Summer Heat

So I am sitting here inside on what is actually a decent day out; because the kids feel that it is 'too hot' - clearly they do not remember living in the DC area anymore because the current 64 is a lot nicer than the 100+ with nearly 100% humidity we were getting out there!

Both of my daughters have been flipping though some old Easton Catalogs I had sitting around. Yes - you can nominate me for mother of the year now. My oldest will be three next week and has been asking for not just ice skates but "hockey skates and gloves". Her sister who will be two next week (yes I am not making this up they are one year and four days apart) is also asking for skates.

So I guess I need to start looking up some local skating and eventual hockey programs for my kids...

How to battle hockey withdrawl

It’s that dreaded time of year. June.

The Stanley Cup has been handed to the Chicago Blackhawks; and The Cup is off on another whirlwind global tour (that I am sure does not involve a cab ride in Buffalo).

Now we wait. The 2010-2011 season does not start for a little over three months. Not a long time - but feels like eternity.

Here are some of my How-to-survive-what-seems-like-a-slow-agonizing-wait-for-the-first-puck-drop-of-the-regular-season suggestions:

Watch “vintage” games on NHL Network though out the summer (some are more vintage than others).

Tune in on June 23rd to the NHL awards show live from Las Vegas (List of Awards and finalist http://www.nhl.com/ice/page.htm?id=62242 ).

Then get all your hockey buddies together and watch the 2010 NHL Draft on June 25-26 ( http://www.nhl.com/ice/eventhome.htm?location=/draft/2010 ).

Keep up on all the frenzy starting July 1st as the Unrestricted Free Agents hit the open market with the guys at “ProHockeyTalk on NBC” either on Twitter @PHTonNBC or on their website:
http://prohockeytalk.nbcsports.com

Read War and Peace.

Keep your cool. On hot summer days grab your skates (or a few bucks for rentals) and head to your local ice rink for either an open skate or a pick up game.

Find some replays on line and become an expert.

Check out www.isitoctoberyet.com

Watch “Slapshot”

Find out when your favorite (or local) teams prospects and training camps start and get your gear, a hand full of Sharpies, and your camera ready.