Words from the publisher...

Is it really almost spring?

Crazy how fast time flies, you know?

In one sense, it’s the changing of seasons from winter to spring.

In another sense, it means the end of hockey’s regular season.

In scrolling social media this time of year, you see so many teams celebrating championships at all levels. The banners are unfurled, the plaques are handed out, and the players always seem to pose with their medals in their mouths.

What a glorious scene at the rinks when this happens.

The kids might not realize it at the time, but these celebrations could very well be the last time they are together as that particular team with those exact teammates.

It’s only when they look back that the memories come flooding back.

All good memories.

And time doesn’t stop.

You know the movie “A League of Their Own?”

That movie always gets to me, how it starts in present day (well, 1992) and we flash back to the 1940s and relive the women’s pro baseball league that started during World War II.

Then as the movie goes on, memories are made between sisters Kit and Dottie.

As we get to the end of the movie, it gets back to present day set at the Baseball Hall of Fame in

Cooperstown, N.Y., where Kit and Dottie reunite.

I don’t like that time won’t slow down.

I mean, I have pictures on my phone that I swear are from last week but they are from 2013.

How?

What makes it tough is having a high school senior. We’re been going through all the “lasts” since August and it doesn’t get easier as the days keep passing.

People have started to tell us to not focus on what has passed, but to look ahead to all the “firsts” that are in the future.

That really hit home.

I guess the part that I don’t like accepting is that as some things, like hockey, come to an end, there is no guarantee that players and cpaches will learn to live in the mo- ment and not get caught up in wins and losses, goals and assists, stats and whatnot.

I remember growing up playing sports and now, not remembering the scores, but of the fun times and great experiences I went through with my best friends. The same applies for hockey. Enjoy the games, sure, but take time to enjoy the rides to and from the rink, the road trips, and being together for the joy of this great game.

And keep supporting Rubber Hockey. We are getting back to where we were, and that thrills me! Contact me any time at (248) 890-3944 (call/text) and by email at matt@rubberhockey.com. Looking forward to hearing from you!