If you think riding a rollercoaster gives you an adrenaline rush, try being a hockey mom. One season, you're top of the league, your kiddo is scoring left and right, and you've made some great friendships among other parents. The next season? Let's just say it's as if your skates never touched the ice.

The Highs of The "Winning Season"

I still remember our first "winning season" like it was yesterday. Each game was a heart-thumping, end-of-your-seat experience where my son and his teammates left everything on the ice. You could feel the energy in every corner of the rink, even in the locker rooms. The camaraderie among the parents was electric, and there was a palpable sense that this was OUR year.

The Tumble Down

But, as any seasoned hockey parent will tell you, "what goes up must come down." The following season was anything but smooth sailing. A couple of key players moved away, the team's dynamic shifted, and it felt like we were back at square one. As a parent, there's nothing more heartbreaking than seeing your child demotivated, asking questions like, "Why aren't we winning anymore?" or "Did I do something wrong?"

The Emotional See-Saw

Switching from a high-intensity winning streak to a series of losses (or vice versa) can be emotionally draining, not just for the players but for the families too. You get emotionally invested in each pass, each goal, and each penalty as if you were on the ice yourself. It's an emotional see-saw that can leave even the most stoic parent a little dizzy.

Lessons from The Rink

Through all the ups and downs, the one constant has been the lessons we've learned. Humility in victory, grace in defeat, and the importance of teamwork are virtues that go beyond the ice rink. And let's not forget resilience—the ability to bounce back after a fall, whether literal or metaphorical, is a lesson worth its weight in gold.

The Next Loop on the Rollercoaster

As we gear up for the next season, there's both anticipation and anxiety. But one thing is for sure, whether it's a season of highs, lows, or something in between, we're in it for the long haul. Because at the end of the day, it's not just about scores and trophies; it's about family, friendships, and the irreplaceable experiences that come with being part of a team.

So, here's to embracing whatever the next season has in store for us—with all its ups, downs, twists, and turns!