Across the country yesterday there were thousands of athletes that won their events and an equal number that didn't.
Two of my favorite hockey players happen to have fallen in the second group.
I read that Hunter's bud that plays Hockey in Pennsylvania, dropped a Heart Breaker while Hunter's team got beat as well.
Sam Zimmerman and my son Hunter have a developing friendship across the 3000 miles that separate them. Sam is a passionate athlete and the son of my friend, Lee Zimmerman who happens to contribute a lot to the EliteFTS website and social media with not just good information, but really helpful stuff as well as entertaining as a Strength and Conditioning Specialist. (That's not Lee in this photo with Sam)
Yesterday's lost in Hunter's case came when Hunter broke free with less than a minute remaining. His Blackhawk team was down by a point. Understanding, Hunter is my son so there is some bias, but as objectively as I can...there are few that can catch H once he has broken past, simply because he is a technicolor blur. A speedster with skill, that the opponent had no recourse but to TRIP him flagrantly. He would have shot, and he would have SCORED!
Instead he got a Penalty Shot. He has been here before and on more than ONE occasion because of his breakaway speed.
37 seconds remained and this 10 year old now had the opportunity to tie the game, and then the assault on the opponent to actually WIN it. NOT TOO MUCH PRESSURE!
Hunter skated toward the goalie, who happens to play on his "Elite" NorCal team as well, he dangled the puck, and lifted a ROCKET INTO the chest of the goalie.
Goalie 1; Hunter 0
He was crushed!
What do you say? What do you tell a kid after a loss? I always look for something on the positive side, but in Hunter's case, we have been here before. As for Sam? Why so glum? Because! These boys ARE winners. They know what it takes for someone to BEAT them, as they don't settle for a loss. (There is a BIG difference)
These two kindred spirits have PASSION, and we all know that PASSION trumps EVERYTHING!
Sam's tears (I think his eyes were leaking) as Hunter's were the last thing they had to offer their team mates.
After slamming his stick on the ice for the missed Penalty shot, and his lay back I wish I could crawl under a rock position, I made certain I was the first to greet Hunter as he left his locker room.
He waited for my criticism.
I had none. (at least at this time)
I asked him, "what does a penalty shot feel like?" as I've never experienced one. He looked at me with innocent eyes and said, "It's like being a new kid in a new school on the first day".
I then asked how he was feeling about it now? He replied, "Like the school bully just beat me up, in that new school on the first day".
I thought...what a great analogy. Little man is only 10, yet light years ahead of himself.
I am sure that Sam played the game with all the passion and emotion that these fellas had in them. I am sure that the saline from their eyes won't be the last time they leak tears. I am SURE that the lessons these "Brothers in Arms" or at least Hockey Sweaters will be life long and beneficial for what is to come.
"Big time players, make big plays, in big time games" is a quote that my bud, Lee Zimmerman has been found saying to my son. I imagine he is sharing it with Hunter now, as it is something that he has told Sam over and over.
We'll get to play the game again.
We'll get to play the scenario over again.
I am also positive that the outcome will be different, and some other Dad/Coach will have to take the time to appreciate all the aspects that sport teaches our young athletes in consoling their special guy or gal.
Chin straps buckled and mouth pieces in boys. Tighten up because this road will get bumpy.
Ride or Die!
Today:
Dynamic Squat: 12x2x250 and the SSB YOKE bar
GHR: 3x5xBW; 3x6x25 lbs
Suspended Knee Ups: 5x20
Reverse Hyper: 4x8x270
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