Hey TeamConfessioners, guess what season quietly skated past us last month? The Grizzly Co-op Girls Ice Hockey season. Which, of course, means—I got to make another hockey movie of these fearless little badasses!

From the first high school game at Veterans Memorial Ice Rink in East Haven, when our oldest daughter was a freshman in 2018, I have been blown away by these young women. Tough as nails on the ice, and completely fun and playful off the ice—it has truly been such a joy for me to watch these girls and this program grow.

This season in particular was a highlight for me because it was our eighth and final season with the team. And, our second daughter to play for the team, had the honor of serving as team captain—which immediately made me feel extra bonded with all the girls. We also got to meet and work with the parents of the new players coming in, while standing beside Moms and Dads who G Man and I have been sharing plexiglass time with for over a decade. 

There’s something about hockey parents, right? Anyone who has had a kid play ice hockey knows what I’m talking about. They show up early. They stay late. They brave freezing rinks, crazy schedules, and long drives across their states and beyond. They are just as fierce, loyal, and passionate as their kids are on the ice. And somehow they turn cold buildings into warm communities and those rinkside relationships absolutely start to feel like an extended family.

And the Grizzly coaching staff? They welcomed me, they made room for me on the benches. Yes, sometimes begrudgingly, but in their defence—there were some very short benches, friends. They gave me time on the ice with the players, and completely trusted me to capture images and plays that might someday be forgotten. I’m so grateful to Rick, Graham, Chelsea, Shane and Billy for their kindness.

In the beginning of a new season, I never completely know what the movie will look like when I’m done. I just know I don’t want to forget. I don’t want to forget the excitement, the effort, the toughness, the friendships, my pride in these girls. I don’t want to forget what a privilege it all was. Because seasons end. Girls graduate. Teams change. These movies are my small way of saying thank you to seasons of my life I don’t ever want to forget.

Enjoy!