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first season
I began playing hockey in April, 1998. My first team was called The Amazons.
We played in the beginner (Green) division of the Northern California
Women's Hockey League. We rocked. Not because we won almost all our games,
but because we were 16 of the most dedicated, fun, supportive, hockey-crazy
women you'll ever find. Every game, every team outing -- rollerblading
on San Francisco Bay, barbecuing at the captain's house, going to watch
the Sharks -- was one big hockey love fest. This season was truly the
start of something beautiful. My jersey number was 15.
(This season is probably the most fun to read about.)
second season
My second season was a bigger challenge. I moved up the to intermediate
women's (Red) division and played on a team with a losing record. This
took some getting used to, but we were still blessed with dedicated
teammates and a fun mix of personalities. My team was called The Wolverines,
and I was #40. This season I also joined a coed team in the San Francisco
Yerba Buena house league: The FREEWAY. We, too, had a losing season,
but the competition was much greater. We were mostly women, mostly beginners,
playing against teams made up of mostly men, and in a league with a
wide range of abilities. But we were the funnest team, no question.
third season
For my third season I stuck with both leagues, but was put on a new
team in the women's league. (They mix the teams up every season.) My
new team was called Team Frenzy, or, in the spelling of our wacky captain,
Team Frendzy. I'm not sure I ever got that. Anyway, we won a lot. After
a whole season of losing, it felt weird to win all the time. It felt
undeserved, like we didn't suffer enough. Though it sure was fun. The
most exciting part of this season was going to Vancouver B.C. for a
hockey tournament.
fourth season
this is the season where i started feeling like an old timer. not that
i became particularly skillfull. no, by oldtimer i just mean that the
"newness" of hockey had sort of worn off . i wasn't super
gleeful after every single game, like i was in the early days. it took
some getting used to. but it was still a good season. i moved up to
the women's advanced division and played for a really fun team. i did
learn a lot playing with them, now that i think about it. i also went
to a tournament in las vegas, and THAT was a total blast. oh!! and i
went to my first hockey camp this season, too. definitely a highlight.
fifth season
I start getting more serious about hockey, and help plan an "elite"
women's travel team in Oakland, CA. But at the same time I'm sort of
low on energy, and generally down about the game. It's a weird mix,
probably brought on by the fact that my back is seriously ailing me
and I don't realize it yet.
sixth season
my back gives out, and i have to stop playing. lots of whining and complaining
here. more time was spent in the physical therapy gym than on the ice,
alas.
seventh season
my back is mostly better, and i get to play again!
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