Happy Thanksgiving to all the hockey moms out there! We have so much to be thankful for as hockey moms in Canada. While I definitely put the health and safety of my family and friends above all for which I’m grateful, I do have a few more thanks loading up my plate today!

I’m thankful we weren’t scheduled to participate in a Thanksgiving hockey tournament this past weekend. We were notably absent from our big Thanksgiving celebration in 2010 and I’m still apologizing to my sister for it.

I’m thankful I grew up in a country where the hockey is ubiquitous – a national pastime and source of national pride. I’m glad hockey is welcoming of everyone and brings everyone together (except that Thanksgiving of 2010).

I’m thankful my three kids’ skates all fit them again this year. I’m done upgrading. Every. Single. Season.

I’m ever-so-thankful that my kids like spaghetti and pizza because that’s what they get twice a week during hockey season.

I’m thankful for all the one-on-one time I get in the car with my kids and I’m grateful I get to eavesdrop on all the carpool conversations with their teammates. I seriously doubt they feel the same.

I’m thankful for my hockey husband. We’ve shared the road now for over sixteen seasons and are closing in on our retirement. I’m still bitter that I did most of the 6:00AM practices over the years but we won’t talk about that on Thanksgiving.

I’m thankful for all those hockey dads that have tied my kids’ hockey skates over the years.

I’m thankful for all the hockey moms who know my favourite wine is Blu Giovello Pinot Grigio. 

I’m thankful for coffee. I’m especially thankful for coffee after Blu Giovello.

After sixteen seasons as a hockey mom, I’m certain I must be closing in on my attendance at my 500th game. I’m thankful I still get excited at first puck drop.

I’m thankful for the post-game handshake – the mainstay of minor hockey sportsmanship and appreciation.

I’m thankful for my hockey family. We’ve shared bleachers, hockey blankets, carpools, gossip, home-away sleepovers, hotel rooms, corkscrews, and husbands (just kidding about that last one, honey).

I’m thankful for all the hockey volunteers that do the heaving lifting throughout the season: the association executive, coaches, managers, trainers and let’s not forget – the social coordinators.

I’m thankful for hockey officials who love the game as much as hockey parents. They’re not in it for the money either, you know.

I’m thankful for all those hockey parents who come to realize it’s way more fun to cheer than criticize. I’m glad hockey rehab was successful. There’s hope for those who still need it.

I’m thankful my kids no longer use old jack-o-lanterns for target practice. The massacre is over.

I’m thankful for that server who’s quick to realize her tip is dependent on how quickly she can get food in front of my child, a drink in front of me, and my bill exactly twelve minutes and thirty seconds later (give or take).

I’m thankful for hockey arenas with functioning heaters on both Home and Visitor side.

Most of all, I’m thankful my kids play hockey. It’s been giving to me a long time.

Three cheers for hockey – I am thankful for hockey!