Traveling Walkers: Cam the Hockey Player!

Over the weekend, we had a major milestone in the Walker household... Cameron started playing REAL hockey on REAL ice (as he calls it)! He is playing in the Initiation Program in Midstate Hockey League, which is the league that Mama, Uncle Paul and Uncle Matt all played in. On Cam's team is his cousin Joe and one of his coaches is Uncle Chris. The Initiation Program is a learn to skate, learn to play hockey program. Everyone there is a first or second year beginner and the kids range from Cam's age up to ten or so. Most of the kids are smaller like Cam, but there are some bigger kids trying hockey for the first time.

Trying on equipment the night before

The rest of the equipment - what a cutie!

Cameron LOVED it. He had so much fun and was so excited to go back the next day. We were also so proud of him - he tried so hard and improved so much. He didn't get frustrated, he didn't get upset, he just kept working. It was amazing to see, especially when he came off the ice beaming at the end of practice.

Watching the zamboni before practice starts. Cam's team is Tim Hortons.

Cam and his teammates ready to get out on the ice - Cam is right in the middle

After skating around a bit, they stretch out. Cam is the one just to the right of the cone

Close up of Cam stretching out

Cameron improved so much from the start of practice on Saturday to the end on Sunday. He went from walking along the ice rather than skating on the first day and was starting to glide and push off by the end of the second day. Falling down was another hurdle - it took him a few tries, but he can now get up all by himself like a pro. He tried every single drill they showed him and didn't give up until he got it right every time. It didn't phase him if he was the first or the last one done, he just made sure he did everything. It was so cute and I thought my heart was going to jump out of my chest, I was so proud of my boy!

My little Timbit - number 55 ("Exactly the number I wanted," said Cam)

He loved the skating, the stretching, the drills, the races and the games they played (Musical Pucks and Duck, Duck, Goose). Cam's favorite part was definitely hitting the pucks around and I think he is hoping to have more time for that next week.

Some of Cam's team - you can get a good idea of the size difference. Cameron is on the far right.