I was 4 years old.  My dad signed my brother Ryan and me up for a free skate at the local ice arena.  My dad got my brother and me some used equipment to see if we even liked it.  He got me a used helmet, skates, chest protector and shorts.  Then he handed me a new stick.  I remember being very happy about the new stick.  It was way too long for me, so my dad had to cut it down.

We got to the rink and went to the locker room.  My dad helped me put on my gear and tied my skates.  I remember it being hard to walk.  I got on the ice and remembered that I was walking on the ice and not really skating because I did not know how to yet.  My new stick kept me from falling down.  I kept going in a big circle around the rink.  I fell down a few times, but I kept trying. I was getting the hang of it though. The instructors were teaching us how to skate, but all I wanted to do was use my stick.

I loved that first time so much that I could not wait until the next time. Every week I got better.  I remember that I just wanted to use the stick with a puck and play hockey. That was what motivated me to keep learning how to skate. I remember watching the bigger kids playing hockey on the ice and that is all I wanted to do.

The instructors told my dad I was ready. I was so excited that I got to use my new stick. Once I stepped foot on the ice with my new stick and they gave me a puck, I was so happy. I loved shooting pucks at the net.

It’s nine years later, and I still love to play hockey. It does not get old or boring. I love being on the ice and skating. I am always in a good mood when I am on the ice. I want to keep getting better and get to play in college.

If you put your mind to something that you really want, then you can do it. This is an important milestone for me because every year the coaches expect more out of me. I have to work hard to be a better player and teammate.  I have to be on time for practice and the games.  This is teaching me how to be a responsible person.

I still have my first stick. I keep it in my bedroom.  My mom hung it on my wall, and my medals are hanging from it. It reminds me of where I began back when I was 4 years old and how far I have come on the ice.

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