Old Time Hockey, New Equipment

In case you couldn’t tell from the photos, a lot has changed in hockey equipment in the last 20+ years. The most glaring evidence is how large and bulky the pads the ‘90s were compared to today. It wasn’t just hockey either, people just wore larger clothes back then. I remember my pads and shirt were huge, and back then it was cool to “cinch” your pants up that you wore to school.

Times change and the new equipment provides much better mobility, breathability and comfort.

The shin guards are now tapered from top to bottom, the pants have zippers around the waistline and on the inner thighs to customize the fit. Shoulder pads are also tapered with considerably smaller caps on top. Finally, the helmet is lighter, more comfortable and adjustable without using a screwdriver.

Anyway, it’s hard to ponder how much better we would have skated back then if we had the new tech, but alas, we were all drowning in our equipment together.

So I’m taking my new equipment to task. Tonight I’m getting together with Steve and Jeff to play open pickup hockey at the rink by our house. I’ve also signed up for a JMS Hockey account (Just My Speed) and plan to attend a few pickup games when my schedule allows. JMS allows players to join games around the metro with other players of the same skill level and experience, you just pay for entry; usually about $15.

Calvin & Carlow Commentary

Carlow just turned 5 months on Monday, in another month he’ll be ready to start eating mashed foods! Wednesday was his first night in his own room in the crib, which was rough. However, last night he slept through the night and Angie had to wake him up at 6:30am! His was a happy and we were happy, especially since he’s just sleeping in his PJs now; no sleep sacks, pacifiers, etc. It will be nice to have more time at night, since he and Calvin have the same bedtime.

Speaking of Cal, he has a ear infection at the moment. His last one was almost a year ago so I guess you could say he was due for another. His favorite things to do lately have been coloring on the dry erase board/coloring books, building with Duplo blocks, racing Hot Wheels and watching Curious George.

Work has been busy as I update all the Calendars to the 2018 year information. I’m really looking forward to going ice fishing the weekend of February 20th. We also booked our annual trip to the cabin in Alexandria for mid June. We met some new friends down our street (which have a daughter at the same daycare as us) at the Children’s Museum last weekend, hoping to get together again soon.

Happy Holidays

Finally getting around to posting a quick update - things are crazy at work since it’s our “busy season.” Major work burnout lately, I’m really looking forward to the holidays and having a nice break. I’m officially taking over as lead of our department on December 18th, so I’m also anxious to find out what my new rate of pay will be etc. Anyway, sitting here at work blogging about work is not fun, so moving on…

Carlow is getting ready to start daycare next Wednesday! Can you believe he’s going to be 4 months old soon? Calvin will be have a little brother at “school” with him now. Carlow has been sleeping quite good the last week or so, only waking up once during the night (7pm - 5am). That is subject to change of course, especially with the challenges of sleeping at daycare etc.

Calvin used the potty at daycare for the first time yesterday! In fact, he went twice and had a dry diaper for most of the day. They are continuing to offer the potty more and more so hopefully he is on the path now. He is really excited for Christmas this year and has a lot of fun reading about Santa and singing holiday songs. Next Thursday is the holiday program at daycare, it will be fun to see him sing with his friends!