Hockey, Revisited

Hockey is sort of a thing here in Alaska.  I didn't grow up in a place like this, didn't know anyone that played hockey, I really don't even know the rules, and I can't say I've ever watched a game.  Porter, however, is very interested in hockey, although I don't think he knows the rules either.  All of his closest friends play and talk about it all the time.  When his class goes ice skating in school, they all zip around the rink while Porter still struggles with grace like me.

I've blogged about this before, about how we had made the decision to stick with skiing and convince Porter that he doesn't want to hang out at the ice rink every weekend.  And he didn't play this winter.  But he also has not stopped asking me about it.  Often.  It's been about two years now, and he hasn't given up.  I told him that if he started hockey next year, he would have to start with the little kids.  He wouldn't be with his friends right away (that's how it works here).  He waffled a bit on that one.

Then I told him he could take ice skating lessons, and see how he liked it.  I sort of hoped it would be cold and boring and it would help end his quest to make us busy every winter.  Two weeks ago, I took him to the first lesson, and it was almost exclusively filled with girls in figure skates.  Normally, this kind of thing would be a big deterrent for Porter, but he made no comment.  And I have to say, that kid skated his heart out, earnestly practicing everything they taught him.  Skating fast and hard, and getting up from every spill with a huge smile on his face.  Then, as we walked out to the car, he turned to me and said, "I changed my mind, I totally want to play hockey next year!"  Sigh.  I can't really say no anymore. 

Also, Porter according to Molly: