Did someone say hockey? I could’ve sworn I hear those words uttered as the sun was setting earlier than usual this evening. As I walked outside and that particular smell was in the air. You know the one. That scent that smells like the first day of school.
I never like to rush summertime. Summer has always been my favorite season. Maybe it’s because I am a June baby. But I think it’s just a love of the warm weather, the sunshine, the longer days, the soft breeze, and pool time (which I had none of this year). I look forward to summer and never want it to end.
Even though autumn means shorter days, school is back in session, football is back on my television, and the pools close… it also means HOCKEY is almost back!
And autumn brings Pumpkin Spice Lattes from Starbucks – yes, I am a PSL woman. (but I don’t wear UGGS or wool scarfs – I am more of a hooded sweatshirt and flip flops until it’s too cold to bear my toes kinda girl) But I digress… yes, I like my PSL. And while I’m in heaven right now enjoying my pumpkin coffee, guess what starts this week? Hockey training camp! YES – HOCKEY IS BACK (almost)
The guys are already back in town and have been skating for approximately two weeks now. This week, we will make out first trek up to Cranberry Township to witness the black and yellow grace the ice of the practice facility. Yes, Pittsburgh misses its hockey.
The nice thing about writing hockey romance is the game is always part of my life, even mid-summer. I’m writing hockey on-ice scenes and I at lest get to see the game in my mind. (it didn’t hurt that last week my husband put on the Pittsburgh Penguins 50th anniversary special, and I could feel the excitement building for the new season)
And as most new hockey seasons tend to bring, my team made some changes over the summer. We will be missing some favorite players in our team colors and we will welcome some new ones. I tend to get attached to my team. I know it’s a business, and in business things need to change often. It doesn’t mean I have to like it, LOL.
I have made a lot of good (and I hope life-long) friends thanks to hockey. Sometimes meeting them online on fan pages, and sometimes meeting them at hockey events. Our little family has become very passionate about this sport over the last fifteen years. (I’ve been a fan since 1990, but being able to bring my son up as a fan and see all the excitement through his eyes is much greater than anything I ever experienced on my own)
As I wave goodbye to summertime, I dust off my hockey jersey, sip my delicious Iced Pumpkin Spice Latte, and welcome a brand-new hockey season – or as some might call it, autumn.