Many of us are getting ready for our kids’ year-end hockey parties and there are plenty of preparations underway. Aside from choosing the date, the location, the potluck assignments, year-end gift selection, and speeches, there are thanks that should to be given to the other hockey people who’ve made this hockey season such a success. Among them are a number of “players” that any hockey mom would be happy to tap her stick on the ice for! Mine include the following:

Thank you, to the players, because – duh! – hockey. You’re all so young but I’ve learned a thing or two from you about sportsmanship and being a team player.

Thank you, to the head coach and assistant coaches who show up, even when their own kids do not. You’ve shown me a thing or two about commitment.

Thank you, to the team volunteers, but especially the team trainer who can provide the occasional zap of the portable defibrillator to the goalie mom. You’ve shown me a thing or two about handling stress.

Thank you, to all the hockey parents, not just for getting all your kids to the arena on time, but for taking my kids once in a while too, and for tying their skates because ‘mom just doesn’t do it right’. You’ve shown me a thing or two about cooperation.

Thank you, to the Zamboni driver who, for a whole ten minutes every hour, entertains younger siblings held at the arena against their will. You’ve shown me a thing or two about rituals.

Thank you, to the canteen guy who dutifully stocks six thousand Sour Keys and four flavours of Slushies all season. You’ve shown me a thing or two about serving up smiles.

Thank you, to the pro shop attendant who deflected the irritation of everyone in line ahead of me, because my kid’s team was on the ice next and I forgot to get the skates sharpened. You’ve shown me a thing or two about priorities.

Thank you, to all the snowplows, sanders and salters out on the roads with me. Since becoming a hockey mom I have never, EVER complained about being stuck behind one. You’ve shown me a thing or two about safety.

Thank you, to that understanding hotel clerk who authorized that late check out when the team advanced to the finals in that out of town tournament, and that understanding room attendant, for everything else. You’ve shown me a thing or two about service.

Thank you, to the hockey mom who passed me toilet paper from the stall next to me. You’ve shown me a thing or two about relief.

Thank you, to the sign-in table volunteer who reminded you before you left the arena that you left the dressing room key in the lock and she still has your car keys. You’ve shown me a thing or two about my memory.

The hockey family extends far beyond my own address, and therefore so should my thanks.