.

Our next game was at the Orillia Community Centre. The pictures above show what we believed was interior reinforcement in this barn-like structure. The locker rooms were bigger but still no doors on the toilet.

The team picked up a medal but didn't qualify for the elimination round. They were 0-3. The picture in the dark parking lot was the last game on Saturday. Some of the hosts said there was snow on the ground the time last year.

MacDaddy and I left our Days Inn at 10:00am Sunday morning and picked up Chilis for the family on the way home.

My Hockey Knowledge

MacDaddy, I know I didn't play hockey growing up... and I am trying to learn the game so I can help you and your sisters... but I do not think the stick goes that way... Love you man.... Dad :-)

How Do You Get 15 Nine Year Old Boys to Pay Attention and Behave?

Bring them to hockey practice om Friday night. What a great event!!! Great practice and fun to watch. If it wasn't cold and rainy outside everything would be great. MacDaddy traded in his black defense sweater for a red line sweater. He is officially a center. A great opportunity to learn another position. Have fun MacDaddy!!!

Canadian Thanksgiving Day (a.k.a. US Columbus Day)

US Columbus Day is Thanksgiving Day in Canada. Very few stores are open, everything shuts down. After 4 games in a weekend tournament, MacDaddy had a league game against the Applewood Coyotes. MacDaddy played his best hockey game ever, and the Spitfires also played their best game coming away with a 4-1 win. It was fun. MacDaddy is on the right during his team's workout.





The video below is MacDaddy chasing down a break-away. He also had sevearl (4+) shots from the blue line on goal. It was a fun game to watch.

Day Two - Burlington Hockey Tournament

Two hockey games today for the Erindale Spitfires. MacDaddy is #13 in the pictures. Needless to say I am confident we will only have one game tomorrow, unfortunately missing the elimination round.

MacDaddy got the chance to play center and take a few face-offs during their game.

MacDaddy found some snow on the way out of the arena. Watch out for Zambonis.

Burlington Hockey Tournament - Day One, a School Day

MacDaddy and I hit the arena in Burlington before the sun came up for his first hockey pool game in the Burlington Thanksgiving tournament (Thanksgiving in Canada is on Columbus Day in US). MacDaddy's hockey bag is pictured below with the appropriate hockey music. "Da Boyz" were warming up.

They lost to Grimsby and have a game at 8:30am Saturday.

The Great OneS - CAPITAL "S"

All three kids had hockey games last night. MacMom took MacDaddy to his game for a "0 - 0" tie. I took A-Mac and Lil Lefty to their games, that were back-to-back at the same arena. Lil Lefty is #9 in blue. Lil Lefty's team lost by a "bit". She had fun and fell on the other team's goalie, who happens to be in her class at school. It will give them something to talk about during recess.

A-Mac played her second game of the season and after being shut out in the first, they won 3 - 1 in the follow-up. Even more pleasantly surprising was that A-Mac scored a GOAL. This is the second season to play hocey for A-Mac and Lil Lefty and so far they have both been able to contribute... maybe not the best skaters but seem to understand where they belong.

A-Mac is also #9, but in the black sweater .

Early in the season, for each of their teams a MacGrandle was the leading scorer. It got me thinking, that maybe the kids were born in the wrong state, or country even. What if their slow exposure to hockey was my fault and all three have God-given natural talent in hockey. What if one day they would become the "MacGrandle Line" on the NHL's Toronto Maple Leafs and go down in history as the greatest hockey siblings ever. Nah!!! MacMom doesn't like the cold arenas... let's just play for FUN!!!

My Friday Night

I couldn't think of a beter way to spend my Friday night than at MacDaddy's hockey practice. He has a black sweater and red sox. Defence wears black.

Entering a Rough Patch of Ice

It appears that the Erindale Spitfires are entering a rough patch of ice by starting their season with 1 win and 2 losses. Even though he loves to win, I suspect the camaraderie and ice-time is far overshadowing the on ice record. He plays a lot of hockey and improves every time he laces his skates. (Actually, MacMom has been lacing up the skates the most) MacDaddy is #13

First League Game = First Win

MacDaddy's team, the Erindale Spitfires Minor Atom A, won their first league game 2-1. It was a very exciting game and showed some definite inprovement over their first three tournament games. I continue to enjoy the whole hockey experience. Hockey is a great team work game. To be successful everyone has to do their part. MacDaddy is #13.

First Time in the "Sin Bin"

MacDaddy first time in the "Sin Bin", also known as the penalty box... Two minutes for hooking. He played really well tonight... Showed some spunk.