Like most Canadian boys I started playing hockey at a young age, 6 in my case. I wanted to be a goalie and I became one within the first 30 minutes of my first practice: I was pulled off the ice only to change into goalie equipment and get back out there. I played with middling success through the end of high school. I played a bit in a rec league as a young adult for a few years as a d-man, and coached high school hockey for a few years.

I now have two sons (they'll be turning 5 and 2 respectively this winter) and made a rink for the first time last year for the older one who absolutely loves skating. He and I are equally anxious for the temperature to drop a bit more in our part of the world so we can fill and start skating. He started organized hockey this fall so we'll see what he wants to do on the rink this year: "just skate" like last year or play hockey as well.

I discovered this great website last year and am very happy with the addition of this forum.

Thanks Joe and keep up the good work.

Thanks Alain! Nothing beats coming up through the hockey community yourself, then getting to do it again as a father. I'm having similar experiences and I love it. Thanks for joining and good luck with this year's rink!