First Day with the Pirates

Liam started hockey practice this morning. He is on the Learn to Play team for the Pearl River Pirates. So cute to see a bunch of kindergartners skating around in full gear. They practice skating, and learn stick-handling and shooting. Liam did well this morning. We were surprised how comfortable he was with his stick. He skated right onto the ice with it like he had done it before.

We went to the rink a couple times last week so that he could get used to his gear (it's heavy and hot). They aren't allowed to have sticks on the ice unless it is "stick time" so he wasn't able to use it until this morning. He was so happy to have a stick and to be able to hit the puck. For two years he has been asking when he will be able to have a stick and puck. The day finally arrived!

Gearing-up. In an effort to save time we put on half his gear at home. You wouldn't believe all the stuff they wear -- everything is padded and protected.
Liam before practice. At first Mommy was a little nervous to go into the locker room, then she was told that it is a "mommy-friendly" locker room. These little guys can't get their gear on by themselves.