It's been a fun 14 years

I still remember the first time I saw Jon step on the ice for his first hockey practice.  You would think after 14 years the thoughts that I had would find a spot deep in the back of my memory, but they are still front and center.   He was about 4 years old and we signed him up for a Learn to Play session in North County sponsored by Twin Bridges.  He was so little on that ice with all that crazy hockey equipment on.  But he did great and so began and long and wonderful hockey life.

 I am not sure how Jon got the position of goalie but he has played it for a very long time.  I remember this tournament well.  We made it to the final game and lost in shootouts.  Jon was a little upset if you can't tell from the picture.  Alot of these kids have quit playing through out years but some Jon still competes against every week.  And he still talks to all of them when he sees them.

 He looks so little in the goal  

 Through the years he had a number of coaches and I will say they all were great to Jon.  And I believe it is because of these great coaches and teammates that his love for the game increased.

 Who needs a growth chart when you have a hockey net  : )

And the love of Notre Dame begins

Sometimes a pep talk is needed

 Bigger equipment and thousands of dollars later......

 Jon was very excited when he got named assistant captain by his teammates

 This group of boys is the Sr. group of the team.  And each one is a great kid.  I will miss seeing these boys play together on the ice.  Each one is going a different path but I know great things will come of all of them.

 Ken has always been Jon's biggest supporter.  After almost every game him and Jon will talk about what happened and what needs to be done different and stuff.  It is a bond that will never break.

 Sr. Night.  A very bittersweet moment

 These two crazy kids have been Jon's biggest fans.  I have had them by my side at countless hockey games and I wouldn't have it any other way.  Jon couldn't have better cousins than these two!

 Jon's final hockey game was against Alton.  Kind of fitting since this team is made up of most of his old teammates.  If you see an Alton and Granite player talking you can bet that Jon is talking to one of them, especially Jake Cunningham.  They have played together since Jon started and still give each other a hard time.

 Last team hug

As Jon exits the ice for the last time we say goodbye to smelly hockey equipment and gross changing rooms.  But the friendships and fun we have had these last 14 years will last forever.