The Canadian dream

For most Canadian kids you've got one option, if you're a girl you figure skate and if you're a boy in Canada you play hockey. At least in my house you did, as well as all the other families growing up around me. You do it as far as you can take it. To the best of your ability and in the middle of the night you dream of that perfect triple axel in the Olympic arena. Or becoming the next Great One!!

I gave up on that dream when I was 9 just because I had other plans in mind. My ideas of figure skating were a little different, they also included a film crew and craft services. Aside from that though, everywhere you turn, someone's on the ice.

I think about my life growing up and the path that I took, and I'm constantly amazed at how little I was, when I knew what I wanted to do in life. I wonder if that happened for most pro players out there. I asked a friend not to long ago how and when he thought he knew he was going to play pro? His answer, "always."

It's funny how life works, and that all those young Canadian boys out there are playing, hoping and dreaming that maybe one day they'll be playing in the NHL. Along with all those girls and their figure skates. Sometimes you have to imagine it's more than that, and whether you make it that far or not, it was worth the time and energy you put into it.

Why does my mother play? She's in her mid 40's (don't worry mom, I won't tell everyone how old exactly). But her answer, "Keeps me busy, keeps me healthy and I just have fun." If I were to sit down right now and break down all the reasons why I do what I do, sure there would be a lot of them, but the one that makes it all worthwhile: FUN. It's just a hell of a lot of fun.

Maybe in my next life I'll come back as a hockey player. LOL.

Or maybe not!!!

Maybe my 14-year-old brother will go pro one day and I'll get free season tickets!! You never know. Maybe the L.A. Kings will make it to the playoffs. We'll see!! And just so everyone knows, I am following the Kings this year!

I live in L.A., but I love hockey as a sport! I follow players. The Habs are where my family is and I think Calgary is pretty strong -- hey, I was born there! I've got a friend who plays for Vancouver, and one who plays for the Blue Jackets and another in Phoenix. So I guess you could say I'm all over the place. I'm going to stick to L.A. though. Just to go back to all that other stuff, though, whether Canadians like it or not, we're making some damn-good hockey players. Not to mention actors too!!! What can I say, "It's the Canadian dream."

Posted by Elisha @ 11:43 a.m.