I have always wanted to have some kind, or any kind, of personal communication with experienced hockey players. On December 17 my dream came true. I was selected to spend most of the night with the Edmonton Oil Kings. Thanks to my wonderful mom, she entered my name on the Oil Kings website last season. She received the call at the end of November stating that I was selected to be the Enmax energy kid for the night. It was a splendid night because three of my teachers came to this special event. In the absence of my parents, my Aunts & Uncles shared this moment with me. I must say I was nervous.
I woke that morning and all that was going through my mind was … DON’T FALL DON’T FALL… and guess what? I did not fall. We had to arrive at 6pm before puck drop. My uncle had the pleasure to take me right from the beginning to the end of my performance. We entered through the players entrance, walked down the hall and I was given my own dressing room to get ready in. I was given some orders to follow – about what to do and what not to do. By this time my nerves were racking! My night was started off by dressing up in Oil Kings gear, including jersey and socks, with my buddy mascot Louie the lion. I walked down the players entrance and high fived the players as they entered the ice surface for the pre-game warm up. I sat on the bench busting the move with Louie, watching the players as they skated for the 5 min warm up. The buzzer sounded and the players exited the ice back to the dressing room. I was sitting in a chair in the hall waiting for them to come back out for the singing of the national anthem and I knew my time was close. The lights dimmed, lights were flashing and I entered the Ice with the starting lineup that they announced. After that my name was announced as being the Enmax Energy kid for tonight’s Game. And it went something like this… Daniel – from Stony Plain Minor Hockey! My face was on the big jumbo tron scoreboard. I was famous! I made my skate around the net and lined up with the team on the blue line for the anthem. My uncle was waiting nearby for me behind the opponents bench taking lots of pictures. I skated back to the bench and stopped while an Oil King patted me on the head.
After all the excitement it was time to go enjoy the rest of the game in the stands. Guess what! When the Oil Kings scored it was the teddy bear toss! After that they announced that a total of 6,600 bears were thrown onto the ice – what a great cause.
This was the best thing my mom could have done for me. I will never forget this day or moment. Thanks again to all my teachers, friends and family for sharing this night with me. This event encouraged me to be a better sport. I hope to play in the NHL one day but I will go one step at a time. Maybe one day I will be standing on that blue line with my teammates.
Daniel is a Grade 4 student at Forest Green School. He really likes hockey and his family.
gcouros
nlakusta
landrews
18 responses so far ↓
Mrs. Laevens // Dec 21st 2011 at 10:17 pm
Oh Daniel! I got tears in my eyes while I read your post. What an exciting experience for you. The best part, though, was how well you described the experience. I first read this on my iPad and didn’t have a chance to see the video. I could vividly picture your whole journey in your blog post. I’m so glad that your Mom entered your name and that you got chosen to be the Enmax Kid. Have a wonderful holiday!
gcouros // Dec 21st 2011 at 10:44 pm
How cool is this day Daniel!!! I loved the story and I you write so well about how amazing an experience this was for you. As your former principal, I would have to say that I am very proud of what you did on this day.
With so many awesome things happening that day, what was your favourite? Could you even pick? Seemed pretty awesome!
Thanks for sharing!
Mrs. Cameron // Dec 21st 2011 at 11:00 pm
This was an absolutely amazing experience for me… watching you from the stands! I can’t even imagine what it would have been like for you!!
Your writing clearly shows not only your passion and love for the sport of hockey, but also your true gratefulness for such a great experience. I was so proud to see you out on the ice, skating around before the players joined you, and standing on the blue line for O Canada.
Thank you for sharing your experience and thoughts in a great blog post. Awesome job on the PhotoPeach, too! I’m very proud of you!
Tim Monds // Dec 21st 2011 at 11:23 pm
Daniel, what an awesome post. I felt like I was there with you! What an exciting evening. Congratulations on your wonderful tech skills…enjoyed the photos and music! Thanks for sharing your passion and learning with PSD.
Jabiz Raisdana (Intrepid Teacher) // Dec 22nd 2011 at 12:54 pm
Hi Daniel,
Mr. Couros sent me your post, because we spoke last year on Skype in Ms. Cameron’s class. Wow! I am so glad that he did. Your experience is definitely a lifetime memory, one you will cherish forever, but as an English teacher I want to comment on how well written this post is.
You have a future in writing for sure. Keep up the great work!
Sharing our experiences through blogging brings people closer and you are doing a great job!
Kelly D. Wilkins // Dec 22nd 2011 at 2:17 pm
Wow – what a great experience. Thank you Daniel for sharing your story. You must be the envy of a million other kids who would have loved to be in your skates!!! When you are playing in the NHL remember to continue to write! You obviously have many gifts – a second career as a sports writer would be exciting!
Jake Mr.curries class // Dec 22nd 2011 at 6:53 pm
That was the best Daniel. I would want to do that too because I play hockey. Was it fun? Maybe we will one day play for an NHL team. Good luck!!
Mrs. Cameron // Dec 22nd 2011 at 9:36 pm
Wow!! What an amazing experience! You sure put a lot of effort into your writing. Your writing in your blog post was awesome. It must have been very cool to be on the ice and next to the all of the players. We would be nervous too!
Great job! Keep on working toward your dreams!
Mrs. Cameron’s Grade 3′s
Connie Loree // Dec 23rd 2011 at 7:52 pm
Great job Kiddo….. Mom & Dad are so proud of you
It was a dream come true. You did so well. Great Post and words.. Luv you lots
Mom& Dad!
Sandra // Dec 23rd 2011 at 10:43 pm
Wow! That is so exciting. Great job!
auntie carmela // Dec 31st 2011 at 9:40 pm
What a great job you did. love you lots
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Daniel // Jan 10th 2012 at 7:26 pm
Thank you everybody I had a great holiday, hope you did too.
Daniel // Jan 11th 2012 at 5:39 pm
Mr. Couros it is really hard to pick but I think it was communicating with them on the ice.
Daniel // Jan 11th 2012 at 5:42 pm
Jake the whole night was really really fun. hope we will be on a team in the NHL! good luck!
Daniel // Jan 11th 2012 at 5:43 pm
Happy New Year everybody!!!
Mrs. Stewart // Feb 9th 2012 at 1:44 pm
Daniel – I just read your blog and watched/listened to the video. This is such an example of how to really share experiences and thoughts in a very effective way. Good for you!
Thanks for sharing! I used to work in Parkland School Division – and this made me so proud and brought back so many memories!
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