A year and a half ago my son Devin could not skate well and was hesitant to play hockey. His hockey team named him “old man” because he shuffled across the ice rather than skated. Just as he was beginning to learn to skate, Devin and four other team members had their names drawn to participate in a very special team relay: a skating obstacle course during the period break at a Calgary Flames game.

Devin was nervous about skating in front of a huge crowd at the Saddledome. Through teamwork and the comradery of his friends he was able to gain confidence and skills in his skating. Being on the Flames ice was a proud and exciting moment for him, and as the audience cheered him on he skated under and over obstacles and weaved around cones with no mistakes!

Since that relay, Devin has started watching, reading and talking about hockey with great interest. He now watches NHL games regularly and aspires to be a great hockey player. It’s amazing how support from team mates and a bit of practice can help kids improve skills, gain confidence and become even more interested in sport.