“Nearly one year ago, I made a decision that ended up changing my entire life: I signed up for the Black Magic Hockey Club adult beginners Learn to Play camp. Which was a bold choice for someone whose primary skating skill was “trying not to fall.”
Before last April, I had only been ice skating a handful of times. I could (kind of) skate forward, but stopping, turning, or moving with any real speed was…aspirational at best. The next month or so was filled with skating practice and scrimmages. Then I did something even crazier, I signed up for the Happy Time Friendship League 2 adult beginners hockey league. The rest, as they say, is history.
If you’re wondering why anyone would choose 5 a.m. ice time, sore muscles, and happily sacrifice their free time and disposable income…here are my reasons.
My social circle has exploded. Over the past year, I’ve made more new friends than I could possibly count, and many of them have become family. I’ve also discovered a whole new relationship dynamic with my husband, since he started playing hockey at the same time. Now, in addition to being partners in life, we’re partners on the ice…which is equal parts fun, competitive, and occasionally a test of patience (but in the best way possible!)
I’ve played in two hockey tournaments with people of all skill levels, and it turns out that playing in tournaments and putting yourself out there isn’t just for kids. Adults like to perform too- we just do it with cooler gear and a lot more ibuprofen.
I’ve played hockey in the Anaheim Ducks’ old practice arena, at Dignity Health Arena- home of the AHL Bakersfield Condors, and at the Honda Center- home of the NHL Anaheim Ducks. Not bad for someone who once celebrated not falling for an entire shift.
Beyond the cool experiences and incredible relationships, hockey has changed me in bigger ways. My mental health has improved beyond measure. It’s given me structure, an outlet, and something to look forward to even on the hardest days. When life gets hard, I don’t really “go touch grass” to ground myself… I go touch ice instead. My physical health has transformed as well as I’ve lost 60 pounds along the way. I’m stronger, faster, and occasionally convinced I might actually be athletic now… a statement which is still under review in Toronto.
None of this would have been possible without the Black Magic Hockey Club. From day one, the welcome was warm, the vibe was unmatched, and the hockey spirit was contagious (in the best possible way). I’m incredibly grateful to be part of this club and community not just as a player, but as someone who proudly represents it.”
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