Books, Brains & Blades

This weekend was my first exhibition game of the new season, and I felt both nervous and excited because I didn’t know how our new team would play together.

I played left wing offense, which meant I had to push hard to create chances. We lost the game by 2 goals, and even though it was disappointing, I realized that our team is still learning how to connect, and with more practice we will definitely improve.

The most unforgettable moment for me was when I got my first penalty of the season. I was dragged by an opponent, and without thinking I elbowed back. The ref immediately sent me to the box for 1 minute (it was the longest 60 seconds!). Part of me felt proud because I didn’t back down, but I also understood that a penalty weakens my team, so next time I want to stay tough while playing smarter.

Even though we lost, I still felt proud that I battled hard on the ice, and I believe that as we get more games and practices together, those 2 goals could easily become ours.

This game also made me face a tough choice because I had tennis training scheduled at the same time. I chose hockey since it was my first match with the new team, and I didn’t want to let them down. Balancing hockey and tennis is not easy, but I’m learning how to make choices and manage my time better.

Max’s Note:

This game reminded me that hockey is not only about skating and scoring but also about staying calm and making smart choices. I was glad that I stood my ground, but I also saw how important it is to avoid hurting the team with penalties. I’m learning how to be both strong and smart at the same time.

💬 Question for You:

Have you ever had two activities at the same time and had to choose one? How did you decide?