As Hockey Moms, we all know how heated the competition can get on the ice, leading us to occasionally “lose it”. Hockey is fast, it’s rough, it’s intense, and often, we are focused on winning. And win or lose, Moms can get pretty animated if we are worried about our own kids, or kids on our team, getting hurt, or (gasp), getting blown out by another team.
Some of you have undoubtedly heard about a recent incident in Timmins, Ontario that was printed yesterday in The Sun. Apparently a mom confronted an 11 year old child after his peewee hockey game, and allegedly cross checked him with his own hockey stick. She has been charged with assault with a weapon. Her first court appearance is scheduled for January 21st.
I’m sure that most of you, like me, are appalled when you hear of this type of incident and wonder what could lead to anyone attacking a child, a ref, a coach, or another parent, before, during, or after a sporting event. Seriously, is that even in our repertoire of behaviours? No, I wasn’t there to witness this particular alleged incident, so I’m not sure what transpired on the ice, or afterwards. But I’m not sure that it really matters. Thinking about the general idea of attacking someone at a rink, I’m trying to see any rationale that would make attacking a child acceptable.
I guess we shouldn’t be that surprised, really. After all, Hockey Moms are known to be overly intense – compared to pit bulls, as the joke goes. But I, for one, object to that stereotype. I’m a Hockey Mom, and I’m not a pit bull, and after hearing from you for the last 8 months or so, I know that 99.9% of you are not, either. I will say, though, that I have seen otherwise rational moms get worked up at games, occasionally yelling outwardly at the refs or coaches, or players. It’s not the norm, the way some would have you believe, but it does happen. I know you have all seen it, as well.
So, I thought it would be fun to ask you for your input on how to curtail the anger and control the wrath of Hockey Moms when things get heated. I would like you to email me to me, or post on Facebook, a range of choices for Hockey Moms to select from to help avoid physically hurting someone when getting that worked up at a hockey game.I’ll post the questions periodically on the Hockey Mom in Canada Facebook page, asking you to finish my sentences. We’ll see if we can come up with some alternatives to physically, emotionally, or mentally abusing a player, ref, parent, or coach. I’ve learned that you are very insightful, and humorous, so I’m looking forward to what you can think up.
I’ll give you an example of what I have in mind by finishing my own sentence…
When I am watching my child’s hockey game and I feel the need to hurt someone I can… FLAP MY ARMS LIKE A BIRD.
When I am watching my child’s hockey game and I feel the need to hurt someone I can…DO THE HOKEY POKEY!
These safer alternatives would certainly change the atmosphere, wouldn’t they?
Seriously ladies, we need to hold ourselves to higher standards than succumbing to this pit bull label that we’ve had thrust upon us. These are our children, and hockey is a game. You might think that my suggestion about flapping my arms like a bird is ridiculous, but is it really any more ridiculous than physically, emotionally, or mentally abusing someone over a hockey game? And, in the long run, it will get you far less negative attention than an assault charge, and will have a whole lot less repercussions on your life. And, who knows, maybe it will bring the fun back for you, too.
Do you have a comment or question? Email contactus@canadianhockeymoms.ca or post a comment on our Hockey Mom in Canada Facebook page.