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Want your kid to play in the NHL? Hockey wife Rhianna Weaver shares 5 things to consider

Rhianna Weaver · CBC Life · January 1 – (from cbc.com website)

The NHL world began for me back in 2003 when I first met Mike. I was 23 at the time and I soon learned what a relationship with a hockey player was like: long distance, fast-paced, never boring. As our relationship progressed, we moved in together and I witnessed Mike’s dedication, determination and devotion to the game. I knew that if I wanted this life with him, I would have to acclimate to pro-hockey lifestyle. After two years we were married, and two years later we had our son. Owen was born into the world of hockey, witnessing and experiencing the 5 rules I am about to share with you. Owen is 9 now, and watching him love and play hockey is a thrilling experience. It makes me appreciate what Mike’s parents must have felt for him as a young boy.

So, after my 11 years in the NHL world, allow Mike and I to share 5 things you might want to consider.

1. Money

Rhianna: Money is a reality when it comes to hockey and my dramatic side wants to say, “Say goodbye to vacations and shopping sprees!” But, seriously, it is a sport that you need to plan and save for. It’s not just the team fees. It’s the equipment, private lessons, clinics, and labs.

Mike: Hockey is an expensive sport and definitely not for the faint of heart. The higher levels you play, the more it costs. Start saving now.

2. Sacrifice

Rhianna: I am not a fan of the word ‘sacrifice’ but I have to admit that it is a reality with children and hockey. Ask any hockey mom! Your schedule becomes unpredictable and you have to just go with the flow. This was a tough one for me because it felt like our schedules and plans were always at the whim of the game.

Mike: A team’s success begins with structure. Structure entails sacrifice. Games, practices, and training sessions can appear at the last minute and are mandatory. Say goodbye to sleeping in – now that is a huge sacrifice!

3. Commitment

Rhianna: Isn’t this one obvious? Hockey is a huge commitment, so it’s important to take time with your family, especially if you have other children who are not in the hockey world. Share your time and attention with them and plan for family time together.

Mike: During the 15 years that I spent playing professional hockey, free time was not always an option. I spent most of my time training, preparing for a game, taking care of my body and rehabbing injuries. Just “being” in the NHL was not enough. I had to live it, breathe it, and dream it. Preparation didn’t start 2 hours before a game; it started when I woke up that morning.

4. Be Kind

Rhianna: A common denominator for all hockey parents is that we love the game and we love our children more! Remember that one before arguing with another parent about an unfair goal or their child’s ability to skate. We’re all in this together (and that is more than just a song!)

Mike: Hockey is a team sport, above and beyond the players on the ice.  We all want what’s best for our kids. When your child loses a game, ask them if they had fun! That is what matters most. Coaches and referees are doing this for the love of the game, too, so remember to say thank you!

5. Be Present

Rhianna: Our kids are growing fast (a cliché, but true), so enjoy all the moments as they come. At the arena, I hear the acronym NHL from parents and kids too often. The future is unknown, so enjoy the gifts this great sport has to offer and watch friendships, confidence and community grow.

Mike: Be in the moment before the moment is a memory! The NHL is a dream come true, but so are the friendships you make, the confidence you gain, and the joy you experience in the game.

The NHL is a lofty and exciting goal, but remember it’s the journey that counts. So make it one that feels good for you, your children and your family. Enjoy!

Rhianna Weaver is a Media Personality and Lifestyle Connoisseur (married to former Habs player Mike Weaver)