the new hockey season. This year Cole is a member of the Oakville Rangers. A full fledged REP player. He went through a long tryout in the Spring and was chosen to be a member of the team. At this, the AE (Additional Entry) level, there are Fall tryouts as well. There are two members to be chosen for the team and sometimes - though not confirmed - two "house league" players chosen as call ups.
It was heartbreaking to watch the boys file out, unchosen in the Spring.
It was heartbreaking to watch the boys file out, last night, unchosen for the team.
The chosen members of the team were, last night, officially given their jerseys. Their numbers.
Cole is #5. Cole is a defenseman.
It is a huge responsibility, and Cole feels the full weight of it, to have taken the place of a member of a Championship winning team is riddled with second-guessing and stress. The pressure is enormous. I look at some players and shake my head. I look at others and wonder why they are still in AE rather than a higher level.
What do I know about hockey? Not much, but learning every day.
What do I know about character? Plenty.
What do I know about parents? More than I ever needed (or wanted to know) though from what I can tell, this seems to be a great group.
This is a big year for my boy.
If you think of it, cheer for the new Oakville Rangers AE #5.
So proud. So strong. So dedicated. So expectant. So vulnerable.
I feel like I'm feeding him to the wolves.
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