My 12-year-old son got scouted by a GTHL single-A team last year after being the top scorer on his house-league all-star team. The Greater Toronto Hockey League made me nervous. It is very competitive, very political, and thought to be corrupt in many ways. So I wasn't too sure about the whole thing.
But they wooed and wooed him and he was all excited and so I agreed: you can play for the team. He had a great year. He made lots of new friends, was the top-scoring rookie and had the most assists on the team this year. And yet the coaches called last week to say that he really shouldn't bother turning out for next season tryouts on the weekend, because he was getting cut. Why? Because two double-A teams had folded and they wanted to go after the bigger double-A kids, and my son is small for his age. Fast, great skater, passer, stickhandler and play-maker, but small, so see you later.
I am not one of THOSE hockey mothers, but I thought this was mean and cruel. These coaches claimed to be unconcerned with winning -- they wanted a nice bunch of kids who played well together and simply for the love of the game. Despite that, the team made it to the semi-finals, beating out teams that had been ahead of them in the standings all year. And yet they ended up turfing all the kids who were small, including some of their best players. My son became fleetingly teary when I broke the news to him, but then I watched in amazement as a steely resolve came over him. OK, he said, then I want to try out for another single-A team.
His father and I said fine, but had to warn him gently: the GTHL is very political, honey, and those coaches don't know you at all, and you may not be able to impress them enough in a short try-out to get them to sign you. We simply have no connections with that team.
He went. He knocked their socks off, dominating the play in all the scrimmages. They were desperate to sign him on the spot. And they did.
I was very proud. I couldn't have done that. I would have cried for a day and quit hockey.
11 comments:
Your son is a superstar. I love him.
And he's so cute -- he looks like a young Ashton Kutcher. I love him too. Thanks, Tanya!
p.s. Potential babysitter!
Congrats from Tearfree to Jacy's son.
I can always use a babysitter! And especially another hockey nut. My husband is from Quebec, need I say more? He's already making plans to teach the baby to skate. (but we're also not going to push it if said baby is not interested...)
:)
A friend came over the other night with her three-year-old son and my son spent three hours in the back alleyway with him playing ball hockey, taking shots and receiving shots. He was in heaven, and so was the three-year-old. Soon a bunch of other young kids came out and my son had them all playing, and was scrounging our shed for sticks for them all. Pretty funny.
Oh, I’m impressed. That’s spirit you rarely see in an adult, much less a twelve year old. (Or am I underestimating twelve year olds? Even as I write this, I think I am - twelve years olds are great.)
And the fact that they loved him makes the story all the sweeter.
Jacy, I work at a children’s charity. Kids model what they see. Don’t sell yourself short (though I don’t judge you for crying if this had happened to you - I got cut quite severely from gymnastics and still feel the sting). You, and your ex (I will give the benefit of the doubt to him as a parent) are obviously the kind of people who also have strength and character (although more you in terms of character - for sure).
Not to be glib (is that a word?) - but perhaps a made-for-tv movie in the making? Possibly with accompanying Broken Social Scene soundtrack? Just a thought.
Just to be clear, I was only 8 when I was cut from gymnastics (after reading my last post, I certainly woudn't want anyone to think I was cut at my present age of 34). And, for the record, I was cut (read: "not promoted to the next level.") because I couldn't do a cart-wheel. I still can't. It is a constant source of distress. Even now. I sometimes think, My God, will I have do break into catwheels during dates/businnes events/weddings?
Strangely, no.
But, still, BRAVO to Jacy's son.
Bravo!
That's awesome for your son.
Let me rephrase that - your son is awesome for accomplishing that. What a strong kid.
He has always been a fairly remarkable boy. Walked at nine months. Always very happy yet stoic too. He has really helped me through the breakup with his good humour and strength.
Thanks again to all of you -- I am feeling a lot of love for all you ladies.
Victoria: I could never do an aerial, you know, the handless cartwheels? I could do front and back sommies, pikes, handsprings, but could never, ever do an aerial.
p.s. Emily, I love that pretty photograph. One of my favourite things to gaze upon are the silhouettes of leafless trees in the winter against vivid skies. that is really quite lovely!
Post a Comment