The front page of today’s Star Tribune features a beautifully written article about Jack. Pam Louwagie captures a day in the new life of Jack while including quotes from my son that make this mom proud beyond words.

If you have a second, please take a moment to read the article: http://www.startribune.com/local/west/137731283.html

Enjoy!

“I don’t believe in miracles, I rely on them.”

Jack Jablonski, my beloved son.

Please keep him in your thoughts and prayers.

Just wanted to give a shout out to anyone who’s planning to go to Benilde-St. Margaret’s boys’ home opener hockey game (http://www.bsmhockey.com) on Saturday, December 10, 2011 (JV @ 12:30 p.m. and Varsity @ 2:30 p.m.).

Not only are we excited for our first home game of the season (go Red Knights!), we’re also proud of our boys’ hockey team for hosting their annual Toys For Tots drive.

The holidays can be tough and bring out the best and the worst (guilty) in us. The stress, the panic of how-did-it-get-to-be-December-already?, the shopping, cooking, decorating, cards and gift giving, can throw many of us off-kilter. But imagine how it must feel if you can’t even swing a little something for your child? Sad.

If you’re like me, you’ll be heading to Target and Costco yet again this week (admit it, we can’t stay away). Toss a toy, book, or even cosmetics and toiletries for older girls and boys, into your cart. Don’t wrap it. Just drop it in the big red collection bin at the St. Louis Park Rec Center. It will be there all week, with the final collection after the varsity game on Saturday. It’s that easy.

On behalf of BSM’s boys’ hockey team, thank you for your support. And be sure to tune in to KARE 11 New at 6 p.m. on Saturday (December 10) when the Red Knights make their (hopefully huge) Toys for Tots donation.

Ho Ho Ho!

Finally. We have a new (and fun!) location for our home ice “Parent Meetings.”

We’ve been frequenting The Lowry, located in Uptown, on the border of the Wedge neighborhood, just minutes away from Minneapolis’ Parade Ice Garden. Easy. Slip out of the rink, head south on Hennepin Ave. Stay in the right lane and turn into the giant parking lot just past Franklin Ave. And yes, The Lowry is located in what used to be the Hollywood Video store.

We like The Lowry because we can score a meal there any time of day. They serve breakfast, lunch, dinner and late night snacks. Doors open at 6:30 a.m. and close at 2:00 a.m. – great for early birds and night owls (me). They tout a menu of “burgers, oysters, whiskey and eggs.” The beverage menu is extensive and even features a cocktail of the night for anyone feeling adventurous. The beer selections include American craft brews and you should see their wines. They have a state-of-the-art wine dispensing system and wine kegs. Way cool. Literally. At least for their whites.

The next time you’re at Parade, march on up to The Lowry for a taste of cutting edge diner food and “beverage-forward” liquid offerings. Can’t think of a better place for our local Parent Meetings.

Time flies. It really does.

It’s been two weeks since we boarded the bus with Jack’s Bantam A hockey team and headed to Virginia (Minn) for the State Hockey Tournament. We had an incredible season in every way possible. The boys made it to State, and their journey to get there was not an easy one. So kudos to the SLP Bantam A’s on a memorable season and for bringing home some much-deserved hardware from the State Tourney.

But the season wasn’t just about the game. It was also about the people. The players got along famously, they respected their coaches, who respected them. The parents bonded and had an absolute blast. We often referred to the season as one giant love-fest. We consider ourselves extremely lucky, especially because, as we all know, this isn’t always the case.

And now that the season has come to an end, we’ve vowed to keep the momentum going. There will be GNO’s, dads + lads skates, team get-togethers, and of course, our “parent meetings.” We made it a habit to visit local establishments before every game, simply because we enjoyed each others’ company. They say “all good things must come to an end,” but I beg to differ. We’ll do our best to make this an endless season.

Once again, congratulations to our boys, and a giant thank you to them for putting a smile on each and every parent’s face. We’re so proud of this team and have cherished the many compliments we received on their behavior and respect for each other. Not only did they win big games, they won our hearts.

Although this might be the end of an era, the memories will live on forever.

SLP Bantam A's - State Tournament Consolation Winners

What a weekend, what a season, what a journey!

Virginia was host to the 2011 Minnesota Hockey Bantam A State Tournament. And everyone in this Iron Range town welcomed us with open arms. The restaurants were busy, the hotels were booked, and the Miner’s Memorial Arena was packed all weekend with hockey fans from all over the state.

So, in an effort to show our appreciation to the locals, a few hockey moms opted out of the team’s field trip to visit the Hockey Hall of Fame in Eveleth so that we could hit the streets (okay, really just one) and spike Virginia’s economy. We were in search of a Mexican restaurant that was highly recommended to us. We were in need of margaritas, because, cheering for your favorite hockey team really does make you thirsty. Real thirsty.

As we ventured along Chestnut Street, we stumbled upon a retail gem called “Shoes & Things.” In we went, and two hours later, the four of us exited, each with a purple shopping bag stuffed with our fashion finds. It was a girly girl, “Sex And The City” moment, in the heart of Virginia.

Next up, another big score – La Cocina & Cantina, clearly the best margaritas and Mexican cuisine in the Iron Range. Maybe even in the state of Minnesota. Everything about the place was authentic. We called it our “Spring Break.” For one very happy hour, we forgot we were in the Iron Range of Minnesota, at a hockey tournament (although we were thrilled to be at this tournament) or that our winter jackets were hanging on our bar stools. We devoured the freshly made, best-ever salsa and sipped on absolutely yummy margaritas while taking in the colorful surroundings and engaging in fun conversation.

After La Cocina, we met the team at the Sawmill Saloon Restaurant. It was the perfect place for a rather large group of kids and adults. We had reserved the upstairs area (smart move), which was a wide-open space overlooking the restaurant. The wait staff was attentive and efficient, the food was delish, and a good time was had by all.

Cheers!

Those are the words that I was so hoping to hear after this weekend’s Regional games, “Book the bus!”

As the social director of the SLP Bantam A team, one of my duties is to handle all things related to the team’s travel plans. I took care of the Chicago trip that kicked off our season, and our dream has been focused on a trip to Virginia, MN for the State Tournament. It’s where every Bantam A team wants to end their season.

And wahooooooo!!! We’re going to State. We’re going to Virginia. “Book the bus,” were Coach Justin’s words. And oh how we wanted to hear those words.

A huge congratulations to each and every “Park” Bantam A player and coach. They had a tremendous season, they won the District 3 championship, and they earned their way to the State Tournament by defeating Bloomington Jefferson, Edina and Wayzata. Not an easy task.

It was an exciting and exhausting weekend that ended up in a state of absolute elation. We’re so proud of our boys and how they have proven over and over and over that they are the team to beat!

“Yes Virginia, there is a Santa Claus!”

At least it will this weekend.

Plymouth Ice Center (PIC) is host to the Bantam A West Region Tournament that kicks off today. Can you feel the excitement as hockey’s March Madness sets in? It truly is an adrenalin-fueling, nail-biting, can’t-sit-still time of year for us hockey moms (and dads), if we’ve made it this far. And we did!

Congratulations to the St. Louis Park Bantam A team for winning their District tournament and for advancing to the Regional games. It’s been an exceptional season, and not just on the ice. This year has been one big love fest for the players, the coaches, and of course, the parents. As we all know, that’s not always the way it is. But, we consider ourselves lucky and can only hope that good things happen this weekend. None of us are ready to see the season come to an end. Not yet.

And so, we’ll gather in Plymouth this weekend and hope for the best and savor every minute, including our pre-game “parent meetings.” Tonight’s is at El Azteca, a Mexican joint located just seconds away from PIC. It’s where the margaritas are served in what appears to be more of a bowl than a glass, and the mugs of beer are as large as the Stanley Cup.

Cheers! and Good Luck to our SLP Bantam A’s. Go Park!!

I know, I know. It’s been a while since I’ve posted anything on myhockeymama. I’ve been busy. Really. Spent last week in New York for Fashion Week with a client (so much fun), and prior to that, I was busy getting ready for the trip. Plus, the hubby has been traveling, so I’ve been the Ice Queen.

And now we’re in the midst of District playoffs. In fact, I’m writing this from Caribou in Brooklyn Park. Dropped my Pee Wee player off at the rink and have an hour to kill before his team hits the ice. Perhaps I should have gone to Mad Jack’s for a beverage, but it’s going to be a long night, so caffeine is a must.

After this, we’re off to Orono for the Bantam A district championship game. At least that’s what we’re hoping for. A championship. If “Park” wins (yep, that’s my son’s team), then we win the district and move on to Regionals. If we lose, we’re back in Orono for another game. Please win. Please.

I’m wondering if any of you are experiencing the “don’t touch my stuff” syndrome. You know the drill, we nag and nag and nag our kids to hang up their hockey “stuff.” Sometimes they do, sometimes they don’t. That’s when I step in and take it upon myself to air out the gear, wash what I can, and feel better as a mom for doing so. But that’s a big No-No at the moment. Are your players as suspicious as mine? I mean, they wear the same stuff over and over so as not to jinx the outcome of a game. It’s their “lucky” shirt, socks, or whatever. I get it, but ohhhh, the smell. You know the smell. What’s a mother to do?

I suppose we do nothing. And, oddly enough, I’ve been noticing my own superstitions this week. Funny. I even changed my jacket to the one I’ve been wearing all along. Call it my “lucky” jacket if you will. I’m afraid of the outcome of tonight’s games if I dare wear the coat that best suits my outfit. At least I changed my underwear. Superstition can only go so far in my book.

With that said, I better scoot. Time to go to the rink for our first game. As always, I’m running late, but that’s a good thing because if I were early, or even on time, that could jinx the game.

And then we’re off to the Red Rooster in Long Lake for our pre-game “parent meeting.” I’m afraid of what might happen if I miss the parent meeting. Alas, another superstitious mind.

My Hockey Mama is usually about what to do and where to go after dropping your hockey star at the rink. This time, the entry is about being at the rink.

Thursday night was an extra special one. Thanks to the Minneapolis Pee Wee coaches and team managers for initiating the first annual Pee Wee Winter Classic. We’ve become so accustomed to hockey as an indoor sport, but this game was outside at Sibley Park in South Minneapolis. And what fun it was!

The night was chilly, but not unbearable. Remember, we live in Minnesota, anything above zero, especially double-digits, is considered a heat wave. However, it was necessary to pile on the long johns, slip into the UGG’s, purchase a pair of hand and foot warmers (yes, they really do work for up to five hours!), and bundle up in your warmest, coziest sweater (or two). Some dads even donned their skates and watched the game from the ice surrounding the rink. Smart.

The rink itself was something out of a Charlie Brown cartoon. Chicken wire (yes, really) served as the plexiglass that normally surrounds the ends of the ice by the nets. Human zambonis cleared the ice with shovels (thanks parents!). Our team manager even announced the event – you should have heard his imitation of the fog horn that ends each period (good job Scott!) and he called upon the hockey moms to kick off the game by shouting “LET’S PLAY HOCKEY!”

And that’s exactly what the kids did. They played a good, old-fashioned game of hockey. Outside. The way it used to be.

Photo courtesy of Paul Neseth