In my last blog I caught up with Beth Merz whose daughter, Brynn, is a participant in the “Learn to Skate” program at Reisterstown Sportsplex in Westminster, Maryland. Beth praised the efforts of all the instructors involved in the program. She went on and on about how kind and knowledgeable the staff is.

I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, skating is awesome! If you know how, go. If you don’t, learn.

In my last blog I talked about some cool hockey-themed gift ideas and activities for Valentine’s Day. Well, for you movie-lovers who would prefer to stay home with your sweetheart rather than deal with the hustle and bustle of going out, here’s a list of some great hockey movies you can cuddle up and enjoy! Miracle - The moving true story about the 1980 U.S.

As you know, Valentine’s Day is right around the corner. You’re probably thinking, “Yeah, so what’s that got to do with hockey?” Well, nothing really. Except that you’re likely trying to come up with a good gift idea, right?

Picture this. You’re sitting in the bleachers on a gorgeous Saturday afternoon. You’re surrounded by fellow parents who are enjoying the echoes of sticks crackling and skates scraping as you all watch your children having a blast playing a weekend hockey game together.

Youth hockey is wonderful. The fun, exercise, healthy competition, enjoyment of team play and camaraderie...there’s so much for these kids to love! Of course, it can be just as rewarding for the parents as well.

Let’s face it, ice hockey probably isn’t as popular as football, baseball or basketball. If you were to ask the average American what “checking,” “icing,” or a “power play” was, they’d probably look at you like you had three heads. In all my years as a hockey enthusiast, I’ve often asked non-hockey fans why they don’t like the game.

Ice hockey equipment is traditionally well-built, strong and durable. But to keep it that way, you MUST take care of it. Not properly caring for your gear will contribute to its early demise.

Now that your child is all geared up for some hockey, it’s time to put a stick in his hand! Back in the early days, sticks were really nothing more than the piece of wood you whack the puck with. But over the years, the quest to make sticks stronger, lighter and more durable has helped develop the world of hockey into an extremely diverse one.

Now that you know how to find, fit, and sharpen your skates, it’s time to assemble the rest of your equipment. Being new to hockey, you may look at a player and feel somewhat intimidated by what’s exactly going on under the jersey. Not to fear though.