So I really feel like writing today. I had so much fun going to my first professional hockey game today with my big girl, Catherine. I say professional because we did go to a hockey game in Vermont featuring two local high school games. She was barely 1 so I am pretty sure it is a blur.
I was expecting a lot of redirection while going at the game, as well as as at the game but Catherine was the best. She walked 1/4 mile or so holding my hand, being a big girl and noting all the garbage on the ground and saying: "People are not nice! They shouldn't throw stuff on the ground". She was also amazed by the yellow fire hydrants of Worcester and we touched all 12 (not sure of her counting but whatever!) of them on the way.
When we got to the game, we got a big lollipop and a lemonade. She enjoyed both immensely! She did not drop any of them and ate them while watching the game. She loved the Worcester Sharks due to them being Sharks and the Springfield Falcons, as I was asked, "Are they the bad guys?". We were right at rink side close enough to touch the glass around the ice. When she saw her first hit on the boards, she asked me if they were going to break the glass. We had a conversation about how solid it was and we touched it. At the next hit near us, she said: "Wooo! But the glass won't break!"
She actually followed the puck fairly well but did not understand at first why they chased the puck. After the first goal, she understood why! During the first period, a puck went up the stand near us and the local photographer, who got it, handed Catherine the puck, which she promptly put in her mouth! I explained that it was the puck from the game, and she said "Ahh!". I have been to many games but never got a puck. She gets it on her pro game...I guess it helps to be a cute little girl in a pink Canadiens jersey.
At the intermission, we went to get some souvenirs. Her choices? The Shark foam head and the orange hat with the Shark logo on it! She was very excited to see the Sharks on most of the merchandise. We walked away before it cost me a small mortgage. During the second period, Finz, the Sharks mascot, came to our section. We got her hat signed and I tried my best to get a picture. She was also the only kid to say thank you (sad is it?). She was also not scared of the mascot, which, historically, she has been. Very cool! She was also impressed by the Shark logo on the board reading a book.
During the second intermission, she also was fascinated by the Zamboni. She asked me how it worked and why they did that, etc. I told her to ask one of our friends, who has driven many of zambonis, next time we see him. We stayed for most of the third but she did appear extremely exhausted so we headed out a little early. She was all smiles and truly liked the game of hockey. My only deception (and hers too)? Dora was there, made a 2 minute appearance at the top of a section and we never saw her again. She was advertised heavily on the outside and one of the main reasons of our trip to the DCU Center. We walked back to the car (actually, I walked and she was in my arms).
The Sharks won 4-3 in a great comeback win. This was such a fun experience, Catherine had so much fun and was all smiles most of the game. I can't wait to do it again. A great father-daughter bonding experience that I would not trade for the world. (even for the Indy-Pats game)
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