Sports. Greg. He is very athletic, and doesn't know it. He has an even temperament. (aka, isn't focused and is usually in space half the time during any sports practice)
Last year, his hockey team was playing in a division that was above their skill level...in other words, they were clobbered every single game! Greg was the goalie. At first it didn't seem to matter to him, getting crushed every game. but towards the end of the season, after facing 30, 40, 50 and yes sometimes over 60 shots a game, he began to grow weary and his confidence wavered. His numbers seemed good to me, hitting between a 60(at his worst) and 85 save percentage per game.( Meaning he saved that percentage of total goals that were shot at him) His coaches were always complimentary. I thought he was awesome, but I did realize that I was his mother, biased by nature. I realized I might not know the reality of his ability.
Seeing how his confidence was taking a turn for the worst, and not being completely sure of his "true" ability, we made the decision to pull him from hockey. (unlike other sports, the commitment for a child to play hockey can quickly become a burden if #1 they are not loving it, and confidence in themselves is going down and #2 if they are not progressing in the sport) The decision to pull him was hard.
He seemed content with not playing, until the season started. He really, really wanted to play. I explained that it would most likely be another tough season in Goal for him, and he still wanted to play.
Fast forward to Saturday. Greg represented his team in a "shootout competition" in Northern Virginia. In hockey this is a big deal. The goalie who lets in the least wins, and the shooter who gets the most shots in, wins. Eight other goalies his age participated. Dale estimated about 100 shooters participated.
The goalies who he went up against are from our league, teams who are from all over Maryland, DC and Virginia were represented.
Greg WON! He called to tell me the good news! I think he was excited, but true to Greg's personality, his voice sounded even keeled about the whole thing. He was most excited about the prize...a really nice, very expensive, hockey stick. He can't wait to get on the ice and play with his new stick.
I am still in shock over the whole thing. His coaches said they were not surprised by his win. As soon as they heard about the competition they signed Greg up. They knew it was Greg's competition. At this point, his confidence in himself is sky high. Unlike his mom, he is not a braggy kid. He never lets his head get too big, but I couldn't be more proud!
(This picture is from last March)
2 comments:
Wow! Way to go Greg!
Awesome! That is a huge deal. Way to go Greg!
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