Letter to the Editor

An Open Letter of Gratitude

Last week was a good week: I got to sit in the arena, and watch my kid play hockey. What used to be a simple act for parents is now a privilege I’m hugely grateful for.

It’s been a tough 18 months for many, and our young athletes are no exception. Any parent who loves a kid who loves a sport, knows the dull heartache that comes with the ongoing news of socially distanced seasons, spectators banned, road trips postponed and cancelled games.

Which is why it meant so much to me to watch my 10-year-old son gear up for the Cranbrook Bucks hockey camp and hit the ice. The normalcy of it all felt so darn good. It made me happy.

More importantly, my kid was happy.

For the first time in what felt like a long time, he got to simply play. To push himself. To compete. My son awoke every day excited and collapsed into bed at night exhausted, from cloud nine. He reconnected with his old buddies and made new friends. I watched his confidence build, and his work ethic strengthen.

Over the course of five days, I saw him get better – harder shots, quicker hands, more endurance. He carried that momentum back home. On day three, he dusted off our hockey net and sheet of fake ice, and practiced shots in the backyard, until it got dark. While watching, I’d call out, “Bottom right! Top Left! Bar down! Five hole! Where momma keeps the spices (top shelf)!” He took shot after shot, until he made more than he missed. He was inspired.

To a 10-year-old kid who loves playing hockey, a Bucks player is a superstar. As his mom, I can only hope my kids’ heroes are worthy of his admiration.

In my opinion, the Bucks coaching staff and players deserved the pedestal those kids had them on. They generously and wholeheartedly gave their time, talent, energy, and expertise to each one. They chased the kids, joked with them, played with them, and cheered them on. They dared them to try again, to be brave, to get it right, to earn it, to listen, to learn, to dig deep and to enjoy every moment.

To me, the Bucks players looked like the nicest guys, having a great time sharing the best parts of the game they love, with kids who love it too. It was hard work, for sure — technical drills, focus and discipline were main themes throughout the week, but so was fun, kindness and camaraderie.

My son left camp with both his stick and a puck signed by some Bucks players. It was a BIG deal to him. The whole week was a big, awesome deal.

THANK YOU so much to the Cranbrook Bucks organization for providing this opportunity, and to the young players for rising to a mentorship role. We are so lucky to have you in our community. From what I saw last week, the Bucks players are fantastic, in the most important ways. I couldn’t believe how patient, supportive and engaged they were with the kids on the ice. It was very cool. I appreciate, Bucks, what you bring to this town. My family is pumped to cheer you on this season.

With gratitude…

Jody Jacob,

Cranbrook

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